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The primary purpose of this position is to perform aircraft structural maintenance journey level proficient tasks associated with planning, laying out, fabricating, modifying, repairing, assembling, and installing sheet metal parts, items, and assemblies.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, Metal Work Group, Sheet Metal Mechanic, . 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 the position 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 materials, techniques, practices, and procedures related to sheet metal structural and composite structural tasks. Knowledge of regulations, procedures, and policies related to records maintenance and documentation. Knowledge of and ability to apply safety, environmental, material safety data sheets, and security standards, USAF Technical Orders, regulations, and requirements.
2. Skill in layout and pattern development (including geometric projection and triangulation). Skill in fabricating complex items from a variety of materials such as galvanized or stainless steel, aluminum, copper sheet, honeycomb material, and alloys. Skill in using and maintaining a variety of metal shop tools, equipment, and measuring instruments such as drill presses, rivet guns, punches, spot welders, metal saws, dimplets, and permaswedge tube repair kits. Skill in assembling, fabricating, and repairing aircraft structural components, and materials.
3. Ability to inspect and evaluate structural damage to sheet metal and composite systems sufficient to plan and accomplish repairs. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and technical specifications. Ability to maintain professional, courteous and cooperative interaction with coworkers, sections, and organizations. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. Documents work manually and through
computer based access methods.
4. Knowledge of work area hygiene, upkeep, cleanliness and foreign object debris prevention sufficient to clean
work area and/or job site upon completion of work.
5. Skill in preparing and painting a variety of surfaces common to aircraft interiors and exteriors in accordance with accepted surface preparing and coating methods and techniques. Skill in using and maintaining a variety of painting and surface preparations equipment such as powered spray
units, sanders, grinders, vacuum blasters, pitdepth gauges, and stencil machines.
6. Knowledge of federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and AF Environmental Compliance Assessment Management Program (ECAMP) rules, regulations, and instructions relating to hazardous waste generation and personal and environmental protection.
Physical Effort: Work encompasses strenuous physical exertion when bending and shaping the more complex items in handling larger and bulkier material. Requires physical effort which includes prolonged standing on production lines; climbing up and down ladders and scaffolds; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items; and reaching, lifting, and bending while using hand and powered tools in uncomfortable positions for extended periods. Weight lifted seldom exceeds 50 pounds.
Working Conditions:
Works both inside and outside and is subject to a moderate amount of noise and vibration from shop machines. When working outside is subject to a variety of weather conditions. Subject to cuts, bruises, falls, and burns. Shop areas normally have adequate lighting and ventilation. Also, subject to serious injuries to hands and fingers from accidents while operating machines. To minimize or eliminate the effects of some of these conditions, the
technician follows numerous safety practices and wears or uses various protective devices such as machine tool shields, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, face shields, hearing protection devices, and respirators. These devices may be uncomfortable and may be worn for long periods of time.
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.This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform aircraft structural maintenance journey level proficient tasks associated with planning, laying out, fabricating, modifying, repairing, assembling, and installing sheet metal parts, items, and assemblies.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, Metal Work Group, Sheet Metal Mechanic, . 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 the position 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 materials, techniques, practices, and procedures related to sheet metal structural and composite structural tasks. Knowledge of regulations, procedures, and policies related to records maintenance and documentation. Knowledge of and ability to apply safety, environmental, material safety data sheets, and security standards, USAF Technical Orders, regulations, and requirements.
2. Skill in layout and pattern development (including geometric projection and triangulation). Skill in fabricating complex items from a variety of materials such as galvanized or stainless steel, aluminum, copper sheet, honeycomb material, and alloys. Skill in using and maintaining a variety of metal shop tools, equipment, and measuring instruments such as drill presses, rivet guns, punches, spot welders, metal saws, dimplets, and permaswedge tube repair kits. Skill in assembling, fabricating, and repairing aircraft structural components, and materials.
3. Ability to inspect and evaluate structural damage to sheet metal and composite systems sufficient to plan and accomplish repairs. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and technical specifications. Ability to maintain professional, courteous and cooperative interaction with coworkers, sections, and organizations. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. Documents work manually and through
computer based access methods.
4. Knowledge of work area hygiene, upkeep, cleanliness and foreign object debris prevention sufficient to clean
work area and/or job site upon completion of work.
5. Skill in preparing and painting a variety of surfaces common to aircraft interiors and exteriors in accordance with accepted surface preparing and coating methods and techniques. Skill in using and maintaining a variety of painting and surface preparations equipment such as powered spray
units, sanders, grinders, vacuum blasters, pitdepth gauges, and stencil machines.
6. Knowledge of federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and AF Environmental Compliance Assessment Management Program (ECAMP) rules, regulations, and instructions relating to hazardous waste generation and personal and environmental protection.
Physical Effort: Work encompasses strenuous physical exertion when bending and shaping the more complex items in handling larger and bulkier material. Requires physical effort which includes prolonged standing on production lines; climbing up and down ladders and scaffolds; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items; and reaching, lifting, and bending while using hand and powered tools in uncomfortable positions for extended periods. Weight lifted seldom exceeds 50 pounds.
Working Conditions:
Works both inside and outside and is subject to a moderate amount of noise and vibration from shop machines. When working outside is subject to a variety of weather conditions. Subject to cuts, bruises, falls, and burns. Shop areas normally have adequate lighting and ventilation. Also, subject to serious injuries to hands and fingers from accidents while operating machines. To minimize or eliminate the effects of some of these conditions, the
technician follows numerous safety practices and wears or uses various protective devices such as machine tool shields, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, face shields, hearing protection devices, and respirators. These devices may be uncomfortable and may be worn for long periods of time.
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.This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Job ID: 523502996
Originally Posted on: 6/3/2026