Gel Coater (Small Parts)

Brunswick; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 3,327,000 - 3,726,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid vacation

401k

Job summary

Brunswick is seeking a Gel Coater to apply gelcoat to molded boat components and fiberglass parts, ensuring a high-quality finish. You will prepare surfaces, mix gelcoat, operate spray equipment, and inspect for defects while supporting production schedules and adhering to safety and environmental procedures.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to read work instructions, and readiness to work overtime to meet production demands.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to measure, mix, and apply gelcoat materials per instructions.
• Ability to operate spray equipment and finishing tools in gelcoat/fiberglass manufacturing.
• Ability to read work instructions, schedules, and safety procedures.
• Ability to visually inspect surfaces and identify defects.
• Ability to work with chemicals and PPE requirements.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare molds and surfaces for gelcoat application, mask as needed.
• Measure, mix, and catalyze gelcoat materials per specifications.
• Apply gelcoat evenly to molds and parts using spray equipment.
• Monitor curing to prevent defects and ensure finish quality.
• Perform minor touch-ups to meet cosmetic standards.
• Maintain and clean gelcoat spray equipment and tools.
• Safely operate forklifts or tugger vehicles to move materials.

Skills

Gelcoat handling

Quality inspection

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Gelcoat spray equipment

Spray guns

Molds & masking

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.

Grade

5.2

Position Overview

The Gel Coater is responsible for applying gelcoat to molded boat components and small fiberglass parts to ensure a high-quality, durable, and visually consistent finish. This role supports the manufacturing process by preparing and masking parts, mixing and catalyzing gelcoat materials, operating spray equipment, and inspecting surfaces to ensure cosmetic and quality standards are achieved. The Gel Coater works closely with lamination and finishing teams to support production schedules 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.

Salary

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $24.15 to $27.05, 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.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid vacation
• 401k (up to 4% match)
• Health Savings Account (with company contribution)
• Wellbeing program
• Product purchase discounts

Benefits

• Competitive 401(k) plan with company match
• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• Robust Wellness Program

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. 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. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process.

Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies.

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.

Brunswick Corporation - Sea Ray 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.