Crafting Excellence Since 1761: Join the Faber-Castell Legacy in Stein, Germany

Essential Position Information

Positions Available:	14 Specialized Roles in Production, Maintenance, and Craftsmanship
Company:	A.W. Faber-Castell Vertrieb GmbH
Working Schedule:	Full-time, permanent positions with standard German industrial shift patterns
Location:	Nürnberger Str. 2, 90547 Stein, Bavaria, Germany
Contract Type:	Permanent employment with one of the world's oldest and most prestigious industrial companies
Educational Requirements:	Varies by role, from vocational training (Ausbildung) to technical degrees
Experience Level:	Opportunities for master craftsmen, skilled technicians, and dedicated production workers
Language Requirements:	German is the primary working language; English is beneficial for certain technical roles
Target Candidates:	Meticulous individuals with a passion for quality, craftsmanship, and precision manufacturing
Application Deadline:	Open recruitment to support our historic production facilities

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Faber-Castell: A German Icon of Creativity and Quality

With a history stretching back over 260 years, Faber-Castell is more than just a company; it is a global symbol of German craftsmanship, quality, and timeless creativity. Founded in 1761 by the cabinet maker Kaspar Faber in the small town of Stein, near the historic city of Nuremberg, our company is one of the oldest industrial enterprises in the world. From a humble workshop producing the first “Bleyweissstift” pencils, we have grown into a global leader, yet our heart and soul remain firmly planted in the rich soil of Franconian artisanship. For nine generations, the Faber-Castell family has guided the company, transforming the simple pencil into an indispensable tool for artists, writers, and creators worldwide. Our name is a promise of excellence, a commitment to using the finest materials, and a dedication to the art and science of writing and drawing. A career at Faber-Castell is an invitation to become part of this extraordinary legacy, to work in a place where history is made every day, and to contribute to a brand that has inspired human creativity for centuries.

Our main production facility and global headquarters are located at the historic site in Stein, a place where tradition and high technology coexist in perfect harmony. This is the nerve center of our global operations and the primary site for the production of our world-renowned wood-cased pencils. The factory is a living museum of industrial history, yet it operates with the precision and efficiency of a modern manufacturing powerhouse. Here, we transform carefully selected, sustainably sourced wood into millions of pencils each year. The production process is a fascinating blend of traditional techniques and state-of-the-art automation. Visitors on our popular factory tours witness the entire journey: from raw wood slats being grooved and fitted with high-quality graphite leads, to the iconic hexagonal shape being milled, and finally, the multi-layered lacquering and stamping process that gives each pencil its signature look and feel. This facility is not just a factory; it is the guardian of our quality standards, a center for innovation, and the place where the tangible magic of the Faber-Castell brand comes to life. Working here means upholding a standard of excellence that has been refined over centuries.

Sustainability is not a modern trend for Faber-Castell; it has been a core principle of our corporate philosophy for decades. We were pioneers in environmentally conscious manufacturing long before it became a global imperative. A prime example is our own sustainably managed forests in Prata, Minas Gerais, Brazil, which span 10,000 hectares. These forests supply a significant portion of the wood for our global pencil production, making us one of the few companies in our industry with such a high degree of vertical integration and environmental control. The forests are FSC® certified and absorb many times more CO2 than our production facilities emit, making our overall production process carbon-neutral. This commitment extends to our German facilities, where we utilize eco-friendly technologies, water-based lacquers, and responsible waste management systems. We believe that we have a responsibility not just to our customers and employees, but to the planet. Joining Faber-Castell means joining a company that takes its environmental and social responsibilities seriously, a company that is actively working to create a sustainable future for the next generation of creators.

The Faber-Castell experience in Stein is a unique immersion into our world. The site is home not only to our main factory but also to the magnificent Faber-Castell Castle (Graf von Faber-Castell'sches Schloss), a stunning example of historicist architecture that serves as a testament to the family's influence and vision. We have also converted historic premises into a museum, the "Alte Mine," which provides a captivating look at the history of lead manufacturing and the evolution of our company. This combination of active production, historical architecture, and a living museum makes our headquarters a unique cultural and industrial landmark in Germany. It reflects our identity: a company deeply rooted in its history but always looking forward. We offer a stable, family-oriented work environment that values loyalty, precision, and a shared passion for our products. We are looking for individuals who appreciate the value of craftsmanship, who take pride in their work, and who want to contribute to a brand that is cherished by millions around the world.

