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Posted: January 16, 2026 (0 days ago)

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SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT/PAINTER)

Air Mobility Command

Department of the Air Force

Fresh

Location

Salary

$82,478 - $96,065

per year

Closes

January 26, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working on military aircraft by shaping, repairing, and installing sheet metal parts that have tricky curves and angles, as well as preparing surfaces and applying paints to keep everything protected and looking right.

It's a hands-on role in a busy Air Force shop in California, perfect for someone with practical experience in metalworking and painting who can handle physical tasks and follow safety rules without much oversight.

Good fits are detail-oriented tradespeople who enjoy problem-solving with tools and blueprints.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to perform sheet metal mechanic and painting tasks on aircraft with minimal supervision
  • Knowledge of metals like stainless steel, magnesium, and alloys, plus shop math for pattern development
  • Understanding of safety, environmental standards, surface preparation, and coating methods
  • Skills in using hand/power tools, measuring instruments, and painting equipment like spray guns
  • Ability to read blueprints, diagrams, and technical specs to plan and lay out work
  • Experience inspecting and repairing aircraft sheet metal structures for defects
  • Basic computer skills for maintaining records and documentation

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, lay out, fabricate, modify, repair, assemble, and install complex aircraft Sheet metal parts, items, and assemblies that have combined straight and curved edges of irregular curves and planes; and perform the full range of painting, including surface preparation, blending and matching paints, and coating of various surfaces 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.

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 SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT/PAINTER) 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 the characteristics and properties of any metals used in the trade, e.g., stainless steel, magnesium, and alloys; of advanced shop mathematics and principles of radial-line development combined with parallel-line development to calculate and devise patterns involving combined straight and curved edges or irregular curves, angles, and planes; and of a wide range of trade practices, accepted surface preparation and coating methods, and paints and thinning additives.

2.Knowledge of safety and environmental standards, regulations, and requirements.

3.Skill in planning, laying out work in manufacturing aircraft sheet metal parts and components that have combined straight and curved edges, and irregular angles, planes, and curves; in using complicated measuring instruments such as protractors, calipers, snap ring, height, depth, dial, and screw pitch gauges; and other hand measuring devices; in selecting and applying the proper coating materials for a variety of sheet metal surfaces of aircraft; and in using a wide variety of hand and power tools such as crimping, burring, turning, and bending machines, and soldering and welding machines; and painting tools such as brushes, rollers, spray guns, graining devices, viscosity tester, thickness gauges, and compressors.

4.Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and technical specifications.

5.Ability to examine aircraft sheet metal structures to locate cracks, breaks, holes, bulges, dents, and loose or missing rivets and determine the type and extent of repairs needed to restore original strength; and to make repairs by manufacturing and installing new parts and reinforcing, patching, and replacing defective parts.

6.Ability to use computer terminals to maintain records and document actions.

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 when performing 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 from blueprints, sketches, drawings, specifications, and work orders in manufacturing aircraft sheet metal structures which have combined straight and curved edges, and irregular angles, planes, and curves.

- Examines aircraft sheet metal structures to locate cracks, breaks, holes, bulges, dents, and loose or missing rivets.

- 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 coats.

- Uses and maintains tools. - 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: 1/16/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/17/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 5X-AFPC-12868705-094196-ENR