Guitar Manufacturing Associate- Sub Assembly

Company Overview

C. F. Martin & Co., Inc.® has been making the finest handcrafted acoustic guitars since 1833. For the biggest names and the most revered musical legends. For the pioneers, the rebels, and the dreamers. For anyone who cares about music and loves making it. There's a passion that runs through this organization. From our employees to our loyal customers to our business partners across the globe. This passion fuels our ambition to make the very best tools designed to help every artist share their music with the world for generations to come. Nearly 200 years of making great music and unleashing the artist within. And we're ready for the next 200. Want to come with us?

Summary Description:

Primarily responsible for performing all necessary functions needed in the Sub-Assembly work center. This individual will be responsible for matching, numbering and inspecting various species of wood. Other operations will include operating various machinery, including, but not limited to, wide belt sanders, chop saws, drill presses, joiners, band saws, routers, clamp carriers, various hand tools and measuring instruments, to produce a variety of parts according to established quality specifications and operation procedures. It is also intended that in time this individual will be cross trained throughout the Sub-Assembly department operations.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with various species of wood to mark out, number, match, sand, and fulfill the daily schedule.


• Ensure that the proper information is given to the inventory transaction specialist in order to keep accurate inventory level.


• This individual will be cross-trained and rotated onto multiple jobs throughout the Sub-Assembly department excluding the grade and assign operation.


• Any additional operations required to process products from raw material to finished goods


• Fill orders and deliver parts for customers.


• Ensure that prototype parts, custom parts, and special requests are manufactured appropriately.


• Perform all other tasks as assigned by management.

Position Requirements:

• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to interact effectively and respectfully with coworkers.


• Must possess good communication skills and have a clear understanding of department operations.


• Individual must be able to work in a team atmosphere and work responsibly with minimal supervision.


• Individual must be flexible to cross-train within the entire department and any other areas of our Company.


• Frequent lifting of various guitar parts under 5 lbs. and occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.


• Frequent standing throughout a normal workday


• Sufficient reading, writing, basic math and computer skills are required to follow Work Orders, Training Instructions and Model Specifications.


• Ability to use and operate various measuring and inspection tools (calipers, rulers, set-up gauges, etc.).


• Safety shoes, safety glasses, and ear protection are required to operate machinery.

Core Competencies:

• Safety and Personal Protective Equipment: Consistently follows all safety rules, machine-guarding requirements, operating procedures, and lockout/tagout expectations. Correctly uses required safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other assigned protective equipment; identifies hazards and promptly reports unsafe conditions.


• Quality Focus and Attention to Detail: Inspects wood species, components, and completed parts for defects, dimensional accuracy, proper matching and numbering, and conformance to work orders, model specifications, and established quality standards. Prevents nonconforming material from advancing to the next operation.


• Machine and Tool Operation: Safely and effectively operates assigned production equipment, hand tools, and measuring devices, including sanders, saws, drill presses, joiners, routers, band saws, clamp carriers, calipers, rulers, and setup gauges. Completes required pre-use checks and follows approved operating instructions.


• Material Knowledge and Handling: Recognizes and properly handles various wood species and guitar components while protecting material from damage, contamination, and loss. Uses appropriate methods for marking, matching, staging, storing, and moving parts through the production process.


• Measurement and Specification Interpretation: Accurately reads work orders, training instructions, drawings, and model specifications. Applies basic math and measurement skills to verify dimensions, machine settings, part counts, and product requirements.


• Productivity and Work Organization: Plans and sequences work to meet the daily production schedule while maintaining safety and quality. Keeps the work area orderly, stages materials efficiently, minimizes avoidable downtime and waste, and communicates barriers that may affect output.


• Inventory Accuracy and Process Documentation: Provides timely and accurate information needed for inventory transactions, part movement, and production records. Identifies discrepancies and communicates them to the appropriate inventory or supervisory personnel.


• Adaptability and Cross-Training: Learns and performs multiple operations throughout the Sub-Assembly department, adjusts to changing priorities, and applies training consistently when rotating between assignments. Demonstrates willingness to support other departments when business needs require.


• Teamwork and Respectful Collaboration: Works cooperatively with coworkers, internal customers, inventory personnel, and management. Shares relevant information, supports a positive work environment, and treats others professionally and respectfully.


• Communication and Accountability: Communicates clearly about job status, quality concerns, equipment issues, material shortages, and special requests. Follows through on assignments, seeks clarification when requirements are unclear, and takes responsibility for the accuracy and completion of assigned work.


• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement: Recognizes routine process, equipment, and quality issues; takes appropriate action within the scope of the role; and escalates problems when needed. Contributes practical ideas that improve safety, quality, workflow, material use, or productivity.


• Reliability and Self-Direction: Reports ready for work, maintains consistent attendance and punctuality, and performs assigned duties responsibly with minimal supervision. Demonstrates initiative while staying within established procedures and authority.