Lamination / Fiberglass Technician in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Nautical Ventures Marine LLC

The Lamination / Fiberglass Technician is a skilled and specialized role within Nautical Ventures Group, responsible for performing advanced lamination work, fiberglass fabrication, and structural composite repairs on marine vessels and watercraft. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity, quality, and long-term durability of our products. The ideal candidate possesses hands-on expertise in wet layup, vacuum infusion, and composite lamination processes, and applies these skills to consistently deliver superior marine-grade results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lamination & Composite Fabrication

• Perform wet layup and vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) lamination on marine hulls, decks, and structural components
• Cut, fit, and laminate fiberglass cloth, woven roving, biaxial fabrics, carbon fiber, and other composite reinforcements
• Apply polyester, vinylester, and epoxy resin systems accurately to achieve specified laminate schedules
• Execute core material bonding using balsa, foam, and honeycomb cores in sandwich composite structures
• Build up structural laminates in accordance with engineering drawings, laminate schedules, and manufacturer specifications

Fiberglass Repair & Restoration

• Assess and repair fiberglass damage including cracks, chips, osmotic blistering, and delamination on hulls, decks, and topsides
• Perform structural repairs including hull reinforcement, stringer repairs, transom replacements, and core repairs
• Identify and correct lamination defects such as voids, print-through, and dry spots
• Apply gelcoat to restore cosmetic finish with precise color matching and blending

Surface Preparation & Finishing

• Prepare surfaces for lamination and repair including grinding, fairing, sanding, and solvent cleaning to ensure optimal adhesion
• Perform fairing and filling using marine-grade fairing compounds, achieving smooth, fair hull surfaces
• Execute finishing work including wet sanding, buffing, polishing, and waxing to restore product appearance to factory standards

Quality, Safety & Documentation

• Conduct thorough quality inspections throughout the lamination and repair process to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer expectations
• Maintain accurate documentation of lamination schedules, material usage, labor hours, and work orders
• Maintain inventory of fiberglass materials, resins, core materials, and consumables; flag reorder needs proactively
• Strictly adhere to all safety protocols including proper use of PPE (respirators, gloves, protective suits) and compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations governing composites and chemical handling
• Communicate with supervisors and service advisors regarding job status and any structural concerns identified during work

Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on lamination or fiberglass fabrication experience in a marine, aerospace, or industrial composites environment
• Proficiency in wet layup lamination techniques and resin application (polyester, vinylester, and/or epoxy systems)
• Experience with core material bonding and sandwich composite construction
• Ability to read and interpret laminate schedules, engineering drawings, and technical specifications
• Strong understanding of fiberglass materials, cure cycles, and composite repair methodology
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices for composite and chemical handling

Preferred

• Technical certification in composites, fiberglass repair, or marine fabrication
• Experience with vacuum infusion (VARI/VARTM) or vacuum bagging processes
• Gelcoat application and color-matching experience
• Prior marine industry experience (boatbuilding, yacht repair, or marine service)
• Familiarity with ABYC standards and marine construction practices

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401(k) plan

POSITION TYPE

This is a full-time position with variable hours, including weekends and overtime as needed during peak seasons.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Nautical Ventures Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. NVG uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. NVG is a drug-free workplace.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. This description is subject to change at any time, with or without notice.