Jobs at Kamanu Composites

Posted on Nov 04, 2019

All positions pay $15-25/hr depending on experience. We are very willing to teach and train people with no direct experience, but we like to see some examples of work, art or projects that demonstrate your skills, ability to learn, and passion. Experience and interest in paddling is always a plus. Email cover letter and resume to keizo@kamanucomposites.com if you are interested.

Canoe Builder/Composites Technician

Do you want to build the world’s best canoes? We need passionate individuals to bring our products into reality.

Possible tasks include finish work, material prep, spraying, repairs, wet layup and vacuum bagging of epoxy/carbon fiber parts, sanding, grinding, cleaning, organizing, and anything else that can contribute towards building great products.

We are seeking motivated people with extreme attention to detail. Must be able to get stuff done and consistently maintain a high level of quality. Must be able to work independently and effectively with a team. Must be able to take the initiative and solve problems.

Spray Artist

We are looking for someone to take our painting operations to the next level. Must be meticulous about design and able to think steps ahead, planning and executing complex canoe paint jobs. Our techniques are a bit unusual in that you spray a mold, so you never see the final product until days after your painting is complete. Must be able to function at high speed and under pressure to get creative ideas done within the timeframe that the medium allows.

This position can be full time and canoe painting can range from 3-5 days a week. Some days are easy (all white) and can be done in 4 hours, while others require 15 hours of attention. Usually highly complex designs can be extended over two days, but still working late is not entirely unusual.

The goal is to find someone to push the envelope with designs, but also someone who can deliver reliable and consistent results. This step is one of the critical steps in our process and drives our success or failure. Other responsibilities will include mold prep, mold upkeep, maintenance and management of paint equipment and supplies, repairs, finish work for canoes and other products.

Process Engineer

We are looking for someone to help with continuous improvement in all areas of our shop. Experience with CAD, CAM, composites and a technical background is desirable, but most importantly, we need someone with the ability to solve problems and execute solutions.

Work may include all aspects of taking a product from the design phase to production. Tool design, fabrication (sanding and all), template setup, CAD, CAM (cnc machine toolpath programming and operating).

We might need a new fixture, or a custom rolling cart, or a new heat and curing solution. Can you make it happen? A tool or a jig might break. Can you fix it or make a better one?

Time in the office and on the shop floor is roughly equal and keeps it interesting.

Chief of Operations

What we do here is in many ways absurd. Manufacturing in Hawai’i is an unusual thing. Our competition says it’s impossible. But we are crazy or naive enough to believe we can build an organization that’s vertically integrated and sustainable. We design, manufacture, and sell the world's best outrigger canoes. We have an inherent belief that advanced manufacturing and technology can enable us to create sustainable watercraft in Hawai’i. If you think you can help us achieve these goals, please email keizo@kamanucomposites.com