AIRCRAFT MECHANIC
Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command
Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Massachusetts
Salary
$82,854 - $96,691
per year
Type
Full Time
More Maintenance & Trades jobs →Closes
This job involves working as an aircraft electrician in the Air Force Reserve, where you'll maintain, repair, and troubleshoot electrical systems on military planes while also participating in reserve training one weekend a month.
It's a full-time civil service role with military obligations, ideal for someone with hands-on experience in electrical work who enjoys technical problem-solving and is comfortable with both civilian and reserve duties.
A good fit would be a detail-oriented technician who can work independently and follow safety protocols in a structured environment.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and enjoy all the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service.
In addition, ARTs are required to maintain their active membership in the AF Reserve unit where assigned. ARTs receive on average one weekend of military training per month.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-2800 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE 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 perform the work of an AIRCRAFT ELECTRICIAN with little or no 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: Knowledge of assigned shop and trade practices.
Knowledge of applicable personnel, manpower, time, and attendance, and budgeting instructions, guidelines, and requirements.
Knowledge of safety and security requirements as outlined in applicable standards, regulations and technical orders. Knowledge of USAF Technical Order Program and its procedures.
Ability to follow appropriate work practices including keeping a tidy, clean, and orderly work area.
Ability to use and interpret computer data, wiring diagrams, technical data, blueprints, schematics, and engineering instructions. Ability to follow budgeting directives, instructions and procedures.
Comprehensive knowledge of the electrical theory, principles, and circuitry and instruments used in shop and trade practices and a knowledge of aircraft electrical systems and their relationships.
Comprehensive knowledge of testing and troubleshooting techniques and procedures utilizing a variety of test devices and ability to analyze, modify, and repair complex electrical or environmental systems and components on assigned aircraft.
Ability to apply technical practices in the performance of assigned work. Ability to lay-out connecting circuits and make connections in order to prevent equipment or circuit overload or malfunction.
Knowledge of electronic principles in order to recognize types and sizes of resistors, capacitors, wiring, and transistors.
Knowledge of the interface of electrical or environmental systems with hydraulic, electronic armament, instrument, and mechanical systems and assemblies.
Knowledge of tools, equipment, and materials accounting and security.
Skill in installing, relocating, and repositioning electrical and electronic components and wiring to facilitate installation of equipment.
Skill in calibrating and adjusting components such as amplifiers, proximity boxes, generators, and voltage regulators.
Skill in tracing hard to locate and intermittent electrical defects and problems using a variety of meters and testing devices OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: Performs other related duties as assigned.
Performs uncommon tours of duty. May be required to fly in military or commercial aircraft for TDY purposes. May be required to overtime. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position.
The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements.
The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
Work schedules will be so aligned to allow the individual to function fully on unit training assembly (UTA) weekends.
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Employee frequently climbs up and down ladders, check stands, work platforms, scaffolding, and aircraft structures while making repairs or installations.
The work requires long periods of standing and considerable kneeling, bending, stooping, and stretching.
The work frequently requires individuals to make repairs or installations in hard to- reach places requiring awkward and strained positions.
In addition, the work requires lifting and carrying aircraft electrical items weighing up to 20 pounds unassisted and occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance of lifting devices or other workers.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Employee works in hangars and on flight lines.
Workers are subject to drafts, noise, and varying temperatures in hangars and weather, temperature, and noise extremes on flight lines.
Workers are exposed to dust, dirt, grease, oil, fumes, solvents and other aircraft fluids while working on aircraft in various stages of repair or modification.
Workers at this level are exposed to the possibility of abrasions, cuts, burns, electrical shock, skin and eye irritation, and falls from elevated work areas e.g., check stands and aircraft structures.
In addition, some workers on flight lines are exposed to potential injury from turning rotors or jet blast during engines run ups.
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. Major Duties:
The primary purpose of this position is: to serve as Section Small Shop Chief no more than 25% of the time over journey level mechanics involved in the installing, troubleshooting, adjusting, testing, modifying, calibrating, and repairing of aircraft electrical systems and equipment on board conventional aircraft supported by the organization and to provide training to reservists in the accomplishment of tasks set forth herein.
DUTIES: DUTY 1: Performs administrative supervisory duties over the journey level mechanics in the section no more than 25 percent of the time.
DUTY 2: Performs troubleshooting of electrical or environmental systems and related equipment for assigned aircraft.
Installs, modifies, repairs, replaces, adjusts and overhauls complex and/or electrical or environmental systems, components, and accessories, with intricate wiring armament, landing gear, antiskid, ignition, stall warning, power distribution, engine drive alternator and fuel indicating systems.
DUTY 3: Performs final functional and operational tests of the entire aircraft electrical or environmental systems and related.
Utilizes safety practices and procedures and complies with security regulations, directives, and policies. DUTY 4: Controls tools.
Ensures tools are properly marked, calibrated (if necessary), and are secured when area is unattended. DUTY 5: Certifies work produced under the USAF Technical Order Program.
Cleans work area and equipment.
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