Inspector / Trainer

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 an exceptional Inspector / Trainer to join our team in Corona, CA. This position will be responsible for inspecting finished instruments, components, and manufacturing processes to ensure Fender products meet established quality, functional, cosmetic, and playability standards.

In addition to performing inspections, this person will serve as a quality resource and trainer for manufacturing employees by helping communicate quality expectations, demonstrating proper inspection techniques, reinforcing workmanship standards, and supporting the development of consistent quality practices throughout the factory.

Because this role evaluates the functionality, setup, feel, and playability of finished instruments, the ability to play guitar and/or bass is required.

Essential Functions:

• Inspect finished guitars, basses, components, and/or manufacturing processes according to established Quality Engineering criteria and Fender quality standards.
• Evaluate instruments for cosmetic, dimensional, functional, setup, and playability requirements before final acceptance.
• Play and evaluate guitars and basses as part of the inspection process to identify functional, setup, tonal, and playability concerns.
• Perform dimensional, functional, and process measurements using applicable inspection tools and established specifications.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming material or workmanship and ensure issues are routed appropriately for corrective action or rework.
• Prepare inspection reports and maintain quality data using Microsoft Excel, SAP, and other applicable systems.
• Support Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering, and NPI with process changes, new product introductions, trials, and product evaluations.
• Serve as a quality resource to manufacturing teams by answering questions and clarifying workmanship, cosmetic, functional, and acceptance criteria.
• Train employees on established quality standards, inspection methods, defect recognition, workmanship expectations, and applicable inspection procedures.
• Provide coaching and feedback to production employees to reinforce consistent quality practices and help prevent recurring defects.
• Participate in plant quality-improvement initiatives, root-cause investigations, and corrective-action activities.
• Communicate recurring quality trends and concerns to Quality and Manufacturing leadership.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1 year of quality inspection experience in manufacturing; experience with wood products, paint/finishing, musical instruments, or electronics preferred.
• Ability to play guitar and/or bass is required.
• Ability to evaluate instrument setup, functionality, feel, and playability and distinguish conditions that do not meet established standards.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, work instructions, and quality criteria.
• Strong problem-solving, attention-to-detail, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; SAP experience preferred.
• Previous experience training, coaching, or providing technical guidance to production employees preferred.

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® and Groove Tubes®, 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. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $19 to $23 per hour.

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