SHEET METAL MECHANIC LEADER
Air Force Materiel Command
Posted: March 6, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Air Education and Training Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Texas
Salary
$70,895 - $82,729
per year
Type
Full-Time
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This job involves creating custom sheet metal parts for aircraft, such as designing patterns, cutting, shaping, and assembling unique components for special projects or training exercises in the Air Force.
It's hands-on work that requires precision and creativity to build one-of-a-kind items without much guidance.
A good fit would be someone with strong mechanical skills, experience in metalworking, and the ability to handle physically demanding tasks in a shop or outdoor setting.
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 develop templates for, or lay out, construct. assemble, and install unconventional.
one-of-a-kind aircraft sheet metal items, systems, or apparatus for a one-time project or in support of developmental or training activities.
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 planning, layout, and aircraft sheet metal manufacturing to devise complex templates and patterns, and to shape, construct, and assemble objects with combined shapes such as rectangular.
cylindrical, tapered, or truncated cones, using the least number of seams and amount of metal. 2.
Knowledge of a wide variety of metals and how their characteristics fit the needs and requirements of projects where information or guidelines are minimal. 3.
Knowledge of parallel-line and radial-line development. and triangulation. 4. Knowledge of safety and environmental standards. regulations, and requirements. 5.
Skill in adapting shop practices, methods, and techniques to fit new situations. 6.
Skill in using complicated measuring instruments such as protractors; calipers: snap ring, height, depth, dial, and screw pitch gauges: and other hand measuring devices.
Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, diagrams. sketches. and technical specifications. Skill in using a wide variety of hand and power tools such as crimping, burring.
turning, and bending machines, and soldering and welding machines and adapting them to special use. Ability to manufacture patterns and templates for unconventional.
one-of-a-kind items, systems, or apparatus for a one-time project or in support of experimental or testing activities. Ability to use computer terminals to maintain records and document actions.
Knowledge of a wide range of trade practices, accepted surface preparation and coating methods, and of paint sand thinning additives.
Skill in selecting and applying the proper coating materials for a variety of sheet metal surfaces of aircraft.
Physical Effort: Work encompasses strenuous physical exertion when bending and shaping the more complex items in handling larger and bulkier items.
Physical exertion is moderate and includes prolonged standing: climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding; working in cramped and awkward positions while installing items; and reaching, lifting, and bending while using hand and powered tools.
Weight lifted seldom exceeds 50 pounds.
Working Conditions: Works both inside and outside and is subjected to a moderate amount of noise and vibration from shop machines and to a variety of weather conditions. Subject to cuts, bruises.
falls, and burns. Required to wear safety glasses whenperforming eye hazardous operations. 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:
- Plans and lays out work with a minimum of accompanying information, to fabricate, manufacture, assemble, and install unconventional, one-of-a-kind aircraft sheet metal items for a one-time project or in support of trainer development activities.
- Modifies trainer frame segments, such as metal structural members and reinforcements. - Uses and maintains tools. Uses basic hand and power tools such as hammers.
- Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. - Serves as focal point for unit environmental compliance.
Assures adherence to federal and state rules when specifying, ordering. storing, using. handling. labeling, and disposing of hazardous materials and waste in accordance with environmental standards.
- Prepares various surfaces of interior and exterior aircraft sheet metal structures by mechanically and chemically removing old paint and rust, filling cracks.
sanding, and applying fillers and base cotes.
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