Salary:
Position Overview
The Senior Composite Engineering Lead is the companys primary technical expert in advanced composite boat construction. This role supports the EVP Production & Master Boat Builder by ensuring that composite manufacturing practices, structural integrity, and build methodologies are executed to the highest standards across all production programs.
This individual provides hands-on technical leadership to production teams, supports complex composite builds, and helps institutionalize composite manufacturing standards and best practices. The role combines deep technical expertise with practical shop-floor collaboration, helping teams execute advanced composite work reliably and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Composite Technical Leadership
- Serve as the internal subject matter expert for advanced composite manufacturing.
- Provide technical guidance on composite laminate schedules, materials, and structural design implementation.
- Support the EVP Production & Master Boat Builder in maintaining manufacturing standards for composite structures.
- Assist with structural decision-making during complex builds or when engineering changes arise.
- Help ensure composite manufacturing processes align with structural and performance requirements.
Composite Manufacturing Oversight
- Monitor composite fabrication processes across hulls, decks, and structural components.
- Ensure proper handling and execution of composite manufacturing methods including pre-preg, infusion, and vacuum bagging.
- Verify adherence to cure-cycle specifications and composite process standards.
- Identify and troubleshoot composite manufacturing challenges during production.
Technical Support for Production Teams
- Provide hands-on technical guidance to lamination and composite teams during critical build stages.
- Support specialized teams working on lamination, finishing, and structural integration.
- Assist in resolving technical challenges encountered during production builds.
- Escalate complex issues to the EVP Production & Master Boat Builder when appropriate.
Composite Standards & Best Practices
- Support development and documentation of composite manufacturing processes and standards.
- Help standardize composite work instructions and manufacturing best practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve composite manufacturing methods, materials, and workflow efficiency.
- Contribute to process-improvement initiatives related to composite fabrication.
Crew Development & Technical Mentorship
- Mentor composite technicians and crew leads to strengthen technical capabilities within the team.
- Provide hands-on training in advanced composite techniques.
- Support the development of production personnel working with composite materials.
Qualifications
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of custom boat-building processes and marine manufacturing workflows.
- Advanced experience with pre-preg lamination, including material handling, layup techniques, and cure-cycle management.
- Deep understanding of glass transition temperature (Tg) and coefficient of thermal expansion (COTE) as they relate to composite structures.
- Proficiency with advanced resin infusion processes and resin-flow management.
- Expertise in wet vacuum-bagging techniques for high-quality composite construction.
- Strong understanding of composite material behavior and structural performance.
Experience
- Significant hands-on experience in composite boat building or advanced composite manufacturing.
- Experience working with high-performance composite structures in marine or similar industries.
- Ability to troubleshoot composite fabrication challenges in a production environment.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with production teams.
- Collaborative leadership style with a focus on mentorship and technical guidance.
- Calm, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
- Reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.