FRP Fabricator & Mold Builder

Architectural Supplements designs and manufactures custom fiberglass planters, furnishings, and architectural products for interior and exterior spaces across North America. We're looking for an experienced FRP Fabricator and Mold Builder to lead mold construction and complex fabrication work for our Waterbury shop. This role reports directly to the VP of Operations: beyond hands-on fabrication, you'll supervise and train shop staff and help oversee daily operations, so we're looking for someone with a strong composites background who can build precise, production-ready molds, deliver high-quality finished work, and guide a team to do the same.

Mission: “Delivering quality products that bring beauty and biophilia to the built environment.”

Our Values:

• Safety First
• Quality
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Innovation
• Family-oriented
• Environmental Stewardship

Key Responsibilities

• Fabricate and assemble molds, including traditional rigid composite molds and temporary, low-volume melamine custom molds, including reinforcement, core materials, and bracing.
• Perform hand lay-up and spray-up fabrication as needed.
• Cut, shape, sand, grind, and finish FRP materials using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Conduct repairs and maintenance on existing FRP structures, including patching, reinforcing, and restoring damaged components.
• Mix resins, catalysts, and hardeners according to precise ratios and safety guidelines.
• Inspect materials and completed work to ensure quality, structural integrity, and compliance with company standards.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and a clean, safe workspace.
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper PPE use and handling of chemicals.

Carpentry & Mold-Making

• Build, modify, and maintain wooden molds, plugs, jigs, and patterns used for FRP manufacturing.
• Use carpentry tools (saws, routers, planers, sanders) to create precise forms and structural support elements.
• Install wooden framing or reinforcement where required in FRP assemblies.
• Measure, mark, and cut materials with strong attention to accuracy and fit.
• Assist with fabricating temporary or permanent production fixtures.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the daily work of shop staff involved in fabrication and mold-building.
• Train new and existing employees on FRP fabrication techniques, mold-building processes, and safety protocols.
• Oversee shop operations, including workflow, scheduling, and quality control across projects.
• Serve as the go-to technical resource for troubleshooting fabrication and mold issues on the floor.
• Enforce safety standards and hold the team accountable to quality and production goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience working with FRP materials in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience supervising, training, or leading a shop or production team.
• Knowledge of resins, gelcoats, fiberglass fabrics, and composite reinforcement techniques.
• Strong carpentry skills, including measuring, cutting, framing, assembly, and wood finishing.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and fabrication schematics.
• Strong understanding of composite curing processes and environmental factors.
• Skilled in using chopper and gelcoat spray equipment, hand tools, power tools, cutting equipment, and sanding/grinding tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce clean, high-quality work.

Preferred Experience (Nice to Have)

• Experience with vacuum bagging or vacuum infusion processes.
• Familiarity with tanks, pipe systems, corrosion-resistant structures, or marine components.
• Certifications in composite materials (CCT), safety training (OSHA), or related trades.
• Experience in QC/inspection of composite structures.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to safety.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and hold a team accountable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical shop work.
• Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift.
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, reach, and perform other physically demanding movements on a regular basis.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional training or certifications in composite fabrication or materials technology preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Compensation: $24–$32 per hour, commensurate with experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Waterbury, CT 06708 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Waterbury, CT 06708: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $32