SHEET METAL MECHANIC (AIRCRAFT) Job in Reno, NV

Vacancy No. NV-12780965-AF-25-051 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $30.66 to $35.79 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/13/2025 Close Date 8/12/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Reno, NV


Summary

This position is for a Sheet Metal Mechanic (Aircraft), PD# D1371000, part of the Nevada Air National Guard. Primary purpose is to accomplish the inspection, repair, modification, installation and troubleshooting of sheet metal, fiberglass, bonded honeycomb and other structural materials and components as well as treatment (i.e., mechanical and chemical), and painting of missiles, aircraft powered and nonpowered Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE), and monitoring aircraft and equipment washing.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT NEVADA AIR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS ONLY ***This is an open continuous announcement. Initial cutoff will be 11 SEP 2025. Recruitment will continue through the announcement closing date until the position is filled. ***

Duties

  • Independently inspects aircraft and determines the nature and extent of repairs to be made, using applicable technical orders as guidelines. Works directly on the aircraft and its components, fulfilling such tasks as removal, repair, modification and installation of parts and assemblies, such as frames, stringers, longerons, bulkheads, beams, ribs, spars, skin, cowling, brackets, faring, access doors, panels and other related items. May be required to clear red"X" conditions.
  • Repairs cracks in aircraft skin. Fabricates and fits patches to damaged areas, determining repair detail necessary to retain or restore original strength. Fits and trims components to aircraft such as landing gear doors, control surfaces, flaps access doors and other assemblies. Seals structures to make them pressure, water and weather tight.
  • Troubleshoots aircraft structural repair situations in such areas as fuselage, tails, wings, cowlings, and stabilizers. Removes, forms, fits, and installs highly stressed and double contoured skins, using hand or powered drilling and cutting tools and other metalworking equipment.
  • Aligns and balances component structures and air frame using precision measuring instruments and levels. Performs metal-to-metal bonding where delamination of surfaces and core material occurs in control surfaces.
  • Inspects damage or deterioration and determines repair or replacement of plastic, fiberglass, composites, bonded structures, and bonded honeycomb assemblies using powered and nonpowered tools and equipment. Repairs or replaces retaining frames and installs plastic laminated blanks. Designs and constructs forming fixtures.
  • Manufactures and ensures that metal tubing, conduits and cables are fabricated and tested in accordance with drawings and specifications. Fabricates and repairs flexible control cables.
  • Performs fabrication of local manufactured items requited for aircraft and equipment. Work includes layout, bending, cutting, forming and assembling. Devise and calculates patterns employing the principles of triangulation, radial and parallel line development.
  • Sets up and operates power shears, brakes, rolls, dimpling machines, drill presses, saws, portable powered tools, specific detection and measuring equipment, and other metal working equipment, including use of other tools of the trade. Requisitions necessary supplies and equipment for the activity.
  • Prepares and designs layout, dies, jigs, and templates necessary to carry out fabrication repair or modification of aircraft, engine, AGE, and other equipment. Works from blueprints, technical orders diagrams, and work orders.
  • Identifies metal corrosion. Performs necessary testing to identify type corrosion present by examination with magnifying equipment, chemical and mechanical methods and treats aircraft engines, in accordance with applicable technical publications. Ensures that work assignments received from supervisor or maintenance control are accomplished in a timely manner.
  • Removes corrosion by mechanical and chemical procedures to include use of portable powered (electric and pneumatic) sanders, buffers, brushes, bead blasters, vacuum cleaners, scrapers, grinders, acids, caustics, solvents, alcohols and other agents used in corrosion control processes. Treats metal with chemical procedures, such as acids and caustics for passivation and etching, to protect metal from oxidation. Performs such functions as pickling of metals to prepare for good bonding with primer coat of protective materials.
  • Applies protective coatings, markings, and decals after proper removal of corrosion and treatment of metals. Uses conventional paint spray equipment, electrostatic spray equipment, brushes and special applicators when applying primers and surface coatings.
  • Identifies, blends, stores, controls, and disposes of hazardous materials such as acids, caustics, alcohols, solvents, cleaners, primers and surface coatings used for corrosion removal, treatment and protection in accordance with applicable directives.
  • May operate the wash rack. Accomplishes corrosion and washing inspections within schedule provided to ensure compliance with the monthly and weekly maintenance plan. May conduct training on proper methods and procedures of wash rack operations.
  • May assist in training of drill status guard members and in maintenance of publication files of applicable technical orders, regulations, manuals and local directives.
  • Prepares for and participates in various types of readiness evaluations such as MEI, ORI, IG and UE inspections mobility and command support exercises. May be required to perform such additional duties as structural fire fighting, aircraft fire/crash/rescue/duty, security guard, snow removal, munitions loading and handling, heavy equipment operator, maintenance of facilities and equipment, or serve a member of a team to cope with natural disasters or civil emergencies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

