Team Leader & Senior Aluminium Boat Fabricator 

Join the Future of Aluminium Boat Building with Makaira Boats
Location: Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand
Pay Rate: $38.00 – $50.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours: 40–48 hours per week
Employment Type: Full-time

Makaira Boats is redefining global standards in aluminium boat design. With our world-first Carolina Flare hull in plate aluminium, we’re leading innovation in marine performance and craftsmanship. Based in the stunning Bay of Islands, we offer a rare opportunity to join a lean, skilled, and forward-thinking team building world-class vessels from the ground up.

We are currently hiring for two key roles:

1. Senior Aluminium Boat Fabricator
This role is ideal for a highly experienced fabricator ready to step into a senior position with influence across quality, efficiency, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities
*Advanced aluminium fabrication and welding (MIG & TIG)
*Read and work from complex technical drawings
Collaborate with engineers and team members to improve build processes
*Maintain high standards of craftsmanship and accuracy
*Contribute to a lean, no-nonsense, high-performance culture

What You Bring
*8+ years of hands-on experience in aluminium boat building or marine fabrication
*Strong MIG and TIG welding skills to a high standard
*Excellent drawing interpretation and fabrication problem-solving
*Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
*A commitment to continuous improvement and lean manufacturing

2. Fabrication Team Leader
This is a leadership role for someone ready to manage workflow, guide a team of fabricators, and help drive continuous improvement in a clean, purpose-built facility.

Key Responsibilities
*Lead and manage a team of fabricators on the shop floor
*Allocate daily tasks and manage workflow efficiently
*Mentor team members and support skills development
*Uphold production schedules, safety, and quality standards
*Collaborate with engineering and design to refine processes
*Implement and champion Lean Manufacturing practices

What You Bring
*Leadership experience in a fabrication or boatbuilding environment
*Strong technical understanding of marine construction and welding
*High-level organisational and communication skills
*A lead-from-the-front mindset with attention to detail
*Dedication to team culture, continuous improvement, and safety

What Makaira Offers
*Competitive pay: $38.00–$50.00 per hour + bonuses based on experience
*International training opportunities: Japan and USA study missions
*Flat team structure: No corporate layers—direct communication and real impact
*Career growth: Help shape production processes and provide design feedback
*Lean culture: Purpose-built facility designed for efficient workflow
*Investment in training: Access to international manufacturing courses
*Work-life balance: 5-minute commute, no traffic, relaxed coastal lifestyle
*Supportive team: Collaborative, respectful, and excellence-focused
*Social club: Team trips to Queenstown, Tekapo, and more

Conditions of Employment
*Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand
*Senior Fabricator: Minimum 8 years’ experience in aluminium boat building
*Fabrication Team Leader: Leadership experience essential; marine fabrication preferred
*Minimum 40 hours per week; up to 48 hours available
*Pay rate: $38.00 to $50.00 per hour, depending on experience

Apply Now
Be part of a world-class marine innovation company where practical leadership, continuous improvement, and quality craftsmanship come together. If you’re ready to lead or take your fabrication career to the next level, apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience.

Senior  Marine Electrician / Fit Out Technician  

Location: Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand
Pay Rate: $35.00 – $50.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours: 40–48 hours per week 

Lead the Future of Aluminium Boat Building 

Makaira Boats is redefining aluminium boat design. Our world-first Carolina Flare hull in aluminium is raising the bar globally—and we’re just getting started. 

We build high-performance boats to the highest standards, and we’re looking for a Senior fit out technician / team leader to join our team. This is a rare opportunity to take on a hands-on role in a growing company at the forefront of marine innovation. 

The Opportunity 

We’re seeking a senior-level Marine Electrician / Fit Out Technician who is ready to step into a role with real impact. You’ll be working on cutting-edge vessels in a purpose-built facility, installing and wiring advanced systems while shaping the processes that define our build standards. 

This role offers the opportunity to grow into a team leader, mentoring others while ensuring quality installations across a wide range of systems. Makaira Boats operates with a flat, lean culture—decisions are made quickly, leadership is hands-on, and every team member’s input is valued. 

Key Responsibilities 

-Lead and oversee all electrical and fit-out activities on new builds
-Read and interpret complex wiring diagrams, installation manuals, and design drawings
-Ensure systems are installed to marine standards and company specifications
-Wire and integrate advanced systems: navigation electronics, lithium battery banks, joystick steering, and solar power
-Mount, wire, and plumb inboard/outboard engines, diesel cookers, heaters, and other onboard systems
-Develop and maintain build standards for fit-out processes
-Troubleshoot technical issues, identify root causes, and deliver solutions under tight timeframes
-Protect and maintain boat quality throughout fit-out stages
-Mentor junior technicians and provide guidance on workmanship standards
-Contribute to Lean Manufacturing principles, improving workflow and reducing waste 

What You Bring 

• 8+ years’ experience in marine electrical systems and vessel fit-out within the boat building industry 
• Vessel handling skills, such as loading and unloading boats from trailers 
• Proven ability to lead or run fit-out stages, ensuring builds meet quality standards 
• Strong knowledge of 12V and lithium battery systems 
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and practical decision-making under pressure 
• Ability to set and uphold standards of workmanship and safety 
• High level of organisation, with a structured approach to planning fit-out stages 
• Confidence interpreting complex drawings and technical documents 
• Strong communication skills and ability to mentor and develop others 
• Commitment to delivering world-class boats that exceed customer expectations 

 What We Offer 

• Competitive hourly rate: $35–$45/hour plus bonuses depending on experience 
• Opportunities for international training – Japan & American Study missions 
• Flat team structure: No corporate layers—everyone has a voice and direct impact 
• Career growth: Be part of a leadership team shaping production processes and design feedback loops 
• Lean culture: Work in a clean, purpose-built factory designed for efficient workflow 
• Significant training investment in staff with international manufacturing courses  
• Work-life balance: 5-minute commute, no   city traffic 
• Dream location: Live and work in the stunning Bay of Islands 
• Supportive, hands-on team: Collaborative, respectful, and focused on getting better every day 
• The ability to join the Makaira Social Club – The club recently went to Queenstown and Tekapo with 20+ members. 

Additional Info 

• Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand 
• Full-time position (minimum 40 hours/week) 

Ready to Lead in a Lean Environment? 

Join Makaira Boats and take charge of the systems that bring our world-first designs to life. Lead with your hands, solve problems others can’t, and uphold the standards that make Makaira Boats a name recognised globally.  Apply Now with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and leadership background. 

Conditions of Employment 

• Has the legal right to work in New Zealand 
• Must have at least 8 years’ experience within the boat building industry 
• Pay rate: $35.00 to $50.00 per hour 
• Minimum hours of work per week: 40 hours 
• Maximum hours of work per week: 48 hours