Position: Production Associate, Harp & Folk Instrument Builder
Location: Red Wing, Minnesota
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: M–F, 9a-5p
Starting Pay: $15-$18/hour, depending on experience and qualifications
About Stoney End Music
Stoney End Music is a growing musical instrument manufacturer specializing in handcrafted lever harps and a variety of traditional and folk instruments. We take pride in building instruments that are thoughtfully designed, carefully crafted, and made to provide years of enjoyment.
As we continue to grow, we're building a production team that values craftsmanship, consistency, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We're looking for people who want to take pride in the work they do and have a meaningful role in shaping the future of the company.
About the Role
This is a hands-on production position working as part of our small team of builders to produce high-quality instruments while maintaining Stoney End's standards for craftsmanship, quality, and safety.
This is an opportunity to become part of a small, growing company where your work has a visible impact. You'll learn to build handcrafted musical instruments, work directly with experienced leadership, and have the opportunity to help improve the processes we use as the company grows. Rather than being one small part of a large manufacturing operation, you'll have the opportunity to learn the entire production process and grow with the company.
Key Responsibilities
Build harps according to Stoney End specifications and established processes
Learn and consistently follow Stoney End construction and quality standards
Inspect work throughout the production process and identify potential issues early
Maintain an organized, clean, and safe workspace
Work collaboratively with other members of the production team
Help identify opportunities to improve production processes and workflow
Assist with other production tasks as needed
Contribute to a positive, respectful, and productive shop environment
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
Takes pride in producing high-quality work
Has strong attention to detail
Is dependable and follows through on commitments
Works well independently and as part of a small team
Is comfortable learning new skills and processes
Communicates clearly when problems or questions arise
Is comfortable receiving feedback and using it to improve
Takes initiative rather than waiting to be told what needs to be done
Enjoys working with their hands and solving practical problems
We're more interested in your ability, work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn than in whether you've previously built musical instruments.
Skills & Experience
Required
Experience using basic hand and power tools
Ability to accurately read measurements
Ability to follow detailed processes and written instructions
Basic computer skills
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work safely in a woodworking/manufacturing environment
Reliable attendance and punctuality
Preferred
Experience in any of the following is a plus:
Don't have all of the preferred experience? We still encourage you to apply if you have strong hands-on skills and a willingness to learn.
Growth & Opportunity
This position is intended to grow with the company. As you become proficient in instrument construction and our production processes, there will be opportunities to take on additional responsibility in areas such as quality control, process development, workflow improvement, training, and production leadership.
We are particularly interested in people who don't simply want to complete the task in front of them, but who enjoy asking, "How could we do this better?"
As Stoney End continues to grow, the right person will have the opportunity to play an increasingly important role in developing the systems and processes that support our production operation.
Benefits
Working Environment & Physical Requirements
This is a hands-on woodworking and instrument-building position.
The job involves:
Standing and working at a bench for extended periods
Repetitive hand and arm movements
Working with hand and power tools
Lifting and moving materials and completed instruments
Exposure to wood dust and shop noise
Following shop safety procedures and using appropriate PPE
How to Apply
Please submit a resume along with a brief description of your relevant experience and why you're interested in working with Stoney End.
If you have a portfolio or examples of woodworking, instrument building, furniture, cabinetry, crafts, or other hands-on projects, we'd love to see them. Professional instrument-building experience is not required.
Send applications to: grady@stoneyend.com
Stoney End is an equal opportunity employer.