A compliant marking tool for attachment to a fiber placement machine that is capable of marking detail locations on a work piece positioned on the fiber placement machine. The marking tool has a flexible member that is configured and adapted to bow and twist in response to the marking tool contacting the work piece. A holder is pivotably connected to the flexible member. A marking member is positioned in the holder and is capable of moving within the holder. The flexing of the flexible member along with the pivoting of the holder and the movement of the marking member allow the marking tool to follow the contours of the work piece and mark detail locations without damaging or at least minimizing the potential of damaging the work piece.