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.

Job Summary

Creating the ideal bare wood guitar, Hand Sanders are the last step in the back plant process of building a guitar. They are responsible for ensuring that moving forward the guitar has no gaps, dings, scratches, or chip outs, and that all areas are sanded to spec. Hand Sanders are intimately familiar with wood, including the types Gibson uses, how it reacts to heat, and moisture. This position is a critical step in creating an instrument that is both playable and aesthetically pleasing.

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

Essential Functions

• Learn and execute standard operating procedures
• Successfully cross training in all sanding processes including Body Sand and Neckfit
• Must be able lift, move, and Hand Sand 16 guitars per shift
• 95% pass rate based on production requirements
• Understands and meets quality standards (Specs.)
• Maintains product flow at appropriate rate
• Adheres to department protocols (5S and Safety)
• 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

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Solutions oriented approach to challenges/issues
• Outstanding time management skillset with the ability to prioritize without direct supervision
• Teamwork and project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team
• 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 and fast paced environment

Required Education and Experience

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

Essential Knowledge

• 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.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Nota Bene:

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.