Prototype Associate

Job Title: Prototype Associate

Company Overview: Yellowfin Yachts is a leading manufacturer of premium offshore fishing boats, recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and performance. If you're looking to grow your career with a company that values excellence and integrity, we'd love to have you join our team.

Position Overview: The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation and creation of plugs and molds, including designing, shaping, and fabrication needed for boat manufacturing molds. Will operate tools needed for manufacturing and production processes while working closely with engineers, designers, and production teams to translate technical designs into functional, high-quality plugs. This role requires craftsmanship, precision, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, safety-conscious environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret technical drawings, CAD files, 3D models, and blueprints to understand design specifications.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to refine designs for manufacturability and accuracy.
• Build structural frameworks or cores to provide stability and support during shaping and finishing.
• Use tools such as routers, planers, saws, sanders, and CNC machines to shape plugs to exact specifications.
• Apply fillers, putty, or resins to achieve a smooth surface, followed by meticulous sanding and polishing.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair plugs and tooling components based on design specifications. 
• Select and prepare appropriate materials, including fiberglass mats, resins, and other composites, for molding processes.
• Perform regular maintenance and repair on existing plugs and tools to ensure they remain in optimal condition and function efficiently.
• Work closely with engineers, designers, and other production team members to ensure the tooling meets project timelines and specifications.
• Maintain symmetry and consistency, implementing templates and guides as needed.
• Inspect plugs throughout fabrication to ensure alignment with specifications.
• Conduct final quality checks for structural integrity, dimensions, and surface finish.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training or certification in manufacturing, composites, tooling or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience in fiberglass molding, tooling, composite manufacturing, and resins is highly desirable. 
• Experience in plug-making, mold-making, or related fields such as woodworking, fiberglass fabrication, or composite manufacturing.
• Experience with CNC machining and CAD/CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) is highly desirable.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, chemicals, and machinery noise
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to lift and handle heavy materials, stand for long periods, and work in physically demanding environments.
• Knowledge of the marine industry or manufacturing sector is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Yellowfin Yachts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected and valued. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to our success, and we strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

E-Verify Notice

This employer participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires supporting our boat manufacturing operations. Verification is conducted through federal agencies, and employment is contingent upon successful completion of this process and maintaining valid authorization to work in the United States.