Becoming an Aircraft Electrical Worker with the Department of the Navy in San Diego

Are you looking for a hands-on technical career where your skills directly support national defense? The Department of the Navy is currently seeking qualified professionals to step into the role of Aircraft Electrical Worker at Naval Air Station San Diego, California. Operating under the esteemed Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), this civilian position plays a vital part in maintaining the structural and operational readiness of the United States Navy's aviation fleet.

This position is perfect for skilled trade workers who thrive in high-stakes environments, possess a meticulous eye for detail, and want to enjoy the stability and rewards of a federal career. Located in sunny San Diego, this opportunity blends competitive pay, exceptional federal benefits, and a deeply meaningful mission. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this career path, including the core responsibilities, qualifications, pay scale, and application process.

About the Agency: Naval Air Systems Command

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is dedicated to providing full life-cycle support for naval aviation aircraft, weapons, and systems. Civilian employees at NAVAIR work side-by-side with active-duty military personnel, bringing specialized expertise to complex engineering, maintenance, and testing challenges.

By joining the Department of the Navy’s civilian workforce, you become part of a legacy of innovation and service. NAVAIR fosters a collaborative culture that values technical precision, safety, and professional growth, ensuring that civilian personnel have the resources and training they need to excel in their careers.

Job Responsibilities

As an Aircraft Electrical Worker (WG-8), your day-to-day duties will revolve around keeping naval aircraft flight-ready. You will work on both fixed-wing (airplanes) and rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft, executing a wide array of electrical repair and maintenance tasks.

Key responsibilities include:

Routine Disassembly & Assembly: Safely dismantling, repairing, modifying, and reassembling standard electrical systems and components, including flight controls, power supplies, instrumentation, fuel systems, and fire detection units.
Diagnostic Testing: Performing functional checks and operational troubleshooting on newly installed and pre-existing electrical wiring, cables, and aircraft systems using specialized diagnostic equipment.
Cable Fabrication: Designing, building, modifying, and testing electrical cables and harnesses to ensure they meet stringent military safety and performance standards.
Technical Analysis: Reading, interpreting, and applying technical data from blueprint schematics, job orders, shop sketches, and engineering manuals.
Tool Selection: Determining the appropriate methods, tools, and technical sequences necessary to complete diverse maintenance tasks safely and efficiently.

Requirements & Qualifications

While a specific length of experience is not mandated, applicants must prove through their technical resume and training that they possess the precise skills required for the job. Your qualifications will be measured against key "screen-out" elements that determine baseline competency.

Minimum Eligibility Screen-Out Elements:

Ability to perform basic disassembly, repair, overhaul, and modification of common aircraft electrical systems (such as power controls, flight controls, and instrumentation).
Experience in fabricating, troubleshooting, and repairing aircraft electrical cables.
Functional understanding of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power supplies and general aircraft electrical interrelationships.
Ability to interpret blueprints, schematic diagrams, engineering sketches, and technical manuals.
Skill in choosing the proper tools and methodologies to complete complex repairs.

Conditions of Employment:

U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Security Clearance: Position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Drug Testing: Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening is required.
Shift Flexibility: Candidates must be willing to work rotating shifts to accommodate the operational scheduling demands of the naval station.

Salary Overview & Grade System

Positions under the Federal Wage System (FWS) are categorized as Blue-Collar trades and paid on an hourly basis. This specific role is classified under the WG-8 pay grade.

Below is an overview of the hourly rates and estimated annualized compensation for this position, based on a standard 40-hour work week:

Pay Step Level	Hourly Wage Rate	Estimated Annualized Salary
Step 1 (Minimum)	$32.46	$67,516.80
Step 5 (Maximum)	$37.84	$78,707.20

Note: Actual starting pay within this range is determined by federal hiring guidelines, experience, and regulations. Shift differentials may also apply for rotating shifts.

Benefits of Federal Employment

Civilian service within the Department of the Navy offers an outstanding suite of benefits that rival those in the private sector. Beyond a stable paycheck, employees enjoy:

Comprehensive Healthcare: Choose from a wide selection of healthcare, dental, and vision insurance plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings program similar to a 401(k) that includes automatic and matching agency contributions up to 5%.
Retirement Pension: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), providing a secure, lifetime defined-benefit pension.
Paid Time Off: Earned annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
Relocation Incentives: For qualifying selectees, the Navy may authorize relocation incentives to assist in offsetting moving costs.

Application Tips & Submission Process

This job opening is being filled via a Public Notice Flyer for anticipated vacancies. To ensure your application is reviewed and considered, follow these guidelines carefully:

1. Master the 2-Page Resume Limit

Unlike standard federal applications that allow multi-page resumes, this flyer strictly limits submissions to two (2) pages or fewer. Any resume exceeding this limit or deemed illegible will be discarded immediately. Focus on highlighting your technical competencies, clear metrics of your past work, and direct experience with the screen-out criteria.

