Surface Maintenance Mechanic Career Opportunity in Aurora, Colorado

The Department of the Army and the Colorado Army National Guard are seeking a highly skilled Surface Maintenance Mechanic to support fleet operations at Field Maintenance Shop 9 (CO FMS 9) in Aurora, Colorado. Operating as a Title 32 Excepted Service federal position, this role plays a direct part in maintaining state and national military readiness. If you have a strong mechanical background and want to apply your talents toward maintaining complex military assets, this position offers competitive hourly wages, comprehensive federal employee benefits, and structured career development.

Mechanics in this role work on a diverse array of equipment ranging from heavy tactical vehicles and combat systems to standard commercial trucks and support power units. Earning between $32.38 and $39.70 per hour, selected personnel ensure that every vehicle in the fleet meets strict operational standards.

About the Agency: Colorado Army National Guard

The National Guard is the oldest military component in the United States, tracing its lineage back to early citizen-soldier militias. Operating with a dual state and federal mission, the National Guard responds to domestic natural disasters, community emergencies, and overseas defense mobilization requirements.

The Colorado Army National Guard operates units and facilities state-wide, delivering critical defense infrastructure and emergency response capability. Field Maintenance Shop 9 provides comprehensive maintenance, overhaul, and repair capabilities to support units across the region. Employees in Title 32 positions serve as dual-status federal technicians, maintaining membership in the National Guard while working in a civilian technician capacity during the duty week.

Job Responsibilities and Core Duties

As a Surface Maintenance Mechanic (WG-10), you will be tasked with diagnostic, maintenance, and overhaul duties across diverse vehicular and mobile power systems. Work is conducted in fully equipped maintenance facilities as well as remote off-site locations when operational needs arise.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

Diagnostic Inspection: Utilizing visual, auditory, and computerized diagnostic tools (such as engine analyzers, voltmeters, compression testers, and pressure gauges) to identify mechanical and electrical component failures.
System Overhaul and Repair: Removing, disassembling, repairing, and rebuilding major engine components (diesel, gasoline, multi-fuel, and turbine), automatic and manual transmissions, drive line assemblies, and fuel injection systems.
Auxiliary System Maintenance: Servicing complex hydraulic lifting, loading, turning, and positioning devices, along with associated pneumatic and electrical controls.
Electronic Component Servicing: Troubleshooting electronic management systems to isolate and replace faulty printed circuit boards, sensors, and diodes.
Remote Repairs: Performing independent field maintenance on stuck or incapacitated equipment by replacing wheel cylinders, fuel pumps, brake assemblies, voltage regulators, and injectors.
Readiness Inspections: Conducting systematic safety and operational checks on military units and assisting with maintenance documentation and shop workflow records.

Qualification Requirements and Military Eligibility

To qualify for this Federal Wage System position, candidates must meet specific military and technical experience criteria set by the National Guard Bureau.

Military Membership Requirement

Applicants must hold an active military rank between E-2 and E-8 in the National Guard.

Specialized Experience Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate at least 18 months of specialized experience covering all of the following core competencies:

Mechanical makeup and operational troubleshooting on combat, tactical, or commercial vehicles.
Overhauling, diagnosing, and modifying heavy-duty mobile equipment and vehicle assemblies.
Working on non-mechanical integrated systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic) that directly impact mechanical performance.
Diagnosing and replacing defective electronic sub-assemblies such as circuit boards, diodes, and sensors.
Rebuilding major powertrain sub-assemblies, including engines, transmissions, steering boxes, and emission controls.

Comparison Table: Experience Levels & Role Expectations

Criteria / Feature	Surface Maintenance Mechanic (WG-10)	Senior Maintenance Specialist (WG-11 Potential)
Pay Rate Scale	$32.38 – $39.70 per hour	Higher Wage Grade Scale
Required Experience	18 Months Specialized Experience	Advanced Multi-System Expertise
Work Independence	Performs standard repairs independently; complex overhauls guided by procedures	Performs master-level diagnostic lead functions
Clearance Level	Secret Security Clearance	Secret Security Clearance
Resume Requirement	Strict 2-Page Maximum	Strict 2-Page Maximum
Education Substitution	Education cannot be substituted	Education cannot be substituted

Salary Overview and Pay Grade Details

This position is posted under the Federal Wage System at grade WG-10, with a initial hourly pay range of $32.38 to $39.70 per hour. Pay rates are established based on local military wage schedules for the Aurora, Colorado area.

In addition, this position holds promotion potential to WG-11, allowing technicians to advance in pay grade as they gain experience, master complex shop tasks, and demonstrate elevated technical competency over time.

Federal Benefits and Compensation Package

Working as a federal National Guard technician grants access to a comprehensive benefit package designed to support long-term financial security and work-life balance:

Retirement System: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a fixed pension benefit alongside Social Security.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A 401(k)-style retirement savings account offering government matching up to 5% of your base earnings.
Health & Life Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with comprehensive health care choices, as well as optional dental, vision, and life insurance policies.
Paid Time Off: Earned annual leave for personal use and vacation, separate paid sick leave accrual, and 11 paid federal holidays each calendar year.
Military Incentive Preservation: Specific guidelines govern reserve component incentives and bonuses while serving as a federal technician.

