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MODEL MAKER

Department of the Air Force
Air Education and Training Command

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

The primary purpose of this position is to Plan and fabricate complex research, prototype and educational models that are made from a variety of materials and are used in scientific, engineering, developmental and educational work.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/04/2026 to 03/11/2026
Salary
$64,029 to - $74,715 per year

$30.68 to $35.80 Per Hour

Pay scale & grade
WG 14
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Keesler AFB, MS
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
8V-AFPC-12902420-191977-ENR
Control number
859804900

Duties

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- Independently plans, lays out, manufactures, and modifies prototype models requiring metals or plastics technology in support of research and development projects.
- Lays out work that involves a wide variety of interrelated dimensions such as unusual contours and shapes and variety of irregularly shaped parts at varying angles and planes. Determines the most effective sequence of machining or other trade operations and processes.
- Uses gearing pattern manual and charts, geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and shop mathematics to calculate the sizes and dimensional relationships of parts, working tolerances and clearances and, machine tool settings.
- Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • The employee may be required to work overtime.
  • Work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver's license will be required for the position.
  • Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-4700 General Maintenance and Operations Work Group. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen out element for this position is ability to do the work of a MODEL MAKER without more than normal supervision.

JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
l. Knowledge of technical practices in order to plan, layout, modify, and/or manufacture a variety of unique prototype models. Knowledge in using ferrous and nonferrous metals and metal alloys to make complete models and model parts, and the effect and relationship of heat treating, annealing, plating, welding, and other related work processes on machining operations in completing assignments. Knowledge to device and make special tools, templates, molds, jigs, gages, fixtures, and securing devices needed in fabrication or assembly of models. Knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, algebra and shop mathematics to calculate the sizes and dimensional relationships of parts, working tolerances and clearances, and machine tool settings.
2. Skill in using conventional machine tools and their attachments to perform machining processes requiring special adaptation of the equipment or process for which they were not specifically designed; and in using special or improvised tools, fixtures, and setups to machine surfaces configurations such as curved surfaces requiring machine feeds in different planes simultaneously, surfaces having closely interrelated dimensions, or surfaces having unusual or compound angular relationships. Skill in operating CNC machine tools through one complete cycle-to manufacture the first part; proof dimensions; check sufficiency of programming, tooling, fixturing, and machine operations, edit programs and make the normal changes required; and recommend changes to programs on deficiencies noted.
3. Skill in using a variety of specialized and precision-measuring instruments such micrometers, vernier calipers, height, limit, and surface gages, and master gage blocks. Skill in interpreting blueprints, program readouts, and technical directives, the use of shop mathematics, and shop floor programming. Ability to test, calibrate, troubleshoot, overhaul, repair, and install equipment to complete modeling projects.
4. Ability to use a very high degree of manual dexterity and work within extremely close tolerances. Ability to apply shop policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
5. Knowledge of a variety of manufacturing processes and methods used during the planning stages of a project. Knowledge of how to plan and layout complete models, assemblies, and subassemblies to reproduce scale designs, and to plan work requirements so that other employees assigned to the project can easily follow instructions. Knowledge of how to develop and fabricate special tools, fixtures, and jigs to hold, machine, fabricate, and assemble items with compound curves and intersecting compound angles. Skill in using tools such as soldering irons, welding equipment, bonding and brazing equipment, and the full variety of metal working machines including the latest machines such as numerically controlled and electrical discharges machines. Skill in a variety of trade functions and able to fabricate, assemble, and align parts and components with critical centerline dimensions. Skill in setting up and operating a variety of machines and hand tools.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The work involves standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding, and pulling and pushing at various stages of assignments to assemble items and install assemblies. Frequently handles objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally handles objects weighing up to 50 pounds without the assistance of lifting devices.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employee works inside in areas that are noisy, dirty, and occasionally outside. The employee is exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, scrapes, burns, and broken bones. The tasks may involve discomfort while wearing aprons, gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and any other protective equipment as required by changing assignments.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information


Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience relates to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements.
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

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