Our global reach extends far beyond our historic headquarters in Stein. With 14 production sites across 10 countries and 22 sales and distribution organizations worldwide, Faber-Castell is truly a global enterprise. Yet, despite this international presence, the heart of our operations remains in Germany, where our most sophisticated and quality-critical manufacturing processes take place. The Stein facility serves as the center of excellence for pencil production, setting the standards that are replicated across our global network. Our employees in Stein are not just workers; they are ambassadors of our quality philosophy, guardians of our manufacturing secrets, and the keepers of traditions that have been passed down through generations. The knowledge and expertise developed here flow to our facilities in Brazil, the United States, and other locations, ensuring that every Faber-Castell product, regardless of where it is made, meets the exacting standards that our customers expect. Working at our Stein facility means being at the epicenter of a global operation, where decisions made and processes perfected have an impact on millions of users worldwide.

Innovation has always been a cornerstone of the Faber-Castell philosophy. While we honor our traditions, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in writing and drawing instrument manufacturing. Our research and development teams work tirelessly to improve existing products and develop new ones that meet the evolving needs of artists, students, and professionals. This includes advances in lead formulations that provide smoother writing and more vibrant colors, ergonomic designs that reduce hand fatigue, and sustainable materials that minimize our environmental impact. We have pioneered numerous industry firsts, from the first mass-produced pencils to innovative grip technologies and water-based lacquers. Our commitment to innovation extends to our manufacturing processes as well, where we continuously invest in new machinery, automation technologies, and quality control systems. Employees at Faber-Castell are encouraged to contribute ideas for improvement, and many of our most successful innovations have come from the insights and creativity of our production teams. This culture of continuous improvement ensures that we remain at the forefront of our industry while maintaining the quality and reliability that have made us a trusted name for over two and a half centuries.

Available Positions in Production and Maintenance

We are seeking skilled and dedicated individuals to join our production and maintenance teams in Stein. We offer a stable and respectful work environment where precision, quality, and a passion for our craft are celebrated. Join us in creating the tools that inspire the world.

Our production facility operates with the precision of a Swiss watch and the soul of a traditional German workshop. Every position, from machine operator to maintenance technician, plays a crucial role in maintaining our reputation for excellence. We believe in investing in our people through comprehensive training programs, continuous professional development, and a supportive work culture that encourages both individual growth and team collaboration. Our employees enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including health insurance and pension contributions, and the unique satisfaction of working for a company whose products are used and treasured by creative individuals around the globe. The stability that comes with working for a family-owned company with over 260 years of history, combined with the excitement of being part of ongoing innovation and global expansion, makes Faber-Castell an exceptional place to build a career. We are particularly proud of our apprenticeship programs, which have trained generations of skilled craftsmen and continue to be a pathway for young people to enter our industry with the highest level of expertise and professionalism.

1. Woodworking Machine Operator (Holzbearbeitungsmechaniker)

Position Overview: Operate and maintain the specialized machinery that transforms raw wood slats into the bodies of our world-famous pencils.

Key Responsibilities - Woodworking Machine Operator:

Set up, operate, and monitor high-speed milling and grooving machines. Ensure the precise cutting of grooves for the pencil leads. Perform quality checks on the wood slats for defects and dimensional accuracy. Change and sharpen cutting tools as needed. Collaborate with the maintenance team to perform routine servicing. Maintain a clean and safe work area around the machinery.

Required Qualifications: Completed vocational training (Ausbildung) as a Woodworking Mechanic or similar. Experience with industrial woodworking machinery is essential.

2. Pencil Lead Production Technician

Position Overview: Work in our historic “Alte Mine” facility, operating the machinery that mixes, extrudes, and fires our high-quality graphite and colored pencil leads.

