Junior Technical Grader

**This is an exempt/salary role with a bonus calculation based on hours worked.

We’re looking for detail-oriented, motivated individuals who want more than just another job — we’re looking for people who are ready to build a long-term career and grow with a team that values hard work, accuracy, and commitment. As a Junior Technical Grader, you’ll play a critical role in supporting the quality standards that directly impact operations and performance. This position is ideal for someone who takes pride in precision, learns quickly, and wants an opportunity to earn competitive pay with performance-based growth potential. If you’re dependable, driven to improve, and excited to be part of a company that rewards effort and dedication, we want to hear from you.

Overview

MBA Grading Services delivers professional grading and authentication solutions for trading cards and collectible assets. By combining consistent evaluation standards with a focus on reliability and transparency, we help support confidence in the collectibles marketplace. Our team plays a critical role in preserving value, enhancing marketability, and maintaining the integrity of graded assets.

This position reports to the Grading Manager.

As a Junior Technical Grader, you’ll be at the core of learning the grading process, and training your eyes and precise standards to evaluate the condition of trading cards and collectibles. You will be learning the skills and how to master the tasks needed to become a professional grader. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive on detail, consistency, and accuracy, and who take pride in making fair, objective assessments. You’ll work hands-on with a wide range of cards, applying structured grading criteria to determine their quality and value in the marketplace.

This role includes travel.

Responsibilities

• Support Technical Graders and the Grading Manager by assisting with their work as directed and/or needed.
• Assist with the intake, handling, sorting, and preparation of trading cards and collectibles for the grading process.
• Learn and apply company grading standards, card anatomy, condition criteria, and authentication procedures through hands-on training and mentorship.
• Perform preliminary visual inspections of cards to identify obvious condition issues, surface defects, centering concerns, and handling risks.
• Support senior grading staff by preparing cards, organizing workflow queues, and maintaining accurate tracking documentation.
• Utilize magnification tools, lighting equipment, and grading software under supervision to develop technical grading skills.
• Maintain careful handling practices to protect collectible integrity during review, storage, and packaging activities.
• Participate in ongoing training, calibration sessions, and quality reviews to improve grading consistency and technical knowledge.
• Escalate unusual, altered, counterfeit, damaged, or high-value items to Technical Graders or leadership for further review.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and secure grading environment.
• Assign accurate and consistent grades based on defined criteria, ensuring alignment with company standards and quality expectations.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of grading decisions within internal systems.
• Ensure consistency in grading by adhering strictly to documented processes and participating in calibration or review sessions.
• Handle all assets with extreme care to preserve condition and prevent damage during evaluation.
• Collaborate with team members to review flagged items or resolve grading discrepancies.
• Meet productivity targets while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Stay up to date with company grading standards, industry trends, and evolving best practices.
• Travel to Trade Shows as needed and/or directed.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to detect subtle flaws and variations in card conditions.
• Strong visual analysis skills, including the ability to assess centering, edges, corners, and surface quality.
• Ability to make consistent, objective decisions based on standardized grading criteria.
• Integrity and accountability in applying grading standards fairly and consistently.
• Basic computer proficiency for entering grades and maintaining accurate digital records.
• Time management skills to balance accuracy with productivity expectations.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with quality control and escalating discrepancies.

Additional Skills/Experience Recommended

• Familiarity with industry grading standards (e.g., centering ratios, defect classification).
• Experience using magnification tools or inspection equipment.
• Background in quality control, inspection, or other detail-oriented evaluation roles.
• Ability to identify counterfeit or altered cards.

MBA Grading Services is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class.

Pay: $44,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $44,000 - $54,000