Become a Machinist with the Alaska Air National Guard at Eielson AFB
Are you a skilled machinist looking to put your precision skills to work in an environment where your labor directly supports national security? The 168th Maintenance Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base is seeking a highly competent Machinist. This position offers competitive hourly wages and the opportunity to work on critical aircraft components and support systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a Machinist, your primary focus is to ensure the airworthiness of our fleet. Your daily tasks will include:
- Manufacturing and repairing aircraft parts using conventional and CNC machines.
- Interpreting complex blueprints to fabricate tools, jigs, and fixtures.
- Welding various alloys including aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.
- Utilizing precision instruments to maintain tolerances as tight as 0.0005 inches.
- Conducting material testing to ensure structural integrity.
Requirements
This is an Excepted Service role. You must meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of (or eligible to join) the Alaska Air National Guard.
- 18+ months of documented machining/CNC experience.
- Ability to pass a Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview
| Position | Pay Basis | Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Machinist (WG-11) | Per Hour | $43.62 - $50.82 |
Benefits
Employees gain access to a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Direct deposit salary payments.
- Training in state-of-the-art military maintenance facilities.
- Access to military incentive and student loan repayment programs.
Application Tips
To avoid disqualification, ensure your resume lists specific hours worked per week for every job entry. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required fields are included. Double-check that your work experience substantiates the requirements listed in the job announcement.
If you have the precision, dedication, and technical skill to support the 168th Maintenance Squadron, this is an excellent opportunity to advance your career. Apply today through the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Machinist Job Matters
Master the art of precision at Eielson AFB: Join the Air National Guard as a Machinist and keep our fleet mission-ready.
Machinist Job Overview
The 168th Maintenance Squadron (168 MXS) at Eielson Air Force Base is seeking a skilled Machinist to join our technical team. This is a critical Title 32 Excepted Service position within the Alaska Air National Guard. You will play a vital role in the manufacturing, modification, and repair of aircraft components and support equipment, working with high-precision tolerances and advanced fabrication techniques to ensure peak operational readiness.
Requirements for Machinist
- Must be a member of or eligible for immediate enlistment in the Alaska Air National Guard.
- Must maintain a compatible military assignment and wear the military uniform.
- Must possess at least 18 months of experience or training in machining operations on conventional or CNC machine tools.
- Proven ability to plan and lay out work from blueprints and technical drawings.
- Proficiency in advanced shop mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry.
- Knowledge of manual welding processes (arc, heli-arc, oxyacetylene).
- Must pass a security clearance background check for a Secret designation.
- If born after 12/31/1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Machinist
- Prior experience in aviation-specific machining and maintenance.
- Certified aircraft welder status.
- Demonstrated expertise in programming CNC machine tools.
- Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex metal fabrication and assembly issues.
- Experience with heat treatment processes for specialized metal parts.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Direct Deposit Program for reliable salary distribution
- ✓Eligibility for federal employment benefits
- ✓Opportunities for military career advancement
- ✓Comprehensive training and professional development
- ✓Access to state and federal military incentive programs
💡 How to Apply Machinist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Machinist Job
- Build or update your resume within the USAJOBS platform, ensuring it includes specific hours per week and complete date ranges for all experience.
- Click the apply button to begin the online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including proof of previous federal service (SF-50) if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the announcement closes.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise with your resume: USAJOBS automatically disqualifies applications that use only years (e.g., 2020-2021) instead of specific month/year ranges and hours worked.
- Focus on your accomplishments: Tailor your resume to reflect the specific machining and welding duties outlined in the position description.
- Review your questionnaire answers: Your self-assessment will be verified against your resume, and inflated scores may result in disqualification.
- Ensure your military status is clear: If you are not currently in the Alaska Air National Guard, clarify your eligibility for enlistment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in the military to apply?
Yes. This is an Excepted Service position requiring membership in the Alaska Air National Guard. If you are not currently a member, you must be eligible for immediate enlistment.
What kind of work will I be doing?
You will be responsible for machining aircraft parts, welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals, operating CNC machinery, and performing precision measurements to ensure all parts meet strict aviation safety tolerances.
Is this a permanent position?
This is an Indefinite position, meaning it is expected to last more than one year but no more than five years. There is potential for conversion to permanent status.
Can I apply if I am not in the Air National Guard?
Yes, provided you are eligible for immediate enlistment into the Alaska Air National Guard.
Is there relocation assistance?
Relocation may be available for qualified candidates; please verify current policies during the selection process.
Job from Air National Guard Units
The Alaska Air National Guard serves a dual mission, supporting both state and federal requirements. Working for the 168th Maintenance Squadron means you are part of a tight-knit team dedicated to operational readiness and aircraft support in the harsh, rewarding environment of interior Alaska.