Become a Mission-Critical Machinist at Hill AFB

Are you a skilled machinist looking for a stable, high-impact career? The Department of the Air Force is seeking a dedicated Machinist to join the 576th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. This role is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of our nation’s most advanced aircraft.

Job Responsibilities

As a WG-11 Machinist, your primary focus will be the manufacture of complex and non-routine parts. You will:

Operate conventional and CNC machine tools, including lathes, boring mills, and milling machines.
Fabricate components from raw metals and specialized alloys.
Use precision measurement equipment to ensure adherence to strict tolerances.
Solve complex trade problems by utilizing shop drawings and engineering schematics.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must demonstrate the ability to perform work without excessive supervision. Your resume must clearly outline:

Dates of employment (month/year).
Hours worked per week.
Specific relevant experience in a machining or shop environment.

Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Machining Roles

Feature	Private Sector Machining	Federal Machinist (WG-11)
Job Security	Varies by company	High (Federal Civil Service)
Benefits	Varies by employer	Standardized Federal Benefits
Work Scope	Often repetitive	Complex, non-routine prototypes
Pension	Limited	Federal Employees Retirement System

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $68,433 to $79,807 per year. Beyond the paycheck, you will enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave policies, and a robust retirement plan.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to ensure your application is considered:

Prepare your resume: Keep it to exactly two pages. Illegible or over-length resumes will be rejected.
Gather documents: Have your SF-50 and DD-214 (if applicable) ready.
Apply via USAJOBS: Follow the link to the portal, answer the questionnaire, and submit before the October 28, 2026, deadline.

Working as a Machinist at Hill AFB is more than a job; it is a commitment to excellence in national defense. If you have the precision, the experience, and the drive, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Machinist Job Matters

Master your craft and keep the Air Force flying: Join the 576th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as a Machinist at Hill AFB.

Machinist Job Overview

The Air Force Materiel Command is seeking a skilled Machinist (WG-11) to support critical aviation readiness at Hill Air Force Base. In this role, you will manufacture complex, non-routine components from raw materials for high-performance aircraft. Working with both traditional machine tools and state-of-the-art CNC equipment, you will solve technical challenges and produce precision prototypes vital to national defense. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your mechanical expertise in a high-impact, mission-critical environment.

Requirements for Machinist

Must be able to perform job duties without more than normal supervision (Screen-out element).
Must provide a resume not exceeding two pages, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet OPM Qualification Standards for WG-3414-11.
Submit all required documentation, including DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable, by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Machinist

Experience operating both conventional and CNC machine tools (lathes, milling machines, grinders, etc.).
Proficiency in utilizing precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and optical comparators.
Ability to interpret complex shop drawings and technical blueprints.
Advanced knowledge of metals, alloys, and machining theoretical practices.
Demonstrated success in creating prototypes and handling untried technical tasks.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment)
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression

💡 How to Apply Machinist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Machinist Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and contains all required employment dates and hours.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all supporting documents (SF-50, DD-214, transcripts, etc.) via the USAJOBS portal.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on October 28, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Quantify your experience: Be explicit about the number of hours worked per week.
Follow the formatting rules: Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume.
Verify your documents: Check your account status to ensure all uploaded files have cleared the virus scan.
Address the screen-out: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your ability to work independently.
Check your email: Monitor the address provided in your application for status notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required?

The position notes a security clearance requirement of 'Other'. Details will be provided to selected candidates.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. Resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically removed from consideration.

What is the primary mission of Hill AFB?

Hill AFB provides worldwide engineering and logistics management for major aircraft and systems, including the F-16, A-10, and Minuteman III ICBM.

Can I work remotely?

No, this position requires physical presence at Hill AFB to perform shop duties.

Is there promotion potential?

This specific vacancy is listed with no promotion potential; however, federal employment opens doors to other opportunities within the Department of the Air Force.

Job from Air Force Materiel Command

The Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is the engine behind the Air Force's ability to fly, fight, and win. By providing advanced technology and logistics, AFMC ensures that our airmen have the tools they need for global reach and power. Hill AFB is a premier installation, serving as a hub for the maintenance of legendary aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the A-10 Thunderbolt II.