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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Guitar Designer Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

DesignProduct DevelopmentManufacturingMusic Industry

🎯 Role Definition

As a Guitar Designer Assistant, you are the crucial link between creative vision and tangible reality. You'll work side-by-side with our Senior Designers and Luthiers, supporting every phase of the guitar development lifecycle. Your day could involve anything from creating detailed CAD models and fabricating prototypes in the workshop to testing new pickup configurations and documenting specifications for our manufacturing partners. This role is perfect for a budding luthier or industrial designer who is eager to learn, contribute, and immerse themselves in the art and science of guitar making at a professional level. We're looking for someone with a great ear, a keen eye for detail, and a relentless drive to create instruments that inspire musicians.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Luthier School Graduate
  • Industrial Design Intern or Junior Designer
  • Experienced Guitar Repair Technician

Advancement To:

  • Guitar Designer / Luthier
  • Product Development Manager
  • R&D Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Manager
  • Artist Relations Coordinator
  • Product Marketing Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Collaborate directly with Senior Guitar Designers to conceptualize, sketch, and develop innovative new acoustic and electric guitar models from initial idea to final prototype.
  • Generate detailed 2D technical drawings and 3D CAD models for guitar bodies, necks, headstocks, and component parts using software like SolidWorks, Rhino, or AutoCAD.
  • Actively participate in the hands-on fabrication, assembly, and finishing of physical prototypes, applying lutherie skills to bring digital designs to life.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive technical specification sheets, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed assembly instructions for manufacturing partners.
    pre-production and first article samples to ensure they meet design and quality standards.
  • Liaise with domestic and international manufacturing teams to ensure design intent is accurately translated into mass production, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
  • Conduct rigorous play-testing and performance analysis of prototypes, providing detailed, actionable feedback on tone, playability, ergonomics, and aesthetics.
  • Research, identify, and source new and traditional materials, including tonewoods, hardware, and electronics, while helping to maintain relationships with suppliers.
  • Utilize 3D scanning and precision measurement tools to accurately digitize and document vintage or historically significant instruments for reference and replication.
  • Develop and document specifications for instrument colors, finishes, and cosmetic treatments, working with the finishing department to create and approve samples.
  • Meticulously document all design revisions, engineering changes, and updates throughout the product development lifecycle using Product Data Management (PDM) or PLM systems.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Control team to establish cosmetic and functional quality standards for new products and troubleshoot first-run production issues.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the Product Development Manager in tracking project milestones, managing timelines, and ensuring deadlines for a portfolio of instrument projects are met.
  • Perform continuous market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends in guitar design, player preferences, and new technologies.
  • Assist in preparing compelling design presentations and product briefs for internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and executive leadership.
  • Ensure the R&D workshop, tools, and machinery are well-maintained, organized, and adhere to company safety protocols.
  • Provide the marketing and sales teams with accurate product specifications, feature callouts, and technical details for use in catalogs, websites, and promotional materials.
  • Assist in the final setup, detailing, and preparation of prototype and new-release instruments for major industry trade shows, media events, and artist clinics.
  • Gather, consolidate, and analyze feedback from artists, product testers, and customers to inform future design improvements and product line extensions.
  • Contribute to product cost analysis by providing accurate material and component data to assist in achieving target price points.
  • Organize, catalog, and manage the inventory of all prototype instruments, confidential parts, and historical reference models.
  • Actively participate in creative brainstorming and ideation sessions, bringing fresh perspectives and a passion for guitar culture to the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency in 2D/3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino, and/or AutoCAD is essential).
  • Strong capabilities in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for creating 2D graphics, renderings, and technical markups.
  • Demonstrable hands-on lutherie or woodworking skills, including knowledge of joinery, shaping, fretwork, and finishing.
  • Deep knowledge of tonewoods, guitar hardware (bridges, tuners), pickups, and electronic circuits.
  • Understanding of modern manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, laser cutting, and various finishing techniques.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
  • Familiarity with 3D scanning technology and reverse engineering principles is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to articulate complex design ideas clearly.
  • A highly collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a positive, no-ego attitude.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision in both digital and physical work.
  • Strong creative and analytical problem-solving abilities.
  • A deep, genuine passion for and knowledge of guitars, music, and the history of the instrument.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
  • The ability to receive and provide constructive criticism in a professional and effective manner.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by significant, demonstrable experience in guitar making or repair.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Certification from a recognized lutherie or guitar-making school (e.g., Roberto-Venn, Galloup School).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Design
  • Woodworking & Fine Furniture Making
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Music & Musicology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years in a relevant environment.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in a musical instrument manufacturing or R&D environment.
  • A portfolio showcasing CAD work, design projects, and/or completed, handcrafted instruments is highly encouraged.
  • Experience as a performing or recording musician is a strong asset.
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