Composite Technician/Wing Team Member

The Rolex SailGP Championship is the most exciting racing on water, where anything can happen in short, adrenaline-fueled battles between national teams at iconic stadium destinations worldwide. Top athletes fly in identical high-tech F50 catamarans faster than the wind, at speeds approaching 60mph. Founded in 2018, SailGP is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties, now in its sixth season.

SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender equity and inclusivity.

SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its team – deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.

SailGP Technologies began as the high performance design, engineering and manufacturing arm of SailGP and has led the way in high-performance applied innovation.

Our constantly evolving design, composites engineering, software and data expertise is rooted in decades of experience at the forefront of cutting-edge sail racing. Previously established and located in New Zealand since 2001, SailGP Technologies relocated to Southampton, UK in Spring 2024 at our new state of the art facility.

Summary

SailGP is one of the world’s fastest growing sports leagues combining cutting-edge technology, elite performance, and spectacular global events. Our Wing Team plays a critical role in ensuring our high-performance F50 racing boats are ready to deliver on the water.

We’re looking for technically skilled, hands-on individuals to join the team in a unique dual role: working both onsite at our SailGP Technologies facility in Southampton and travelling worldwide as part of the SailGP Tour.

This is a great opportunity for someone with composite experience who wants to apply their skills in a fast-paced, high-performance sporting environment.

What you’ll do

• Assist in unpack of Workshop Containers in preparation for the event
• Completion of Wing Team’s daily job lists
• Carry out daily “sailing checks” for the programmed F50 sailing operations
• Carry out sign off procedures with Wing Team
• Assisting with regatta Tech Site set-up and pack-down as required by Tech HQ
• Discussion with HOD & 2iC regarding wing assembly requirements.
• Maintain and update running rigging related order lists for part procurement.
• Assist in procurement of required parts for upcoming events
• Assist HOD and 2iC regarding any issues arising from previous events and development looking forward.
• Assist in planning and execution of ongoing maintenance upgrades on F50 and components.

About you and experience: We’re not looking for decades of experience, but you’ll need to bring a strong foundation of technical trade skills, the right mindset, and a willingness to learn.

• Read and understand production drawings and follow part specifications precisely
• To build and assemble carbon fibre structural components with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Extensive practical knowledge in all areas of composite boat building including mould / pattern making, construction and assembly, trimming, fitting and bonding processes.
• Laminating to a high standard in prepreg, wet lay up, secondary bonding and core bonding
• Skilled use of hand and power tools and confident use of table saw, band saw, chop saw, sanding wheels and other large equipment
• Confident to work independently and prioritise duties with minimal supervision, in order to meet deadlines.
• To ensure components and tooling are handled with care to prevent any form of damage
• Preparation of mould tools including set up, release coats / release films
• Provides advice and guidance within the roles area of expertise
• Maintaining a safe, clean and tidy working environment at all times
• Some experience within composite assembly is essential
• Practical skills with tools, machinery, and hands-on build/repair work.
• Comfortable using computer software/systems.
• A team player – personable, professional, and able to represent SailGP well.
• Flexible and happy to travel extensively as part of a global sports tour.
• A positive can-do attitude: prepared to work hard and deliver, wherever needed.

What we offer

• A rare opportunity to combine high-end engineering with global sporting events.
• Time split between the SailGP Technologies facility and international Tour events.
• The chance to learn from industry experts and grow across multiple disciplines (hydraulics, machining, composites, and more).
• Be part of a world-class team delivering one of the most exciting sports on the planet.

Location

Southampton, UK with frequent international travel to SailGP Events.

SailGP is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.