Key Responsibilities - Pencil Lead Production Technician:

Weigh and mix raw materials like graphite, clay, and pigments according to precise formulas. Operate extrusion presses to form the leads. Load and monitor the high-temperature kilns where the leads are fired for strength and smoothness. Perform quality control tests on the finished leads for hardness, color consistency, and break resistance. Maintain detailed production records.

Required Qualifications: Experience in a chemical or materials processing environment is advantageous. A meticulous and process-oriented mindset is crucial.

3. Lacquering and Finishing Specialist

Position Overview: Operate the automated lacquering lines that apply multiple layers of our environmentally friendly, water-based varnish to each pencil.

Key Responsibilities - Lacquering and Finishing Specialist:

Monitor the automated dipping and spraying machines. Ensure a smooth, even application of lacquer. Mix and prepare varnishes to match specific color standards. Perform visual quality checks for finish consistency and defects. Clean and maintain the lacquering equipment, including spray nozzles and pumps. Troubleshoot minor issues in the finishing line.

Required Qualifications: Experience as an industrial painter or coating technician (Lackierer). A keen eye for color and detail is essential.

4. Stamping and Printing Machine Operator

Position Overview: Operate the precision stamping machines that apply the iconic Faber-Castell brand name, logo, and product information onto each pencil.

Key Responsibilities - Stamping and Printing Machine Operator:

Set up the foil stamping or pad printing machines with the correct dies and foils. Align pencils for precise stamping. Monitor the printing process for clarity, position, and quality. Make fine adjustments to pressure, temperature, and speed. Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the printing equipment. Manage the inventory of stamping foils and inks.

Required Qualifications: Experience with printing or stamping machinery is preferred. High attention to detail and precision are mandatory.

5. Packaging Machine Operator

Position Overview: Operate the automated packaging lines that sort, count, and package our finished pencils into their final retail boxes and sets.

Key Responsibilities - Packaging Machine Operator:

Set up and monitor high-speed packaging machines. Ensure the correct quantity and assortment of pencils are packed in each box. Load packaging materials such as cardboard blanks and plastic trays. Troubleshoot and resolve common machine stoppages. Perform quality checks on the final packaged products. Work with the logistics team to prepare orders for shipment.

Required Qualifications: Experience as a machine operator in a packaging or consumer goods environment. Mechanical aptitude for making adjustments is a plus.

6. Mechanical Maintenance Technician (Industriemechaniker)

Position Overview: Ensure the smooth operation of our diverse production machinery through preventive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities - Mechanical Maintenance Technician:

Conduct regular maintenance on all mechanical systems, including woodworking machines, presses, and packaging lines. Diagnose and repair mechanical breakdowns to minimize production downtime. Perform repairs on pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Use workshop equipment (lathes, mills) to fabricate simple replacement parts. Maintain detailed maintenance logs. Be a key part of the factory's reliability team.

Required Qualifications: Completed vocational training as an Industrial Mechanic (Industriemechaniker). Strong problem-solving skills and experience in a manufacturing maintenance role.

7. Electrical Maintenance Technician (Elektroniker für Betriebstechnik)

Position Overview: Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and installation of all electrical and electronic systems within the production facility.

Key Responsibilities - Electrical Maintenance Technician:

Troubleshoot and repair electrical faults on production machinery. Perform preventive maintenance on control cabinets, motors, and sensors. Read electrical schematics to diagnose complex problems. Install and wire new equipment. Work with PLC control systems (Siemens S7) for fault finding and minor programming adjustments. Ensure all work complies with VDE regulations.

Required Qualifications: Completed vocational training as an Electronics Technician for Industrial Systems (Elektroniker für Betriebstechnik). Experience with PLC controls is highly desirable.

8. Tool and Die Maker (Werkzeugmechaniker)

Position Overview: Craft, maintain, and repair the high-precision tools, dies, and jigs that are essential for our manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities - Tool and Die Maker:

Maintain and sharpen the cutting tools for our woodworking machines. Repair and adjust stamping dies and printing plates. Use precision grinding, milling, and EDM machines to create new or modified tooling. Read complex technical drawings. Work closely with the engineering department to develop and test new tools. Ensure all tools meet exacting tolerances.

