Lead, Guitar Technician

The Guitar Center Company•Rialto, CA

20h•$28 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Set-Up Lead is responsible for leading daily operations related to quality control, inspection, set-up, and repair of stringed instruments within a high-volume production environment. This role serves as both a technical expert and team leader, ensuring instruments meet manufacturing specifications and are in proper playing condition prior to distribution. The Set-Up Lead drives workflow efficiency, trains and mentors technicians, and ensures adherence to quality standards, safety guidelines, and operational procedures. This role acts as a subject matter expert in guitar set-up and repair while supporting batch processing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
5+ years experience in guitar set-up, repair, or related manufacturing/quality control environment.
Strong knowledge of standard guitar set-up procedures and repair techniques.
Guitar playing ability with the ability to tune and evaluate instruments.
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, spreadsheet creation, and other office procedures and terminology.
Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend English.

Nice To Haves

Experience in warehouse or production environments preferred.
Luthier or stringed instrument repair experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily workflow and assign operational tasks to ensure efficient completion of set-up, QC, and repair activities.
Monitor, guide, and support technicians to ensure adherence to procedures and quality standards.
Train, mentor, and coach associates on set-up techniques, repair processes, and best practices.
Act as a technical mentor and peer leader, supporting junior technicians and supervising batch rework projects.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of production, QC findings, and workflow metrics.
Maintain organized, safe, and efficient work areas and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Perform detailed inspections of stringed instruments to verify compliance with manufacturing and quality standards.
Execute standard set-up adjustments including string action, neck curvature, and intonation.
Conduct visual and tactile evaluations to ensure instruments meet playability expectations.
Identify, document, and escalate defects or deviations from quality standards.
Troubleshoot and perform repairs on a wide range of instrument issues, including: Fretwork (level, dress, polish) Nut and bridge adjustments or replacements Neck and structural repairs Electronics troubleshooting and replacement
Support and organize batch repair processes to improve throughput and consistency.
Assist in cost-effective repair processes to return instruments to sellable condition.
Participate in material handling including unpacking, labeling, palletizing, and repacking instruments.
Support inventory control processes and ensure accurate product flow.
Maintain tools, supplies, and equipment needed for efficient workflow.
Meet production deadlines and throughput goals for instrument processing and delivery.
Provides day-to-day leadership, guidance, and coordination for at least three team members within the same job classification, including planning and organizing their work activities. This role does not include direct reports, and leadership responsibilities comprise no more than 50% of total job duties.
Perform and support material handling activities, including unpacking, repacking, labeling, and palletizing of stringed instruments prior to delivery, as directed by management.
Work effectively both independently and in team environments, including leading, guiding, and coordinating cross-functional efforts to meet operational goals and deadlines.
Utilize hand tools and apply technical expertise to inspect, evaluate, and identify visual and auditory variations in quality across a wide range of stringed instruments.
Conduct timely inspection, setup, and implementation of quality control standards for proprietary instruments in accordance with established specifications.
Maintain strict adherence to quality control and setup standards; document and report any deviations.
Assist in the repair of instruments in a cost-effective and efficient manner, ensuring timely return to sellable inventory.
Support inventory control processes and maintain accurate records as needed.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, including proper care and reporting of tools, equipment, and supply needs.
Meet productivity and turnaround expectations to ensure timely processing and delivery to customers.
Follow and execute all company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
Maintain a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude when interacting with team members and leadership.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational needs.
Apply leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills to effectively supervise and coordinate team activities while balancing individual technical responsibilities.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze complex or non-routine issues, contribute to process improvements, and support projects with significant operational impact.
Exercise independent judgment and decision-making, including the ability to connect cross-functional concepts and adapt to evolving business needs.