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SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT)

Department of the Air Force
Air Mobility 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 perform journeyman level aircraft structural maintenance through inspection, planning, lay out, fabrication, modification, repair, assembly, and installation of complex aircraft sheet metal, advanced composite, honeycomb and adhesive bonded parts, items, and assemblies.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/26/2026 to 04/02/2026
Salary
$84,398 to - $98,486 per year

The hourly rate is $40.44 - $47.19

Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
McChord AFB, WA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
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
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
5M-AFPC-12922674-224011-GG
Control number
862675600

Duties

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- Plans and lays out work from blueprints, sketches, drawings, specifications, and work orders in manufacturing aircraft sheet metal and composite structures which have combined straight and curved edges, and irregular angles, planes, and curves.

- Examines aircraft sheet metal and composite structures to locate cracks, breaks, holes, bulges, dents, and loose or missing rivets and composite damage; performs repairs and structural maintenance on aircraft and a variety of aircraft related components; manufactures aircraft structures and components.

- Repairs, modifies, and manufactures honeycomb adhesive bonded composite and advanced carbon composite aircraft structures that have contours that must be reestablished or that require the manufacture of a mold using the available part or pattern.

- Prepares aircraft surfaces, surfaces of related components and aerospace ground equipment (AGE), prepares and applies protective and corrosion preventative coatings, decorative markings and insignia.

- Uses and maintains tools and equipment. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Signs off on aircraft forms for work performed by self and others and clears safety of flight condition or equipment serviceability (i.e., Red-Xs).

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
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned. Will be required to work uncommon tour of duty, overtime and perform standby duties. Will be subject to on-call or recall due to contingencies or emergencies.
  • Required to fly in military and commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty (TDY) assignments.
  • Required to work at various locations within the group and base.
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance to perform work in sensitive areas.
  • Safeguards classified or sensitive materials, information, sensitive aircraft systems, and/or files.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain civilian and military driver's license.
  • Must maintain ability to open and close electrically controlled hangar doors.
  • May be required to be certified on operation of powered aerospace ground equipment.
  • Required to be certified for working with and/or removing hazardous materials.
  • Required to be certified for repairing conventional and advanced composite aircraft structures
  • This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • Superior Qualifications may or may not be considered.

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-3800 Structural and Finishing Work Family. 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 the Ability to do the work of Sheet Metal Mechanic 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:

  1. Knowledge of sheet metal and composite repair to plan and lay out work in manufacturing aircraft parts and components that have combined straight and curved edges, and irregular angles, planes, and curves. Knowledge of the characteristics and properties of a variety of metals, fiberglass, and advanced composites used in the trade, e.g., aluminum, titanium, copper, stainless steel, honeycomb material, Kevlar, fiberglass, advanced composites and graphite.
  2. Knowledge of advanced shop mathematics to calculate and devise patterns involving straight and curved edges or irregular curves, angles, and planes. Knowledge of safety, environmental, aircraft foreign object debris prevention, and confined space programs and the applicable standards, regulations, and requirements.
  3. Knowledge of materials, techniques, practices, and procedures related to aircraft structural and corrosion inspections, maintenance, removal, repair, control and protection of metallic, fiberglass, and composite aircraft structures and components. Skill in using complicated measuring instruments such as protractors; calipers; height, depth, precision laboratory measuring scales, and other hand measuring devices; and hand and power tools such as crimping, and metal forming bending machines; and pneumatic tools.
  4. Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and technical specifications. Skill in selecting and applying the proper coating materials for a variety of sheet metal and composite surfaces of aircraft.
  5. Ability to examine, inspect and evaluate aircraft sheet metal and composite structures to locate cracks, breaks, holes, bulges, dents, and loose or missing fasteners, or composite damage, and determine the type and extent of repairs needed to restore original strength and contour. Ability to make repairs by manufacturing and repairing new parts, reinforcing, patching, replacing defective parts, and mixing and applying two-part adhesives and sealants along with paints in accordance with accepted surface preparation and coating methods and processes.
  6. Ability to use computer terminals to maintain records and document actions along with knowledge of regulations, procedures, policies, and computer-based programs related to aircraft maintenance. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Must have physical and mental ability to work in confined spaces to include aircraft fuel tanks and tail spars. Work encompasses strenuous physical exertion when bending and shaping the more complex items in handling larger and bulkier items. Prolonged standing; climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items; and reaching, lifting, and bending while using hand and powered tools is required. Frequently handles, lifts, and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifts and moves heavier items with assistance from others or with weightlifting equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Required to perform work in confined space areas. Works both inside and outside and is subjected to a moderateamount of noise and vibration from shop machines and to a variety of weather conditions. Will be required to work onaircraft at heights up to 65 feet. Subject to cuts, bruises, falls, and burns. Required to wear safety glasses, hearing andrespiratory protection when performing operations hazardous to sight, hearing and respiratory tract.

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.

Air Mobility Command

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win ... Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.


Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • AF DCIPS Interchange
  • AF Internal Employee
  • EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Employee
  • Military Spouse Preference
  • PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
  • PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Agency contact information

Total Force Service Center
Phone
1-800-525-0102
Email
DO.NOT.EMAIL@CALL.ONLY
Address
JBLM - McChord Field
100 Col Joe Jackson Blvd
Suite 1006
JBLM - McChord Field, WA 98438
US

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