Master Builder Assistant

Within Fender Musical Instrument Corporation’s (“FMIC”) global Manufacturing team, we are focused on delivering operational excellence to the business and our customers by promoting collaboration, building trust, and setting high standards.  Our mission is to support and enable the makers who fuel the pursuit of musical expression.  We are currently searching for an exceptional Master Builder Assistant to join our team in Corona, CA.

An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument, it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

The Master Builder Assistant for Custom Shop Master Built Guitars is responsible for hands-on activity ranging from buff and polish, sub-assembly of components, neck and body prep, relic operations, to assembly and tune test of Master Built quality level guitars.  This position may lead to an in-house Master Builder Apprentice position.

Responsibilities

• Hands on operations: Buff and polish neck and bodies; sand/shape necks and bodies in whitewood. Prepare necks for assembly including any necessary fret work, relicing, installation of tuners and decals to prepare necks for assembly. Prepare bodies for assembly including B&P, dressing neck pocket, installation of controls, relicing, outputs, etc. Assembly of neck and body including pickguard, pickups, wiring, etc.  

• Keeps information organized and accessible: Maintains clean/functional workspace, works systematically/efficiently, and manages time well. Respects and follows safety policies and regulations; scans the environment for things that may pose a safety risk; encourages others to utilize safe and healthy work practices.
• Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality: Addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistake twice. Calls attention to issues that impact customer satisfaction; views thing from the perspective of customers; encourages people to think about customers when making decisions.  
• Keeps his/her technical skills current: Effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.  
• Meets commitments: Works independently, accepts accountability, handles change, sets personal standards, stays focused under pressure, and meets attendance/punctuality requirements. 
• Adapts to change: Is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, adjusts plans to meet changing needs. Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers, and promotes a team atmosphere.

Education & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• 5+ years of experience in either a builder / tune tester role at Fender or other name guitar manufacturer or similar experience. Strong working knowledge of subassembly, and woodworking / paint.
• Strong Buff and Polish experience.
• Knowledge of guitar construction and related assy tools and techniques.
• Ability to buff/relic guitar bodies and necks.
• Ability to shape/sand necks and bodies a plus.
• Good communication skills.
• Guitar or musical background preferred but not required.
• Ability to dress frets, file bone nuts, set up and play Fender / Gretsch style guitars required.
• Ability to wire, solder and assemble pickguard / control circuits – must be able to read and interpret wiring diagrams.
• Experience in Wood Mill (bodies or necks) and / or Paint a plus.
• Excellent safety record, attendance, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, humility, professionalism, willingness to learn and follow direction, and knowledge of Fender / Gretsch guitars and related history.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Position is shopfloor-based, and applicant will use various hand tools and equipment including but not limited to soldering stations, nut files, chisels, guitar tuners, amplifiers, drills, screw drivers, fret files, crowning files, analog dial calipers, etc. Power tools include routers, bandsaws, jointers, planers, edge sanders, power buffers etc.
• Knowledge and understa