Lead Gelcoat Technician - Boat Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Gelcoat Technician (Boat Manufacturing)
Company: Barker Boatworks
Location: Sarasota, FL

About Barker Boatworks:
Barker Boatworks is a manufacturer of high-performance, custom-built center console boats. We are committed to exceptional quality and craftsmanship. We are seeking an experienced Lead Gelcoat Technician to apply the gelcoat that defines the finish of every boat we build.

Job Summary:
The Lead Gelcoat Technician sprays gelcoat to specified film thickness, color, and quality standard, and owns the re-spray standard in the finishing department. This role sets the surface that the rest of the shop either inherits or has to fix — consistent, defect-free application directly reduces downstream finishing labor. The ideal candidate can hold mil thickness across large, complex parts, execute and blend a re-spray that disappears into the surrounding surface, and maintain their own equipment.

Responsibilities:

Gelcoat Application:

• Spray gelcoat to specified wet film thickness, verifying with a mil gauge throughout application across the full part.
• Spray nonskid and textured surfaces to the established company standard.
• Use approved application methods and follow spray procedures as written — application technique is part of our air permit compliance, not a matter of personal preference.
• Coordinate cure timing and part handoff with the lamination team so skin coat and layup fall in the correct window.
• Document batch, catalyst ratio, and conditions for each part.

Re-Spray and Finishing Support:

• Aid in re-spray work in the finishing department, executing the spray and setting the standard others work to.
• Track recurring re-spray causes and drive corrections back upstream to eliminate repeat defects.

Equipment and Quality:

• Maintain, clean, and troubleshoot spray equipment — guns, pressure pots, pumps, lines, tips, and filters.
• Monitor and manage air supply quality at the point of use, including moisture and oil separation.
• Inspect sprayed parts for runs, sags, dry spray, pinholes, porosity, fisheyes, alligatoring, and color variation, and correct root causes rather than passing defects downstream.
• Handle, store, and dispose of gelcoat, catalyst, solvent, and waste per SDS and company procedures, including keeping catalyst and resin properly segregated.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized spray area in compliance with shop safety protocols.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on gelcoat spray experience in marine, composite, or related manufacturing. Large-part marine experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to hold consistent film thickness on large, contoured parts with minimal defects.
• Working knowledge of gelcoat chemistry — catalyst ratios, gel and cure behavior, and how temperature and humidity change application.
• Skilled at setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting spray equipment. Experience with MVP and GS Gelcoat Systems equipment is a strong plus.
• Able to lift 50 lbs, work on staging and ladders, work overhead and in confined areas such as hull interiors, and work in a shop environment with styrene exposure and dust.
• Reliable, disciplined about following written procedures, and a clear communicator with the lamination and finishing teams.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Schedule

• Semi-Flexable 10 hour shifts, but spraying must take place after production. Typical weekly schedule would look like:
• Sunday - 10am to 6pm
• Monday - 2pm to Midnight
• Tuesday - 2pm to Midnight
• Wednesday - 2pm to Midnight
• Thursday/Friday/Saturday - Off

Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to work in a growing company building high-performance custom boats.