SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT)
Naval Air Systems Command
Posted: January 28, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Naval Air Systems Command
Department of the Navy
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).
This job involves repairing, fabricating, and assembling sheet metal parts for F/A-18 aircraft at a naval air station in California, focusing on complex tasks like assessing damage, reading blueprints, and using precision tools to ensure aircraft structures are safe and functional.
It's ideal for experienced sheet metal workers who enjoy hands-on technical work in a military setting and can operate independently without much oversight.
Candidates with a strong background in aircraft maintenance and metalworking would thrive here.
You will serve as a Sheet Metal Mechanic (ACFT) in the MRO F/A-18 MRO Production Department of FLEET READINESS CENTER WEST located at Naval Air Station, Lemoore, CA.
Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must 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 quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below.
This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job.
Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible.
The Screen-out Element for this position is: ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF THE POSITION WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION.
I have the ability to independently perform the most difficult and complex tasks as an expert or have been consulted by other employees in difficult situations performing duties including: 1) Performing complex and advanced metal repair, fabrication, planning, laying out, designing, and assembling/dissembling aircraft and aircraft components; 2) Applying knowledge of the characteristics and properties of any metals (i.e.
stainless steel, magnesium, honeycomb) used in the trade; 3) Utilizing techniques and methods to assemble metal systems and utilizing the ability to recognize size bolts, screws, rivets, and all fasteners associated with aircraft trade; 4) Using a wide variety of complicated hand and power tools, as well as precision measuring instruments and working to tolerances as close as .03 of an inch; 5) Reading and interpreting complex blueprints, technical manuals, and schematics of items to be repaired; 6) Devising complex templates/patterns into shapes (i.e.
rectangular, cylindrical, tapered, etc.); 7) Employing developmental processes such as geometry, radial, parallel lines, trigonometry, and other shop mathematics to design parts.
I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence.
Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations.
Additional qualification information can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=List-of-Approved-Job-Elements Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Major Duties:
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