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 QA Wood Receiving Inspector to join our team in Corona, CA. The QA Wood Receiving Inspector is responsible for identifying, grading, and evaluating wood materials to ensure they meet company standards and customer requirements. The role includes wood species recognition, figured material grading, and safe operation of shop equipment. The Wood Inspector will work closely with the Wood Team, Warehouse Team, Quality Dept and Production Teams to maintain consistent standards of excellence.

Essential Functions

• Inspect wood to ensure it meets all critical specifications.
• Measure moisture content utilizing moisture meters and conducting dry oven tests.
• Identify basic wood species, including maple, mahogany, alder, ash, roasted maple, rosewood, and ebony, by the end of the second week of employment
• Identify wood figure types such as birdseye, flame, and quilt by the end of the fourth week of employment
• Achieve at least 70% accuracy in identifying grades of figured wood material within six months
• Accurately grade figured wood material to company standards within one year
• Learn and safely operate a chop saw within the first month of employment
• Perform thorough inspections of incoming and in-process wood to identify defects, species, and figure
• Document inspection results accurately and maintain records in accordance with company guidelines
• Collaborate with other team members to resolve quality or grading issues
• Follow all workplace safety policies and participate in safety training as required
• Maintain a clean and organized work area
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or certifications in woodworking, forestry, or a related field preferred
• Previous experience with wood inspection or grading preferred, but not required if able to meet required skill timelines
• Familiarity with wood species and characteristics is a strong advantage
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform accurate measurements
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow grading standards
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing or workshop environment
• Basic computer skills for recording inspection data
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lift and handle wood materials (up to 50 lbs) and work on your feet for extended periods
• Willingness to learn new skills and cross-train as needed

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®, 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.  If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work.  Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role – especially as a new hire – and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay rate for this position is $19.00 to $25.00 per hour.