Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft) Opportunity with the Alaska Air National Guard at Eielson AFB

Are you a skilled metalworker with a passion for aviation and a desire to serve your country? The Alaska Air National Guard is seeking a dedicated and experienced Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft) to join its ranks at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This indefinite position offers a competitive hourly wage and the chance to contribute to critical national defense missions while advancing your career in a dynamic environment. If you possess a strong understanding of aircraft structures, metal fabrication, and corrosion control, this role presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact.

About the Air National Guard

The Air National Guard (ANG) is a unique federal and state entity, serving as the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Comprised of citizen-airmen, the ANG stands ready to protect civil liberties and provide essential support during domestic emergencies, while also serving as a vital reserve component of the U.S. Air Force. Members are dedicated to serving their communities, states, and nation, upholding a proud tradition of commitment and excellence. Joining the ANG means becoming part of a team that values integrity, service, and adaptability, offering a rewarding career path with opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

Job Responsibilities: Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft)

As a Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft) within the 168th Maintenance Squadron (MXS), you will play a crucial role in ensuring the airworthiness and structural integrity of aircraft. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks, including:

• Inspection and Diagnosis: Independently inspect aircraft and their components to determine the nature and extent of necessary repairs, utilizing technical orders as guides.
• Repair and Fabrication: Perform repairs on aircraft structures, including skin patches, frames, stringers, longerons, bulkheads, beams, ribs, spars, and other related items. This involves removing, repairing, modifying, and installing parts and assemblies, ensuring the restoration or retention of original strength.
• Component Fitting and Installation: Fit and trim components such as landing gear doors, control surfaces, flaps, access doors, and cowlings to aircraft structures. Install various types of aircraft rivets and fasteners, including heads-up, regular, heat-treated, high-shear, and blind types.
• Structural Alignment and Balancing: Align and balance component structures and the airframe using precision measuring instruments and levels.
• Material Expertise: Work with a variety of metals, including stainless steel, copper sheet, magnesium, honeycomb material, and alloys. Understand metal strength characteristics and perform repairs on composite, bonded structures, and honeycomb assemblies.
• Corrosion Control and Prevention: Identify, remove, and treat metal corrosion using mechanical and chemical procedures. Apply protective coatings, markings, and decals as required. Handle hazardous materials involved in corrosion control and treatment safely and in accordance with directives.
• Tool and Equipment Operation: Set up and operate a variety of metalworking equipment, including power shears, brakes, rolls, dimpling machines, drill presses, saws, portable powered tools, and specialized detection and measuring equipment.
• Pattern Development: Devise and calculate patterns using principles of triangulation, radial, and parallel line development for fabrication tasks.
• Documentation and Compliance: Work from blueprints, technical orders, diagrams, and work orders, ensuring all tasks are accomplished in a timely manner and in compliance with applicable publications.
• Material Requisition: Requisition necessary supplies and equipment for assigned tasks.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

General Experience:

Experience or training that has provided the candidate with the ability to plan, manufacture, and install cylindrical, square, or rectangular-shaped objects that have easily constructed fastenings such as single and double-hem edges and single, double, or grooved seams.

Specialized Experience (WG-10):

At least 18 months of experience or training in planning, layout, and construction skills to manufacture items and systems with dovetailed seams, set-in-bottom seams, burred-bottom seams, or wired or lock seams. This includes experience using more complicated shop tools and equipment, working with advanced metals like stainless steel, copper sheet, magnesium, honeycomb material, and alloys, and employing more complicated mathematical calculations and measuring instruments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to interpret instructions, specifications, and blueprints.
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools for metal work.
• Knowledge of equipment, structures, materials, and their application in constructing, repairing, and forging metal.

Physical Effort and Working Conditions:

• Physical Effort: Prolonged periods of physical exertion, bending, shaping, and constructing complex items. Lifting of heavy equipment and components weighing up to 50 pounds, and with assistance, up to 100 pounds.
• Working Conditions: Work is performed both inside and outside in a variety of weather conditions. This includes exposure to wet, slippery, and icy surfaces, extreme temperatures, humidity, toxic fumes, high-pressure air and fluids, loud engine noise, heat blast, intake suction, explosive munitions, electrical voltage, and hazardous materials such as aircraft fuels, lubricants, paints, and solvents.