2. Use USAJobs Resume Builder

To ensure your resume includes all required federal details, use the online Resume Builder tool on USAJobs. Make sure your final document clearly lists:

Employer name and location.
Exact employment dates (Month/Year).
Average hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hours/week).
Hourly or annual salary and pay plan/grade (if previous federal experience).

3. Redact Sensitive Data

Before submitting, make sure to review and redact sensitive personal information such as Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, or the personal details of references from your resume and supporting documents.

4. Direct Email Submission

Applications will not be accepted via the USAJobs portal for this notice. You must email your complete resume and supporting documentation package (such as DD-214 for veterans or transcripts if applicable) directly to: [email protected] before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this job open to the public?

Yes. This flyer utilizes Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for domestic defense industrial base facilities and is open to all qualified U.S. citizens.

Q2: What kind of shifts will I work?

This position requires rotating shift work. Selected candidates should expect to rotate through day, swing, and night shifts as scheduled to maintain fleet support.

Q3: Do I need prior military experience to apply?

No. Civilian positions within the Department of the Navy are open to all qualified individuals, regardless of military background. However, veterans' preference documentation should be submitted if applicable.

Q4: Who should I contact if I have questions about this vacancy?

For administrative and process questions, you can reach out to the agency contact point, Rachelle Aldridge, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 619-545-2887.

If you are a motivated technician with a talent for working on complex aircraft electrical systems, this Aircraft Electrical Worker position at Naval Air Station San Diego is an incredible opportunity. Joining the Department of the Navy as a civilian allows you to build a highly stable career with top-tier benefits while keeping military aviators safe. Refine your resume to highlight your diagnostic and repair skills, keep it under the strict two-page limit, and submit your application to secure your chance at this rewarding role!

Why This Aircraft Electrical Worker Job Matters

Power up your aviation career and support national defense as an Aircraft Electrical Worker at Naval Air Station San Diego!

Aircraft Electrical Worker Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is seeking skilled Aircraft Electrical Workers to join the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) team in San Diego, California. In this critical civilian role, you will perform essential troubleshooting, disassembly, repair, modification, and reassembly of complex electrical systems on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing naval aircraft. This position offers competitive hourly wages, a comprehensive federal benefits package, and the unique opportunity to directly support military aviation readiness on the West Coast.

Requirements for Aircraft Electrical Worker

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must be willing to perform rotating shift work to support ongoing aviation operations.
Must submit a comprehensive resume limited to a maximum of 2 pages.
Must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations.
Must possess the physical and technical skills required to perform core duties without close supervision (assessed via screen-out elements).

Preferred Qualifications for Aircraft Electrical Worker

Prior hands-on experience performing electrical overhauls and modifications on military or commercial fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.
Proven expertise in fabricating, testing, and repairing complex aircraft electrical cables and harness assemblies.
A strong working knowledge of AC and DC power supplies and their functional interrelationships within complex aircraft systems.
Advanced proficiency in reading and interpreting structural blueprints, schematics, engineering drawings, and technical manuals.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay range of $32.46 to $37.84.
✓Potential relocation incentives authorized for eligible selectees.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with generous government matching contributions.
✓Paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
✓Robust retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to ongoing training, professional development, and career advancement within the Department of the Navy.

💡 How to Apply Aircraft Electrical Worker Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Aircraft Electrical Worker Job

Prepare a highly detailed, professional resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages or fewer.
Ensure your resume explicitly highlights your experience with the screen-out criteria, such as troubleshooting AC/DC systems, reading schematics, and repairing aircraft electrical cables.
Gather necessary supporting documentation, including military service records (DD-214/DD-215, SF-15, or command letters), and transcripts if using education to qualify.
Submit your complete application package via email directly to [email protected] before the vacancy announcement closing date.
Monitor your email for communications from the Navy Human Resources Office regarding application status and potential interview scheduling.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit. Any resume that exceeds 2 pages, or is illegible, will be disqualified immediately without review.
We highly recommend utilizing the USAJobs Resume Builder to construct your resume. Ensure you include employer names, precise start and end dates (Month/Year), and average hours worked per week for all previous positions.
Ensure your resume contains clear, specific examples of your hands-on technical skills rather than generic task descriptions.
Redact sensitive personal information such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), dates of birth, or personal details of others from all supplemental attachments before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework or remote work?

No. This is a hands-on, on-site aircraft maintenance position located at Naval Air Station San Diego, and telework is not available.

What is the schedule for this position?

This position requires rotating shift work to maintain continuous fleet support. Candidates must be flexible and willing to work varying shifts as operational demands require.

Are there relocation incentives available?

Yes, relocation incentives may be authorized for eligible selectees to assist with moving expenses.

Will I receive notification of my application results?

Because this is a public notice flyer used to fill anticipated vacancies rather than a standard job posting, Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants.