Become a Machinist with the Lexington VA Health Care System
Are you a skilled mechanical professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Lexington VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Machinist to support our diverse engineering needs. This position is perfect for someone with a background in precision machining, equipment repair, and mechanical troubleshooting who wants to apply their skills in a mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
The Machinist role is unique due to its breadth. You will not only operate lathes and milling machines to fabricate replacement parts but also serve as a maintenance mechanic for complex hospital systems. Major duties include:
- Equipment Fabrication: Designing and creating parts for specialty medical devices and shop equipment.
- Mechanical Repair: Servicing pneumatic tube systems, air compressors, and emergency power generators.
- Facility Support: Repairing hospital furniture, ground equipment, and performing sheet metal modifications.
- Collaboration: Coordinating with medical staff to resolve equipment downtime issues.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Machinist |
| Agency | Veterans Health Administration |
| Location | Lexington, KY |
| Pay Range | $30.82 - $35.95/hr |
| Schedule | Full-Time (M-F) |
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform trade-level mechanical work. While there is no specific education requirement, you must provide detailed documentation of your experience. Other requirements include U.S. Citizenship, passing a pre-employment physical, and submitting to a background investigation.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides competitive compensation, stable schedules, and a robust package of health and retirement benefits, ensuring your career is as rewarding as it is impactful.
Application Tips
- Resume Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less.
- Clarity: Use clear, results-oriented language regarding your mechanical experience.
- Documentation: Include all relevant SF-50s and veterans' preference documents if applicable.
If you have the mechanical expertise and the desire to serve our Veterans, this position offers a stable, challenging, and fulfilling career path in Lexington. Apply before August 7, 2026, to be considered for this vital role.
Why This Machinist Job Matters
Join the Lexington VA Health Care System and play a vital role in maintaining the equipment that supports our nation's heroes.
Machinist Job Overview
The Lexington VA Health Care System is seeking a skilled Machinist to join our Engineering Service team. In this multifaceted role, you will perform high-precision mechanical work, including fabrication, installation, and maintenance of critical hospital equipment. Working across our two-division medical center, you will support both the Cooper Drive and Leestown Road campuses, ensuring our infrastructure operates at peak performance for our Veterans.
Requirements for Machinist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination
- Must be able to successfully complete a background security investigation
- Must be registered for Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Must consent to pre-employment drug screening
- Must adhere to the influenza vaccination program requirement
- Must serve a one-year probationary or two-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Machinist
- Demonstrated technical competence in mechanical metal processing
- Proven track record in metalworking and technical problem solving
- Experience in machine shop operations, including lathe and milling machine work
- Ability to work within tight tolerances (plus or minus one thousandth)
- Skill in interpreting complex blueprints and manufacturer literature
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
💡 How to Apply Machinist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Machinist Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Review the job announcement and align your resume with the required competencies.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214) as PDFs.
- Submit your application before the closing date of August 7, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume fits the two-page limit.
- Be specific; provide concrete examples of your mechanical experience rather than general statements.
- Upload documents as PDFs to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire before final submission.
- Ensure all contact information in your profile is current.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This is a full-time position with a regular schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Do I need a formal degree for this job?
No formal degree is required. We are looking for candidates who can provide evidence of training or experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the role.
Will I have to travel between campuses?
Yes, while you will primarily be assigned to one location, you are required to travel between the Cooper Drive and Leestown Road divisions as needed.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. The role involves frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds, occasional lifting of 100 pounds, and working in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.
Is a security clearance required?
You will be subject to a background and suitability/fitness investigation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served our nation. The Lexington VA Health Care System, which serves Kentucky Veterans, is a highly respected two-division medical center. Our facilities are ranked among the best, offering top-tier care ranging from primary clinics to surgical and psychiatric services. By joining our team, you become part of a professional community dedicated to service, excellence, and patient well-being.