National Guard Membership Requirement:

This is an Excepted Service position requiring active membership in the Alaska Air National Guard. Applicants must be assigned to a compatible military assignment and be willing to wear the military uniform. Applicants who are not current members must be eligible for immediate enlistment or appointment into the Alaska Air National Guard.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this Sheet Metal Mechanic position is $41.64 to $48.59 per hour. This equates to an estimated annual salary of approximately $86,611 to $101,067, depending on experience and qualifications. Rates are subject to change based on locality and any applicable adjustments.

Benefits

As a member of the Alaska Air National Guard, you will be eligible for a range of benefits designed to support your career and personal life. These may include:

• Competitive Compensation: Earn between $41.64 and $48.59 per hour.
• Career Advancement: Indefinite status offers job security with potential for conversion to permanent employment.
• Skill Development: Continuous training and opportunities to enhance your expertise in aircraft maintenance.
• Service and Community: A chance to serve your nation and state while being an integral part of your local community.
• Healthcare and Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and life insurance benefits (eligibility and details may vary).
• Retirement Plan: Participation in a government retirement system.
• Educational Opportunities: Potential for educational assistance and training programs.
• Military Benefits: Depending on your status and service, you may be eligible for military bonuses, student loan repayment programs, and other entitlements. It is crucial to verify these benefits with your servicing incentive manager.

Application Process

To apply for the Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft) position, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Create or Log In to USAJOBS: Ensure you have an active USAJOBS account. If not, create one at www.usajobs.gov.
2. Complete the Online Application: Access the application through the USAJOBS listing and follow the prompts. You will need to select your resume and other supporting documents.
3. Submit Required Documents: Your application package must include a detailed resume that clearly outlines your experience, duties, dates of employment, and hours worked per week. Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
4. Answer the Questionnaire: Honestly and thoroughly complete the online assessment questionnaire. Your responses will be used to evaluate your qualifications.
5. Review and Submit: Before submitting, carefully review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness. Ensure it is submitted by the application closing date: October 14, 2027, at 11:59 PM EST.

Application Tips:

• Resume Detail is Key: Your resume is your primary tool for showcasing your qualifications. Ensure it includes precise dates (month, day, year) and hours worked per week for each job. Do not use only years.
• Substantiate Experience: Write your duties and accomplishments in your own words, directly linking them to the specialized experience required for the position.
• Accuracy Matters: Errors or omissions in your application can negatively impact your eligibility and rating. Double-check all information.
• Submit Early: Avoid last-minute submission issues by completing and submitting your application well before the deadline.
• Check Status: Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The hourly wage for the Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft) position ranges from $41.64 to $48.59.
Do I need to be a current member of the Alaska Air National Guard?	Yes, this is a National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position. Active membership in the Alaska Air National Guard is a requirement. If you are not a current member, you must be eligible for enlistment or appointment.
What are the typical work conditions?	You will work both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. The job involves physical effort and potential exposure to hazards like fumes, high pressure, loud noise, and hazardous materials.

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| Is this a permanent or temporary position? | This is an 'Indefinite' position, expected to last between one and five years, but it offers the possibility of conversion to permanent employment without further competition. | | What specific documentation must be included in my application? | A detailed resume is mandatory, showing complete employment dates and hours worked per week. You must also complete the online questionnaire. If you are a current federal employee, a copy of your latest SF-50 is typically required. Always refer to the 'Required Documents' section for the most accurate list. | | How are candidates evaluated for this position? | Your application will be reviewed to ensure you meet basic eligibility and minimum requirements. Your initial rating will be based on your questionnaire responses, and your final rating will be based on the evaluation of your responses, verified through your resume and supporting documents. Competencies such as ability to do the work, interpret instructions, use tools, and knowledge of materials are assessed. |

This Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft) position with the Alaska Air National Guard offers a rewarding career for individuals with the right skills and dedication. It's an opportunity to serve, develop specialized expertise, and be part of a proud military tradition. If you are ready to take on this challenging and fulfilling role, ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadline. Your service to the nation and community awaits!