Gelcoater

Laborup; Vonore (TN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Laborup is seeking a detail-oriented Gelcoater in Vonore, TN to produce high-quality fiberglass components for marine products. You will prepare molds, apply gelcoat finishes, and ensure surfaces meet strict standards before progressing to the next production stage.

The role suits candidates with gelcoat, fiberglass, paint, automotive body work, or composites experience, who thrive in a hands-on setting with spray equipment and coatings.

Qualifications

• Experience with gelcoat, fiberglass, or industrial finishing environments preferred.
• Ability to read work orders and follow detailed production steps.
• Strong attention to detail and color/finish quality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare molds and surfaces; inspect for dust or imperfections before spraying.
• Set up spray guns, hoses, regulators, and gelcoat systems for proper flow.
• Apply gelcoat evenly and monitor thickness and finish quality.
• Maintain spray equipment and work areas; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Gelcoat application

Fiberglass finishing

Industrial painting

Coatings handling

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Tools

Spray guns

Coating systems

Measuring equipment

Mill gauges

Job description

We’re looking for a detail-oriented Gelcoater to join our marine manufacturing team and help produce high-quality fiberglass components for custom boats and marine products. In this role, you’ll be responsible for preparing molds, applying gelcoat finishes, and ensuring every surface meets strict quality and appearance standards before moving into the next stage of production.

This position is ideal for candidates with experience in gelcoat, fiberglass, paint, automotive body work, composites, or industrial finishing environments. You’ll work hands-on with spray equipment, molds, and coatings in a fast-paced production setting where consistency, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are critical. If you take pride in producing clean, uniform finishes and enjoy working with your hands, this role is a strong fit.

Pay

• $25 - $29 / hr (total)
• $25 - $27 / hr (base)
• $1 - $2 / hr shift different (on 2nd)

Shift

• 1st Shift: Monday - Thursday | 5:00am - 3:30pm
• 2nd Shift: Monday - Thursday | 3:30pm - 2:00am

Responsibilities

• Prepare molds and surfaces by cleaning, taping, masking, and inspecting for dust, contamination, or imperfections before spraying
• Read work orders and verify mold numbers, serial numbers, colors, and production specifications prior to beginning work
• Set up and maintain spray guns, hoses, pressure regulators, and gelcoat systems for proper flow, atomization, and catalyst ratios
• Apply gelcoat evenly to molds while monitoring thickness and finish quality using mill gauges and visual inspection techniques
• Adjust spray patterns, catalyst flow, and air pressure as needed to maintain consistent coverage and curing performance
• Monitor booth conditions, drying times, and temperature requirements throughout the gelcoat process
• Remove masking materials and move molds to the next production stage after completion
• Clean and maintain spray equipment, tools, booths, and work areas to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Follow safety procedures and wear required PPE including respirators, gloves, and protective gear
• Support additional production and finishing duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in gelcoat, industrial painting, fiberglass, composites, automotive paint, or related finishing environments preferred
• Experience operating spray guns and working with coatings, catalysts, or resin systems strongly preferred
• Ability to read work instructions and follow detailed production processes
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify imperfections, contamination, or inconsistent finishes
• Comfortable using hand tools and measuring equipment in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to distinguish colors and maintain visual quality standards
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in physically active positions including standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching throughout the shift
• Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work effectively within a team production environment

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career growth opportunities within manufacturing operations
• Stable full-time schedule with consistent hours