Location: Orange, CA
Type: Full-time
Starting Salary: $55,000 – $100,000 per year (depending on experience and demonstrated skill)
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development support.
Piano Artisans Inc. (pianoartisans.com) is a specialized workshop restoring high-end antique pianos and grand instruments, with a strong focus on rebuilding complex player pianos (Ampico, Duo-Art, Welte, and others). This is highly intricate mechanical restoration work — every instrument is unique and demands exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving, patience, and a continuous learning mindset.
What You’ll Do:
-Disassemble, repair, regulate, voice, and reassemble antique piano actions
-Rebuild complex player piano systems — including pneumatics, trackers, valves, pumps, and expression mechanisms
-Match historical finishes, veneers, and materials
-Troubleshoot intricate mechanical and tonal issues
-Work directly with clients on custom projects
-Who We’re Looking For: We thrive in a direct, high-standards environment. The right person:
-Loves extremely intricate, detail-oriented mechanical work and gets satisfaction from solving complex puzzles most people would find overwhelming
-Has strong mechanical aptitude and excellent hand skills (experience with player pianos, pneumatics, or similar precision mechanisms is a big plus)
-Is intellectually humble — comfortable admitting what they don’t know and genuinely excited to learn from mistakes
-Handles direct feedback well and stays resilient when challenged
-Shows grit and perseverance through long, tedious, or frustrating restoration processes
-Is curious, open-minded, and adaptable
Requirements:
-Experience in piano technology, tuning, woodworking, luthiers, fine furniture restoration, mechanical repair, or similar skilled trade (strong aptitude and fast learners will be seriously considered)
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
-Reliable transportation and a strong work ethic
What We Offer:
-Competitive starting salary: $55k–$85k DOE
-401(k) with company match
-Hands-on mentorship from an experienced restorer with 20+ years in the craft
-Opportunity to work on rare and historically significant instruments, including complex player pianos
-A focused shop where quality craftsmanship and problem-solving are highly valued
“We have a direct, no-BS environment. We give tough feedback and challenge each other because the work demands excellence. If you prefer gentle or purely positive feedback, this isn’t the right place.”
How to Apply (Two-Track Process):
Please send your application with:
1) Your resume
2)Photos or detailed written description of your relevant experience:
Track A (Preferred): 3–5 photos of your best previous work (repairs, restorations, woodworking, mechanical projects, player piano work, etc.)
Track B (No photos): A detailed written description of 2–3 relevant projects you’ve worked on, including specific challenges you faced and how you solved them.
3)A short note answering this question:
What’s the hardest or most frustrating repair/project you’ve ever worked on, and what did you learn from it?
***Applications missing either the photos/description or the short answer will not be considered.***
Visit pianoartisans.com to see examples of our work.
We are an equal opportunity employer and especially encourage applications from career changers, military veterans, and apprentices with strong mechanical aptitude and a passion for precision work.
