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Posted: March 4, 2026 (0 days ago)

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MODEL MAKER

Air Education and Training Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$64,029 - $74,715

per year

Type

Closes

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves planning and building detailed models from various materials for research, prototypes, and educational purposes in an Air Force setting.

Workers create these models using machines and tools to support scientific and engineering projects.

It's a good fit for skilled craftspeople with hands-on experience in machining and fabrication who enjoy precise, technical work.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to perform model making tasks independently without more than normal supervision
  • Knowledge of technical practices for planning, laying out, modifying, and manufacturing prototype models
  • Expertise in working with ferrous and nonferrous metals, alloys, and related processes like heat treating, annealing, plating, and welding
  • Skills in using conventional and CNC machine tools, including programming, editing, and adapting for complex shapes
  • Proficiency with precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, vernier calipers, and gage blocks
  • Ability to interpret blueprints, use shop mathematics, and develop special tools, jigs, and fixtures
  • High manual dexterity for working with extremely close tolerances and effective oral/written communication

Full Job Description

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.

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. Major Duties:

- 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.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/4/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/5/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 8V-AFPC-12902420-191977-ENR