Gibson Inc., the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sound of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, Gibson Amps, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals.

This position is on 1st shift (5a-130p) at Gibson USA.

Job Summary

The purpose of the Buffer is to achieve the final finish on the ideal guitar. This job includes having to grind, lap, polish and operate buffing machine tool setters. This position requires a high attention to detail and a steady hand.

Essential Functions

• Grind, lap, sand, clean, or polish guitars to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
• Hold guitar against rotating buffing wheel to polish to our quality standards.
• Remove defects such as orange peel and other finishing imperfections.
• Move controls to adjust, start or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes. 
• Load and adjust work pieces onto equipment or worktables, using hand tools.
• Adherence to the Gibson Cardinal Safety Rules as per the Gibson Playbook for Cardinal Safety Rules and General Safety Rules
• Obligation to submit Safety observations for identified hazards using the safety observation QR code
• Support the comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure a safe work environment, maintain compliance with regulations, and improvement of our safety processes
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of finishing processes in a manufacturing or shop environment.
• Must have a steady hand with the ability to correctly work with wood surfaces.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to provide feedback to fellow workers.
• Strong attention to detail.

Required Education and Experience

• Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Prior woodworking experience is preferred. 

Essential Knowledge

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team

Personal Qualities 

• Passionate about working and winning in a team environment.
• Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in timely manner
• Clear and logical thinker 
• Relish working in a company with a diverse, challenging, and fast paced environment

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel to other facilities may be required, typically less than 10% of the time.

Physical Demands

• Basic physical stances and actions (sitting, standing, walking)
• Must be able to stand entire shift.
• Must be able to lift guitars throughout the day

The company’s Job Descriptions are not intended to be a complete detailed account of all expected/anticipated activities. We operate in a fast-moving and competitive global environment and therefore need employees to be flexible.