Senior Composite Engineering Lead

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.