Powered Support Systems Mechanic: Your Guide to a Career with the WA Army National Guard
Are you a dedicated mechanic looking to transition your skills into a mission-driven career? The Washington Army National Guard is offering an exceptional opportunity for a Powered Support Systems Mechanic at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This role is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of ground support equipment that sustains our aviation fleet.
Job Responsibilities
As a Powered Support Systems Mechanic, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of ground support equipment maintenance. Key duties include:
- Troubleshooting and repairing flight-critical equipment including generators, air compressors, and towing devices.
- Performing tune-ups, modifications, and overhauls on internal combustion and turbine engines.
- Maintaining detailed equipment logs and inventory control records.
- Diagnosing electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Requirements
This position requires a unique blend of technical skill and military commitment.
- Education: A High School Diploma or GED is required.
- Technical: At least 18 months of specialized experience in the maintenance and repair of powered support equipment.
- Military: You must be (or become) a member of the Washington Army National Guard and maintain a compatible military position.
- Security: You must be eligible for a Secret security clearance.
Comparison: Civilian vs. Military Technician Role
| Feature | Civilian Maintenance | National Guard Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Commercial shop | Military base / AASF |
| Uniform | Optional | Required |
| Mission Focus | Profit/Efficiency | Readiness/Safety |
| Benefits | Industry standard | Federal benefits |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $35.90 to $41.99, commensurate with your experience and specific qualifications.
Benefits
- Stability of a federal excepted service position.
- Opportunity to serve in the National Guard.
- Continuous training on military-grade equipment.
Application Tips
- Your resume must be two pages or less and written in your own words.
- Ensure you include your Mil Form 174.
- Clearly define your specialized experience, specifically mentioning your work with hydraulic and electrical systems.
- Double-check all documentation before uploading to avoid an incomplete status.
If you have the mechanical drive and a commitment to service, the Powered Support Systems Mechanic role offers a rewarding career path. Apply today to contribute to the readiness of our aviation assets and build a lasting career with the Washington Army National Guard.
Why This Powered Support Systems Mechanic Job Matters
Launch your technical career at the forefront of aviation support! The Washington Army National Guard is seeking a skilled Powered Support Systems Mechanic to maintain the critical flight-line infrastructure that keeps our fleet mission-ready.
Powered Support Systems Mechanic Job Overview
Join the Washington Army National Guard as a Powered Support Systems Mechanic at the Army Aviation Support Facility 1, located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This permanent, excepted service position is vital for the upkeep of flight-critical equipment, including generators, air compressors, and turbine-powered systems. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of our aviation assets by performing complex maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs within a highly professional military environment.
Requirements for Powered Support Systems Mechanic
- Must be or be eligible to become a member of the Washington Army National Guard
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- High School Diploma or GED
- Possession of a valid Washington state driver's license and military driver's license
- Minimum 18 months of specialized experience in inspection, maintenance, and repair of powered ground support equipment
- Successful completion of the Army Avoidance Course (AAC) training upon hire
- Ability to comply with the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions
Preferred Qualifications for Powered Support Systems Mechanic
- Experience in 15 Series, 91B, 91L, or 92F military occupational specialties
- Advanced proficiency in diagnosing and repairing complex internal combustion and turbine engine systems
- Proven history of reading and applying technical schematics and wiring diagrams for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation
- ✓Excepted service employment stability
- ✓Access to military training and professional development
- ✓Uniform and equipment provided for technician duties
- ✓Opportunity to serve within the National Guard structure
💡 How to Apply Powered Support Systems Mechanic Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Powered Support Systems Mechanic Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages in your own words
- Complete the Mil Form 174
- Gather supporting documents such as DD-214 or transcripts
- Submit your complete package through the online portal by the closing date
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy job duties verbatim from the announcement; use your own professional voice
- Clearly document your relevant military or civilian work history with specific dates, hours, and roles
- Ensure your resume includes your contact information and detailed descriptions of your specialized mechanical experience
- Verify that your application is submitted before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on the closing date
- Contact the HR office if you have questions regarding your application documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is military membership required for this position?
Yes, this is an excepted service position that requires active membership in the Washington Army National Guard.
Can I apply if I am not currently in the National Guard?
Yes, but you must be eligible for immediate membership and assignment to a compatible military position within the Washington Army National Guard upon selection.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than this will not be considered.
What if I don't have military experience yet?
You can still apply! You must simply meet the requirements to enlist in the Washington Army National Guard.
Are there travel requirements?
Occasional overtime and duty hour adjustments may be required to support the mission.
Job from Army National Guard Units
The Washington Army National Guard is a vital component of the U.S. Armed Forces, dedicated to serving both state and federal missions. Our technicians work in a professional, high-standards environment, ensuring that our personnel and equipment are prepared for any emergency or mission requirement. Joining our team means committing to a tradition of excellence, community service, and technical integrity.