TOOLMAKER
Air Force Materiel Command
Posted: March 10, 2026 (3 days ago)
This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.
Air Combat Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Arizona
Salary
$74,276 - $86,611
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Other jobs →Closes
This job involves building, fixing, and maintaining tools, fixtures, and molds used in making and repairing specialized equipment for the Air Force.
Workers will use various machines and materials to create precise parts based on technical drawings.
It's a good fit for experienced machinists who enjoy hands-on work with metals and tools and can work independently with minimal oversight.
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 provide support through the fabrication, overhaul, repair of tools, fixtures and molds used in the manufacture, overhaul and repair of specialized equipment.
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-3400 Machine Tool Work 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 ability to do the work of a WG-3416 TOOLMAKER 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 a variety of conventional machine tools such as lathes; vertical and horizontal boring mills; bench, plain, and universal milling machines; shapers; planers; internal and external grinders; thread cutters; and radial drills; and cutting saws, power hacksaws, screw machines, drill presses, shapers, and related shop equipment, wheel balancing equipment, brake lathes, equipment used for drilling, welders, metal lathes, sheet metal tools and vehicle lifts.
2.
Knowledge of the physical properties of numerous metals, metal alloys, plastics, rubber, and other materials to determine their adaptability to the specifications required of the item to be made; and the effect of hardening, annealing, and stress relieving on metals and metal alloys to choose the proper materials for specific items to be made, and make dimensional allowances for such processes, and knowledge of technical practices in order to repair and/or overhaul major components and systems such as engines, transmissions, differentials and transaxles, electronic fuel injection, emission control systems and related electrical, electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, fuel and related systems and assemblies.
3.
Knowledge of advanced shop mathematics and toolmaker handbook formulas in establishing needed dimensions and plan and layout work, ability to interpret and apply manufacturers repair manuals and technical specifications, schematics, engineering drawings, diagnostic codes and safety materials, and skill in reading and interpreting complex blueprints, complex multi-view mechanical drawings, and sketches, or to prepare own sketches from oral or written instructions, to calculate and work to precise dimensions and very close tolerances, make detailed and exact work layouts, and accomplish complex machine setups.
4. Skill in the use of measuring instruments and test equipment, i.e.
computerized engine analyzers, compression testers, multi meters, feeler gauges and micrometers, skill in using hand and power tools common to vehicle and water craft maintenance, i.e.
wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, electrical and air drills, pneumatic wrenches and soldering irons, ability to maintain, repair, and overhaul complex major components and systems in combustion-powered automotive vehicles, over the road trucks, and comparable vehicles without more than normal supervision, and the ability to receive and maintain certification as an all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, and vehicle operation instructor.
5.
Ability to instruct and assist others in all phases of automotive and boat repairs, ability to make repairs to boats made of fiberglass or rubber, and ability to trouble shoot and repair inboard and outboard two and four cycle marine engines using available technical manuals with no more than normal supervision.
6. Knowledge of safety regulations, procedures and policies to include environmental directives pertaining to handling of hazardous materials.
Physical Effort: Work requires frequent standing, stooping, bending, reaching, crawling under vehicles, and working in tight spaces or uncomfortable positions.
The employee frequently lifts, handles, and carries parts and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
They may occasionally lift items of 50 pounds or more with mechanical devices such as hoists, hand trucks, and lifts, or with assistance from other workers.
Working Conditions: Work is normally accomplished indoors or within a covered machine shop environment wherein there is danger to the skin and eyes from flying metal chips, abrasive particles, and hot metal; possibility of skin irritation from contact with coolants, lubricants, and abrasive compounds and danger to fingers, hands and other body parts from cutting tools, grinding wheels, rotating pieces and moving parts of machines.
Work is also performed on concrete surfaces exposed to drafts, noise, and vehicle exhaust.
The worker is continually exposed to dirt, dust, grease, and to the potential for burns, cuts, chemical irritations, shocks, bruises and strains.
They may be required to work outdoors in adverse weather.
To reduce dangers, they are required to follow prescribed safety procedures and use safety equipment such as safety toed shoes, glasses, and respirators.
Workers may be required to drive long distances necessitating operation of a vehicle for extended periods of time.
They may also be required to operate boats and other water craft in lakes or the open ocean, subjecting the employee to in climate weather and motion sickness.
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:
Fabricates, overhauls, calibrates, and repairs tools, jigs, fixture, and gages; develops, fabricates and repairs various types of punches and dies for use in metal working press operations, and fabricates and repairs molds for use in molding and shaping plastics, rubber and other materials.
Plans and lays out work from blueprints sketches or a model of the piece to be manufactured.
Sets up and operates common machine tools and attachments to perform special and precise machining operations by devising and constructing fixtures and holding devices.
Uses a variety of precision instruments and equipment such as vernier calipers; height gages; optical and electrical comparators, dial indicators, and various types of micrometers to attain dimensions and maintain tolerances.
Performs fleet maintenance at the journeyman level. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulation and maintains a safe and clean work environment.
Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes