Lamination Manager

Position Summary

Blue Ops is seeking an experienced and highly driven Lamination Manager to lead the composite manufacturing operations for our growing line of advanced Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This role is responsible for managing all lamination and composite production activities, including infusion, tooling, scheduling, materials coordination, workforce leadership, quality assurance, and process optimization.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience from the marine composites or advanced manufacturing industry and has a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced production environment. This individual will work closely with Engineering, Product Development, and Production leadership to scale manufacturing operations and support rapid growth in defense and autonomous vessel production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the lamination and composite manufacturing department, including supervisors, team leads, and technicians.
• Manage production schedules and workforce planning to achieve manufacturing goals, delivery commitments, and quality standards.
• Oversee all vacuum infusion, fiberglass lamination, composite layup, core installation, and structural bonding operations.
• Coordinate procurement and inventory management of resins, fiberglass, core materials, consumables, adhesives, catalysts, and related production supplies.
• Partner with Engineering and Product Development teams to optimize composite designs and infusion processes for new USV platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, throughput, waste reduction, and product quality.
• Develop and implement standardized manufacturing processes, work instructions, and quality control procedures.
• Monitor production KPIs and departmental performance metrics to ensure operational targets are consistently achieved.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, and performance management of composite production personnel.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and tooling issues to minimize downtime and maintain production flow.
• Support mold construction, tooling maintenance, and production readiness activities.
• Conduct production audits and final quality inspections prior to vessel delivery.

Required Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in composite manufacturing, marine manufacturing, aerospace composites, or related industries.
• 3 years of leadership experience managing composite or lamination teams in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Vacuum infusion processes
  • Fiberglass and composite materials
  • Resin systems and structural adhesives
  • Tooling and mold maintenance
  • Production scheduling and workforce planning
• Experience leading teams in high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven manufacturing environment.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience building military, autonomous, or high-performance composite vessels is a plus.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and production tracking systems.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

•  Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) 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. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.