Department: Department of the Air Force
Location(s): Keesler AFB, Mississippi
Salary Range: $64029 - $74715 Per Year
Job 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.
Major Duties:
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.
How to Apply: The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/11/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12902420 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Application Deadline: 2026-03-11