Sr. Tooling Machinist

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) 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 searching for a Sr. Tooling Machinist to join our Tooling Department in Corona, CA. This position is responsible for producing high-tolerance precision tooling components in a variety of materials including metal, plastic, and wood. The Sr. Tooling Machinist provides primary support to the Engineering team and additional support to all departments within the plant. This role will operate independently or collaboratively, contributing to the continuous improvement of Fender’s iconic manufacturing processes.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, set up, and execute machining projects using conventional mills, lathes, and surface grinders.
• Program, troubleshoot, set up, and operate CNC machines to produce precision parts.
• Interpret blueprints, work instructions, and physical samples to accurately produce components.
• Perform inspection of machined parts using precision measuring equipment.
• Manufacture and maintain guitar production tooling to ensure continuous plant operations.
• Program and operate CAM software (Mastercam) to support CNC machining projects.
• Copy and reproduce existing components and integrate them into new or existing tooling systems.
• Support Engineering, R&D, and production teams by modifying and repairing tooling as needed.
• Prioritize projects based on production needs and communicate status updates to leadership.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area following Fender’s safety standards and procedures.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to other machinists within the department.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 15–20 years of experience as a precision machinist in a manufacturing environment.
• Expertise operating manual machining equipment, including mills, lathes, and surface grinders.
• Strong experience in tool and die, mold making, and/or metal stamping.
• Mastery in working with a variety of materials such as metal, plastics, and wood.
• Proficiency in Mastercam programming software.
• Strong understanding of Fender manufacturing processes required.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ownership of personal trade tools required.
• Ability to adhere to safety procedures, rules, and regulations at all times and wear required PPE on the factory floor, including safety glasses, gloves, earplugs, and protective footwear.

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® and Groove Tubes®, 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 scale for this position is $71,925 to $115,500 per year.

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