Vintage Audio Electronics Repair Technician

Job description

Company Description

The Speaker Port is a small business based in Crest Hill, IL. We started as a side gig with fixing/flipping speakers and then moved into electronics. Soon after, this quickly took off and by word of mouth, we became one of the areas premier electronics repair shop specializing in vintage audio repair and restoration; all makes/models from the 40's on. Our niche is 1970's Hi-Fi but dip our toes in just about every decade of music electronics. We service stereo receivers, amplifiers, speakers, turntables, cassette/8-track decks, tuners, reel-to-reel players and CD Players/Changers. We also service pro-audio (PA), guitar amps, and select automotive/marine equipment. The Speaker Port was formally established in 2016, however, our knowledge and expertise spans 30 years starting with foundations in Electrical Engineering coupled with a deep love of music.

Currently, The Speaker Port is run as a part-time business due to 'day job' commitments. Our intent is to grow the business so that I can run it full time, but we are limited in the area of technical help. Once we find someone who is competent, trust worthy and willing to stick with us and help us grow, this position will transition from part time to full. Currently, we are pushing a 2-year back-log on repairs so we have no shortage of work to do. We are located in the Crest Hill Plaza on the second floor off of Rt. 30 (Plainfield Rd.)

Role Description

We are looking for a highly experienced electronic repair technician with proven and extensive experience and knowledge of vintage audio equipment. We need someone with a level of proficiency that can hit the ground running and take on simple to complex repair for all makes/models of audio equipment. As a result, we are not looking to do on the job training outside of basic guidance and/or consulting on repairs so you must have the experience we need in order to be considered for this position. Every unit that comes into The Speaker Port is treated like its one of our own. We do not rush through our work and we provide the highest level of attention to detail. I expect the same from any technician that will join our team. Pay is based on experience and employment and will be subject to a trial period of up to 30 days that will allow us to validate your skill set. At this time, our shop is formally open on Saturdays, but we occasionally come in during the evenings Mon-Fri to get work done and/or for customer appointments. For now, this position should be considered part time work and will require you to work physically at our location.

Qualifications

• You must possess comprehensive experience in the repair/restoration of vintage audio equipment
• Knowledge of proper diagnostics, repair, and troubleshooting methodologies as it pertains to electronic circuits
• Knowledge of electrical components and the functions
• Ability to effectively use electronic testing equipment such as analog and digital multimeters, Oscilloscopes, frequency generators/analyzers, LCR meters, etc.
• Proficiency in reading schematic diagrams
• Soldering iron proficiency (including vacuum pump guns) for through hole and SMD components.
• Can work efficiently, quickly and independently
• High attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Have your own transportation and a valid drivers license
• Physically, you must be able to climb up and down stairs as well as be able to carry equipment up and down stairwells. (We are on the second floor in our building and there is no elevator.)
• Vintage audio equipment can be bulky and heavy. As a result, you will be required to lift/carry equipment weighing up to 50lbs or more. Assistance will always be available (and expected) for anything greater than this.
• The Speaker Port will not discriminate on race, color, creed or sexual orientation. We are very laid back here in the shop, but when customers are present, we do consider ourselves in a professional manner and expect any candidate employee to do the same.
• Dress code is casual....jeans the t-shirts are fine. (We will actually even supply you with some company shirts for you to wear while your here or out and about.
• Proper personal hygiene is required. We want The Speaker Port to be a comfortable place for all of our employee's and customers that come into our shop.
• Please brief us on your knowledge and experience repairing or restoring vintage audio equipment in a section of your application, such as the cover letter.

Job Type: Part-time

Starting Pay: Starting pay will be based on candidates experience.

Schedule:

• We run an informal time management system here at The Speaker Port. While we do expect you to be working during the times we are formally open, we occasionally stay late to finish up a job and/or take care of a customer if they cant make it in during normal business hours. If you need to leave early or come in late at times, we understand that life happens and have no issues with this. Weekly hours are not guaranteed as sometimes we do need to close the shop for various reasons, so please keep this in mind.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• We do not expect anyone to be relocating to Crest Hill for part time work. Ideally, you are local to this area and have the ability to drive a reasonable amount of distance to get here.

Education:

• While we do not require formal training or degrees in electronics, it is a definite plus. You must posses the necessary skills, experience and competency we are looking for in regards to vintage audio repair and restoration.

Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the repair and restoration of vintage audio gear: 10 years (Required)
• Knowledge of different makes and model of receivers, turntables, cassette decks, speakers, etc.
• Proper skills with regards to soldering/de-soldering electronic components on circuit boards and point to point systems: 10 years (Required)
• Proficiency in reading schematic diagrams
• Proficiency in troubleshooting problems with electronic circuits.
• Ability to use a computer/internet to research part specs, replacements and/or repair information.
• Extensive knowledge on the function of electronic parts, audio systems, loudspeakers and other related audio gear.

Language:

• English (Required)
• Spanish (A definite plus, but not required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location:

• In person

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Tools provided

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25