Application Tips and Resume Requirements

Applying for federal technician roles requires strict adherence to specific application protocols. Failing to follow instructions exactly will lead to application rejection.

Respect the Resume Page Limit: Your federal resume MUST NOT EXCEED TWO PAGES. Resumes of three pages or more will be disqualified automatically without review.
Format Dates Correctly: Clearly document all relevant positions using exact start and end dates formatted as MM/YY to MM/YY (e.g., 05/20 to 11/22).
Write Original Descriptions: Do not copy the job duties directly from the posting. Describe your personal experience and practical skills in your own words to prove your qualification.
Selective Service Registration: Male candidates born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service or provide proof of exemption.
Review Questionnaire: Preview and double-check your answers on the online Occupational Questionnaire prior to submitting the final package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the closing date for this job announcement?

Applications must be fully submitted online through USAJobs by November 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Q: Can I substitute college coursework or technical school for specialized experience?

No. Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience for this Surface Maintenance Mechanic position.

Q: Is a security clearance mandatory for employment?

Yes. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as a condition of employment.

Q: Who can I contact for questions regarding National Guard enlistment or unit assignment?

For inquiries regarding membership in the Colorado Army National Guard, contact the regional recruitment office at (720) 250-1351.

If you possess strong mechanical skills and hold eligible National Guard status, the Surface Maintenance Mechanic role in Aurora, CO provides an ideal platform to build a rewarding federal career. Offering competitive wage progression, solid retirement benefits, and meaningful daily work keeping defense equipment operational, this position is a premier opportunity for skilled technicians.

Ensure your resume is properly formatted within two pages, highlight your specialized diagnostic and repair experience, and submit your application on USAJobs before the announcement closes!

Why This Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job Matters

Keep the Colorado Army National Guard battle-ready! Step into a high-impact federal career as a Surface Maintenance Mechanic in Aurora, CO, earning up to $39.70 per hour.

Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job Overview

The Colorado Army National Guard is seeking a qualified Surface Maintenance Mechanic (WG-10) to join Field Maintenance Shop 9 (CO FMS 9) in Aurora, Colorado. As a Title 32 Excepted Service technician, you will perform essential diagnostics, complex repairs, overhauls, and routine preventative maintenance on military combat, tactical, commercial, and specialized support vehicles and equipment.

Requirements for Surface Maintenance Mechanic

Must hold an active military rank between E-2 and E-8 within the National Guard.
At least 18 months of specialized experience in diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling complex combat, tactical, or commercial vehicles.
Proven mechanical experience working with major engine assemblies (diesel, gasoline, multi-fuel), transmissions, drive lines, and fuel injection systems.
Demonstrated experience working on non-mechanical auxiliary systems including electrical, electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic assemblies.
Hands-on experience replacing electronic components like circuit boards, sensors, and diodes.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Selective Service registration is mandatory for male candidates born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Surface Maintenance Mechanic

Prior military technical maintenance experience supporting National Guard or active-duty fleet vehicles.
Proficiency in operating computer diagnostic equipment, engine analyzers, pressure gauges, and voltmeters.
Familiarity with Army maintenance record-keeping and readiness reporting procedures.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Hourly pay rate ranging from $32.38 to $39.70 with promotion potential to WG-11.
✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with competitive government matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
✓Vision and dental insurance options.
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave accumulation.

💡 How to Apply Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job

Create or log into your account on the official USAJobs website.
Review the position announcement details and click the 'Apply' button.
Complete the mandatory online Occupational Questionnaire.
Attach a comprehensive federal resume strictly formatted to 2 pages or fewer.
Ensure all work history entries explicitly show start and end dates formatted as 'MM/YY to MM/YY'.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Strict Resume Length Limit: Your resume MUST NOT exceed two pages. Exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Include Specific Dates: Use 'MM/YY to MM/YY' formatting for every position listed to properly document your specialized experience.
Avoid Copying Verbatim: Describe your real hands-on experience in your own words rather than copying bullet points directly from the announcement.
Double-Check Documentation: Verify that all required documents are successfully uploaded and clear the automated virus scan before the closing deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What military rank is required for this position?

Candidates must hold an active military grade between E-2 and E-8 in the National Guard to be eligible for this Title 32 position.

What is the pay rate for a Surface Maintenance Mechanic in Aurora, CO?

The starting pay range is $32.38 to $39.70 per hour at the WG-10 level, with promotion potential up to WG-11.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The Merit Hiring Plan strictly enforces a maximum length of two pages. Resumes longer than two pages are automatically disqualified.

Is telework available for this job?

No, telework is not available due to the hands-on nature of heavy equipment mechanical repairs.

Are Relocation or PCS funds offered?

No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or relocation funds are not provided for this recruitment.

Surface Maintenance Mechanic Job

Army National Guard Units