Boat Builder

Matchbox; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave: 20 weeks

Competitive salaries

Job summary

Vessev is seeking hands-on Composite Technicians or Boat Builders to join our Build team and help shape a category-defining, Kiwi startup from the earliest stage. You’ll fabricate and assemble high‑performance composite structures that form the backbone of our hydrofoiling electric vessels, working closely with engineers and other builders in a tightly integrated production facility.

You’ll apply resin infusion, bonding, and tooling processes, maintain high standards of workmanship, and

Qualifications

• 3–10 years’ direct experience in composite boat building or a related industry.
• Proven ability to fabricate parts using resin infusion techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in structural bonding and taping of large composite structures.
• Familiarity with composite tooling, consumables, and workshop best practices.
• Strong hand tool skills.

Responsibilities

• Part fabrication: Creating composite components using resin infusion techniques.
• Structural assembly: Applying bonding, taping, and finishing processes to ensure robust and precise structures.
• Tooling fabrication: detailing of CNC plugs and fabricating composite tooling for vessel part fabrication.
• Mould preparation: Preparing molds, consumables, and materials for efficient layup and infusion.
• Quality assurance: Inspecting parts and assemblies to meet Vessev’s exacting standards.
• Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, technicians, and other builders to improve build processes.
• Workplace standards: Maintaining a safe, organised, and professional workshop environment.

Skills

Resin infusion

Structural bonding

Taping

Composite materials

Hand tools

Workmanship

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Instruction reading

Education

Boat building qualification

Tools

CNC plugs

Composite tooling

Bonding equipment

Job description

At Vessev, we’re defining a new category of marine transport: hydrofoiling electric vessels that are genuinely better for people and the planet. To make this possible, we depend on cutting‑edge materials, precision engineering, and a talented build team with deep expertise in composites.

We’re looking for Composite Technicians or Boat Builders to join our Build team. It is a hands‑on full‑time role where you’ll work on the fabrication and assembly of high‑performance composite structures that form the backbone of our vessels.

Our Build team have built America’s Cup boats and have plenty of international experience. It’s a hugely talented team to join, learn, and grow with.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the production and quality of a category‑defining, Kiwi startup from the earliest stage. There’s so much scope to make this role your own, and we want you to create something you’re insanely proud of.

What you’ll work on

The Build team are the ones who turn our engineering fantasies into reality – crafting dreams into hulls, so to speak. With everyone working out of the same facility, our boat production teams are tightly integrated.

• Part fabrication: Creating composite components using resin infusion techniques.
• Structural assembly: Applying bonding, taping, and finishing processes to ensure robust and precise structures.
• Tooling fabrication: detailing of CNC plugs and fabricating composite tooling for vessel part fabrication.
• Mould preparation: Preparing molds, consumables, and materials for efficient layup and infusion.
• Quality assurance: Inspecting parts and assemblies to meet Vessev’s exacting standards.
• Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, technicians, and other builders to improve build processes.
• Workplace standards: Maintaining a safe, organised, and professional workshop environment.

About you

You’re a practical, hands‑on builder who takes real pride in a clean infusion and a perfect bond. You know your way around composite materials and high‑end tooling and are energised by the idea of being part of a leading‑edge composite boat building company. You’re a team player who works hard and wants to see the best commercial foiling tech in the world leave the shop floor.

Your build experience might cover composites but you do not need to be an expert on hydrofoiling, or electric vehicles. Our boat builders are dedicated to the craft, curious and enjoy working with each other – this will have a much more significant impact on how you come up to speed on the technical details.

By applying your skills with care and consistency, you’ll enable the wider team to push the boundaries of marine technology, knowing that the foundations of our craft are in the best possible hands.

Essential skills

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Composite expertise: Hands‑on experience with resin infusion, structural bonding, and taping, with a strong understanding of composite materials and processes.
• Technical accuracy: Ability to interpret work instructions and build specifications, ensuring parts and assemblies meet design intent.
• Attention to detail: Commitment to precision and high standards of workmanship in every stage of the build process.
• Team mindset: Works seamlessly with others to achieve shared goals, while taking ownership and pride in delivering high‑quality personal contributions.
• Adaptability: Resourceful and calm under pressure, able to adjust to changing priorities in a fast‑paced build environment.
• Workmanship pride: Dedicated to maintaining clean, safe, and professional workshop practices, reflecting pride in both process and outcomes

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 3–10 years’ direct experience in composite boat building or a related industry.
• Proven ability to fabricate parts using resin infusion techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in structural bonding and taping of large composite structures.
• Familiarity with composite tooling, consumables, and workshop best practices.
• Strong hand tool skills.

Bonus experience

• Boat building qualification
• Previous work in a startup, technology, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of health & safety standards specific to composites and workshop operations.
• Passion for marine technology
• Vessel and/or vehicle painting

About us

We’re here to set a better world in motion – cleaner air, better commutes, and deeper connections with nature and each other. Our hydrofoiling electric vessels use up to 90% less energy than traditional boats, unlocking entirely new opportunities.

We’re backed by top‑tier investors including Blackbird Ventures, and our team includes talent from the America’s Cup, SpaceX, Rocketlab, Halter, Apple, and leading climate startups. But titles don’t matter here – what matters is how we show up: with purpose, humility, and a restless optimism for what’s possible.

Why our people love Vessev

• We’re building something different – from how we move on the water to the kind of team and workplace we’re creating
• The chance to work on technology that can drive real, lasting impact in the world
• A team of hugely talented and collaborative people
• 20 weeks fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers, and 4 weeks for secondary (conditions apply)
• Competitive salaries that reflect the value of the work
• Being on the water is part of our job – from trips on our vessels to our offices that border the Tamaki River
• And if the water’s where you want to be, you’ll be in good company. You’ll find no shortage of boaters, beach goers, sailors, foilers, surfers, and kiteboarders here.