Required Qualifications: Completed vocational training as a Tool and Die Maker (Werkzeugmechaniker). A high degree of precision and craftsmanship is required.

9. Quality Control Inspector

Position Overview: Act as the guardian of our quality standards, performing inspections at various stages of the production process.

Key Responsibilities - Quality Control Inspector:

Inspect incoming raw materials such as wood and graphite. Perform in-process checks on pencil dimensions, lead centering, and lacquer finish. Conduct final testing on finished products for performance and appearance. Use measurement tools like calipers and micrometers. Document inspection results and report any deviations. Help identify the root cause of quality issues.

Required Qualifications: Experience in a quality control role in a manufacturing setting. A meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to perfection are essential.

10. Warehouse and Logistics Operator (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik)

Position Overview: Manage the flow of goods within our factory, from raw materials to finished products ready for global distribution.

Key Responsibilities - Warehouse and Logistics Operator:

Receive and check incoming goods. Store materials in the correct warehouse locations using a warehouse management system (WMS). Pick and prepare components for the production lines. Package finished goods for shipment. Load and unload trucks. Participate in regular inventory counts. Maintain a clean and organized warehouse.

Required Qualifications: Completed vocational training in Warehouse Logistics (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik) or equivalent experience. A forklift license is required.

11. Forklift Driver (Gabelstaplerfahrer)

Position Overview: A specialized role focused on the safe and efficient movement of materials throughout the production and warehouse areas.

Key Responsibilities - Forklift Driver:

Operate forklifts to transport pallets of wood, leads, and packaged goods. Supply production lines with raw materials. Move finished products from packaging to the warehouse. Load goods onto trucks for dispatch. Perform daily safety checks on the forklift. Adhere strictly to all traffic and safety rules within the factory.

Required Qualifications: Valid German forklift license (Staplerschein) and proven experience in a busy industrial environment. A strong safety record is paramount.

12. General Production Worker

Position Overview: A flexible and essential role supporting various stages of the pencil manufacturing process where manual dexterity and attention are key.

Key Responsibilities - General Production Worker:

Manually sort and inspect pencils. Assist machine operators by loading materials or removing finished parts. Perform simple assembly and packaging tasks. Keep the production area clean and tidy. Transport materials between workstations. Be willing to learn different tasks and work in various departments as needed.

Required Qualifications: Reliability, a good work ethic, and the ability to work well in a team. No specific experience is required; on-the-job training will be provided.

13. Facilities Maintenance Technician (Hausmeister)

Position Overview: Maintain the historic and modern buildings of our Stein campus, ensuring a safe, clean, and functional environment for all employees and visitors.

Key Responsibilities - Facilities Maintenance Technician:

Perform general building repairs, including basic plumbing, carpentry, and painting. Maintain the heating, ventilation, and lighting systems. Conduct routine inspections of the buildings and grounds. Manage waste disposal and recycling programs. Assist with setting up for company events. Coordinate with external service providers.

Required Qualifications: A skilled trades background (handwerkliche Ausbildung) and a versatile, hands-on skill set. A driver's license is required.

14. Automation Technician (Automatisierungstechniker)

Position Overview: Focus on the maintenance, optimization, and troubleshooting of our increasingly automated production and packaging lines.

Key Responsibilities - Automation Technician:

Work on the PLC and control systems of our automated machinery. Analyze and optimize the performance of robotic systems and automated assembly cells. Diagnose complex faults that involve a combination of mechanical, electrical, and software issues. Assist in the planning and implementation of new automation projects. Train machine operators on new automated equipment.

Required Qualifications: Advanced technical training as a technician (Techniker) or a degree in Mechatronics or Automation Technology. Strong experience with Siemens PLC systems is essential.

To apply for any of these positions, please send your CV and a cover letter to: info@faber-castell.de