MILITARY REQUIREMENTS:

Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. In compliance with Title 32 United States Code, the compatible military skill set is determined by the applicable service manpower requirements. Upon selection, individuals are assigned to the authorized position and its compatible military skill in accordance with Air force skill classification directives, statutes, and National Guard Bureau regulations. The Dual Status technician must obtain and maintain all military skill requirements in regard to training, education, certifications, experience. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.

Compatible Military Assignment:
ENLISTED: E4
COMPATIBLE DAFSC: 2A7X3

*Other Requirements & Conditions of Employment:
- National Guard Membership is required.
- Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Must maintain local network access.
- Wear the uniform appropriate for the members' grade and component of the armed forces, maintaining standards of conduct and appearance.
- This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
- Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
- May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
-The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.
- For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Education requirement is based upon the qualification standards for the specific position and is stated under the heading "EDUCATION". Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific in describing your experience. EACH APPLICANT MUST FULLY SUBSTANTIATE (IN THEIR OWN WORDS) THAT THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE LISTED BELOW; OTHERWISE, THE APPLICANT WILL BE CONSIDERED UNQUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION. DO NOT COPY FROM THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR THE POSITION DESCRIPTION OR YOU MAY BE DISQUALIFIED.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must possess 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: Must possess 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; experience using more complicated shop tools and equipment; experience in using metals including stainless steel, copper sheet, magnesium, honeycomb material and alloys; experience demonstrating the use of more complicated mathematical calculations and complicated measuring instruments.

Education

There is no specific education requirement for this position. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Training/Educational claims. To receive credit for Training/Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Training/Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

- If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
- This is a Bargaining Unit position.
- Applicants who feel they have restoration rights to this position should contact the HRO.
- Military Incentives - Bonuses and Student Loan Repayment Program: If you are selected for this position, you may lose your eligibility for your National Guard Enlistment/Reenlistment Bonus and/or Student Loan Repayment Program incentives. In order to avoid losing your incentive eligibility, you should check with your incentives manager prior to accepting an offer for the position.
- Participation in Direct Deposit is mandatory.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: In accordance with the State Merit Placement Plan, candidates will be considered in order of their area of consideration category as appropriate.

TERM POSITIONS: "Temporary-Not to Exceed" (TEMP) and "Temporary-Indefinite" (INDEFINITE) are considered to be TERM positions and are limited in duration to 4 years maximum. Employees reaching maximum TERM appointment limit of 4 years may be terminated.

CONVERSION OF TERM (TEMPORARY/INDEFINITE) POSITIONS: Positions advertised as TEMP or INDEFINITE may be non-competitively converted to INDEFINITE or PERMANENT without further competition at a future date contingent upon available funding. For TEMP PROMOTIONS, position may be non-competitively converted upon expiration of the incumbent's USERRA rights.

RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE: Recruitment and/or Relocation incentives may be available, if eligible. Incentives are subject to funding availability and TAG-NV approval and are not guaranteed.

PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS): PCS funding is NOT authorized. If you do not reside in the location of the position, you will be required to relocate at your own expense.

