Production Worker, Gretsch Buffer

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe. Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are currently searching for a Production Worker, Gretsch Buffer to join our team in Corona, CA. This role supports the Gretsch production area within Custom Shop Operations and is responsible for preparing, sanding, buffing, polishing, and handling guitar components and finished instruments according to Fender quality standards.

The ideal candidate is reliable, detail-oriented, quality-focused, and comfortable working hands-on in a production environment where craftsmanship, consistency, and care in handling instruments are critical.

Essential Functions

• Perform sanding, buffing, polishing, and finishing support work on Gretsch guitar bodies, necks, and/or assembled instruments according to production requirements.
• Inspect parts and instruments throughout the process to identify cosmetic defects, surface imperfections, scratches, finish issues, or other quality concerns.
• Safely handle, move, and stage guitars, bodies, necks, and related components between work areas while preventing damage.
• Read and follow work instructions, production priorities, spec sheets, and department direction to ensure the correct work is completed on the correct components.
• Use assigned tools, equipment, compounds, and materials safely and according to established production and safety standards.
• Partner with Leads, Builders, Quality, and other production team members to support daily production priorities and resolve issues as they arise.
• Maintain consistent workmanship and productivity while meeting quality expectations for Gretsch instruments.
• Keep work area clean, organized, and free of safety hazards; follow 5S, PPE, and housekeeping expectations.
• Communicate material, quality, equipment, or process concerns to the Lead or Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Support cross-training and assist other areas within Gretsch or Custom Shop Operations as needed.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior manufacturing, production, sanding, buffing, polishing, finishing, or assembly experience preferred.
• Guitar manufacturing or musical instrument experience preferred, but not required.
• Ability to identify basic guitar components such as bodies, necks, hardware, pickups, and finished assemblies.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify cosmetic defects or quality issues.
• Ability to follow work instructions, safety procedures, production priorities, and verbal direction.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and handle guitar components and finished instruments with care.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, teamwork, and willingness to learn additional production processes.

About Fender Musical Instruments:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position. “Pay scale” means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive.  The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.  If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work.  Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role – especially as a new hire – and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $18.00 to $19.00 per hour.