Gel Coater

Brunswick; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid vacation

401k (up to 4% match)

Health Savings Account with companycon

Wellbeing program

Product purchase discounts

Job summary

Brunswick Boat Group is seeking a Gel Coater to apply gelcoat to boat molds, hulls, decks and components, ensuring a high-quality cosmetic finish while following safety and environmental procedures.

You will prepare surfaces, mix and catalyze gelcoat, spray coatings, inspect for defects, and collaborate with lamination and finishing teams to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Must be able to measure, mix, and apply gelcoat materials per work instructions.
• Experience operating gelcoat spray equipment preferred.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and safety procedures.
• Comfortable working with chemicals, resins, catalysts and solvents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare molds and surfaces for gelcoat application by cleaning, masking and inspecting readiness.
• Measure, mix, and catalyze gelcoat materials according to specs and conditions.
• Apply gelcoat evenly to molds, hulls and decks using spray equipment to meet thickness and finish.
• Monitor curing and finish, identifying defects like runs or orange peel and correcting.
• Maintain spray equipment and work areas; operate forklifts to move molds and materials safely.

Skills

Gelcoat application

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Manufacturing environment

Overtime readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Gelcoat spray equipment

Forklifts

Job description

Are you ready for what’s next? Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next‑generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation. Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview

Grade: 5.2

The Gel Coater is responsible for applying gelcoat to boat molds, hulls, decks, and molded components to produce a high‑quality, durable, and visually consistent finish. This role supports the boat manufacturing process by preparing surfaces, mixing and catalyzing gelcoat materials, applying coatings using spray equipment, and performing inspections to ensure cosmetic and quality standards are met. The Gel Coater works closely with lamination and finishing teams while following established safety, environmental, and quality procedures.

Essential Functions

• Prepare molds and surfaces for gelcoat application by cleaning, masking, inspecting, and verifying readiness prior to spraying.
• Measure, mix, and catalyze gelcoat materials according to specifications, work instructions, and environmental conditions.
• Apply gelcoat evenly to molds, hulls, decks, and molded components using spray equipment to achieve required thickness, coverage, and finish quality.
• Monitor application and curing processes to prevent and identify defects such as runs, fisheyes, orange peel, or uneven coverage.
• Perform visual inspections and complete minor touch‑ups or corrections to ensure gelcoated surfaces meet quality and cosmetic standards.
• Operate, clean, and maintain gelcoat spray equipment, tools, and work areas to support consistent quality and production efficiency.
• Safely operate forklifts and/or tugger vehicles to transport, stage, load, and unload molds, materials, and finished components within the facility.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to measure, mix, and apply gelcoat materials according to written work instructions and specifications.
• Ability to operate spray equipment, hand tools, and finishing tools used in gelcoat or fiberglass manufacturing.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, production schedules, and safety procedures.
• Ability to visually inspect gelcoated surfaces and identify common defects or inconsistencies.
• Ability to safely work with chemicals, resins, catalysts, and solvents while following PPE and safety requirements.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing for extended periods and exposure to noise, dust, and fumes.
• Willingness to work scheduled hours, including overtime, as required to meet production demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in gelcoat application, fiberglass manufacturing, composites, painting, or marine production.
• Experience applying gelcoat using spray guns in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with mold preparation, masking techniques, and surface preparation processes.
• Basic understanding of gelcoat curing characteristics and common surface defects.
• Experience working in a boat, marine, or fiberglass manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience working in a team‑based production setting with quality and productivity standards.

Working Conditions

• Maintain cleanliness, ensure safety compliance to include PPE adherence, safety policy adherence, and safe behaviors and conditions.
• Must possess the desire and ambition to always work safely and report all hazards to their supervisor immediately.
• Must understand basic terminology such as OSHA, DEP, and other regulatory agencies.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment where designated, including but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, etc.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $23.69 to $26.52, hourly. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job‑related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick’s comprehensive and high‑quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), wellbeing program, product purchase discounts, and much more.

Why Brunswick: Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer valuable benefits including a competitive 401(k) plan with company match, health benefits, paid time off, a robust Wellness Program, and much more. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

About Brunswick Boat Group Brunswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Navan, Princecraft, Protector, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Spartan, Thunder Jet, and Uttern. Each brand carries a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance that has shaped the boating industry worldwide. Across our fiberglass and aluminum manufacturing facilities, our team members are the driving force behind our success. We foster a culture rooted in safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and personal growth. Whether you’re building unsinkable legends, pioneering wake sports, or crafting fishing and pontoon boats trusted for generations, you’ll be part of a united team committed to delivering exceptional experiences on the water.

Next is Now! We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for support.

Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: [e-mail] or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers. If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or [e-mail].

Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify.

Brunswick is a global leader in marine recreation, delivering innovation that transforms experiences on the water and beyond. Our unique, technology‑driven solutions are informed and inspired by deep consumer insights and powered by our belief that “Next Never Rests™”. Brunswick is dedicated to industry leadership, to being the best and most trusted partner to our many customers, and to building synergies and ecosystems that enable us to challenge convention and define the future. Innovative, driven, exceptional, authentic and united, these values represent our Employee Value Proposition and are at the heart of how we work together and what differentiates us as an employer of choice.