SELECTED RESERVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Acceptance of this position will cause termination of Federal bonuses pursuant to respective Selected Reserve Incentive Programs (SRIP). This termination may be with or without recoupment of payments already made.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, along with your supporting documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities/competencies related to the job requirements:

1. Independently inspects aircraft and determines the nature and extent of repairs to be made, using applicable technical orders as guidelines. Works directly on the aircraft and its components, fulfilling such tasks as removal, repair, modification and installation of parts and assemblies, such as frames, stringers, longeroins, bulkheads, beams, ribs, spars, skin, cowling, brackets, faring, access doors, panels and other related items. May be required to clear red "X" conditions. Repairs cracks in aircraft skin.
2. Troubleshoots aircraft structural repair situations in such areas as fuselage, tails, wings, cowlings, and stabilizers. Removes, forms, fits, and installs highly stressed and double contoured skins, using hand or powered drilling and cutting tools and other metal working equipment. Determines shear and bearing load factors during rivet replacement. Installs heads up, regular, heat treated, high shear, and blind type aircraft rivets and fasteners, using pneumatic riveters, special tools and bucking bars. Removes damaged or broken fasteners and receptacles.
3. Inspects damage or deterioration and determines repair or replacement of plastic, fiberglass, composites, bonded structures, and bonded honeycomb assemblies using powered and non-powered tools and equipment. Repairs or replaces retaining frames and installs plastic laminated blanks. Designs and constructs forming fixtures. Sets up and operates power shears, brakes, rolls, dimpling machines, drill presses, saws, portable powered tools, specific detection and measuring equipment, and other metal working equipment, including use of other tools of the trade. Requisitions necessary supplies and equipment for the activity.
4. Prepares for and participates in various types of readiness evaluations such as MEI, ORI, IG and UE inspections mobility and command support exercises. May be required to perform such additional duties as structural fire fighting, aircraft fire/crash/ rescue/duty, security guard, snow removal, munitions loading and handling, heavy equipment operator, maintenance of facilities and equipment, or serve a member of a team to cope with natural disasters or civil emergencies.
5. Assist Shop Chief in daily duties and production. Ability to lead other co-workers in prioritizing work areas, distribute workload, provide assistance, brief Supervision on delays or future delays of production. Correct issues, program oversight, training others and organizing Drill Guardsmen to attaining their skill level training and scheduled appointments.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities or you may be found ineligible/not qualified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package. Completed application package includes the following:
NOTE: Failure to submit a completed application package including the following required documentation will result in your application being disqualified.

1. Your resume: Your resume may be submitted in any format and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. In describing your experience, please be clear and concise, we will not make assumptions regarding your experience. If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy. NOTE: Copying directly from the vacancy announcement or position description may result in disqualification.

  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your position was in the civil service, it must also include the grade and series for all positions held. If your resume does not contain this information, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will not receive consideration for this position.
2. OF-306 - Declaration for Federal Employment
You will find the OF-306 at this link: https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf
NOTE: Do not answer questions 9 through 13 on page 1 of the OF-306 titled, "Background Information". This information will be collected during pre-employment screening should you receive a conditional offer of employment.

3. SF-181 (Ethnicity and Race Identification)
You will find the SF-181 at this link: https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf181.pdf

4. Completed Assessment Questionnaire - Completed as part of the USA Jobs application process.

5. RIP (Record on Individual Personnel) - uploaded to the required "OTHER" area of the online application manager. RIP must be no more than 90 days old at the time of application. Army personnel submit current Personnel Qualification Record (PQR).

6. Any additional supporting documentation (i.e. certificates, licenses, transcripts, etc.) used to support qualifications demonstrated in resume and/or required by Qualifications Required section.

NOTE:
  • Documents NOT accepted: photographs, copies of position descriptions, performance ratings, awards and letters of recommendation.
  • Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position.
  • If multiple copies of the same document are uploaded and submitted with your application, only the last copy of the document uploaded will be considered when determining your eligibility and qualifications. For example, if you upload two or more resumes only the last resume uploaded and submitted will be considered.
  • Applicants CANNOT be contacted for any required documents listed above. Applicants who submit INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS will receive a rating of INELIGIBLE. Requests for reconsideration will not be considered for applicants who fail to submit a complete application package. We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, erroneous fax transmissions, etc.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12780965

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (8:59 PM Pacific Time) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the Occupational Questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the Occupational Questionnaire, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

DO NOT Email applications directly to the HRO unless there are extenuating circumstances, Please Call the HRO contact listed in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Agency contact information

Michael Hignite
Address
NV 152 AMX SQ FN5P
1776 National Guard Way
Reno, NV 89502-4494
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements