Model Maker-Direct Hire Authority

Duties

• Responsible for independently planning, developing and executing advanced manufacturing processes for R&D projects that meets goals established by management, test engineers and test & evaluation customers.
• Review work requests, customer test requirements, technical data to manufacture experimental prototype items, mechanical models and test evaluation equipment such as: aerodynamic models, rocket sleds, aero-ballistic projectile components and aircraft test components used for subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic test track evaluation.
• After formulating processes and requirements, incumbent works independently to manufacture and evaluate test articles by setting up and operating a variety of conventional and/or computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, test measurement & diagnostic equipment (TMDE) and electronic coordinate measuring devises.
• Conduct or receive training to/from Model Makers, Machinist and other tradesmen on equipment, project processes to maintain technical requirement, safety and timeline constraints of assigned projects.
• Maintain, monitor and correct Air Force programs and resources IAW Air Force guidelines.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• This position may require drug testing, and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Selectee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
• This position may require travel.
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trail period.
• Selectee may be required to work overtime, sometimes on short notice in emergency situations.
• Selectee may be required to work rotating shifts.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-4700 General Maintenance And Operations Work Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen out element for this position is Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision

JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
Use of Measuring Instruments
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Knowledge of Materials

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate possesses an outstanding track record of success in managing complex technical operations within manufacturing and test environments. We are seeking a distinguished expert for the WG 4714-15 Model Maker position, a role that demands a comprehensive and advanced mastery of the machining trades. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with profound and demonstrable expertise in Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) programming, including intricate setup and complex operational execution. This position is not developmental; candidates must already possess an expert-level proficiency in Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) to translate concepts into precisely manufactured components. We are looking for an individual whose skills are at the pinnacle of the trade, ready to tackle the most demanding projects from day one. Beyond personal technical prowess, this role requires exceptional leadership and project management capabilities. Incumbent will be responsible for directing multifaceted projects that involve numerous machining processes and sequential operations across a variety of equipment. A critical component of this position is the ability to guide a team of lower-grade machinists and model makers, ensuring that complex assignments are completed efficiently and to the highest standards. In-depth familiarity and hands-on experience with advanced 5-axis CNC machines and state-of-the-art multi-tasking centers are essential to effectively lead these sophisticated manufacturing endeavors. Furthermore, this senior-level position plays a vital mentorship role within our team. The expert Model Maker will be charged with elevating the skills of our workforce by training lower-grade employees in both the theory and application of CNC programming and operations. This includes the ability to correctly apply and teach trade-related mathematics, such as trigonometry, to solve complex machining challenges. A commitment to fostering a safe and proficient work environment by instructing junior personnel in conventional machining safety and operational best practices is a fundamental expectation for the candidate who will fill this critical role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
1. Knowledge on planning and execution of manufacturing processes for test and evaluation projects.
2. Advanced knowledge on the set-up, programming and operation of a variety of conventional and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools such as CNC lathes, machining centers, bridge mills, wire electronic discharge machines (EDMs) and 5 axis multi-tasking centers. Conventional lathes, vertical, and horizontal boring mills; bench, plain, and universal milling machines; shapers; planers; internal and external grinders; thread cutters; and radial drills; and a variety of machine tool attachments such as rotary vises, magnetic chucks, vertical milling heads, angular drive heads, taper attachments, rotary tables, and others.
3. Advanced knowledge of Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software programming for a variety of machine tools such as; CNC lathes, machining centers, boring mills, wire electronic discharge machines (EDMs) and 5 axis multi-tasking lathes.
4. Knowledge of various metals and other materials such as aluminum, brass, bronze, high carbon and alloy steels, chrome, nickel, titanium, nylon, rubber, plastics and teflons, and of the effect and relationship of heat treating, annealing, plating, welding and other related work processes on machining operations in completing an assignment.
5. Knowledge of advanced shop mathematics including plane geometry, the use of trigonometric functions and machinist handbook formulas used in laying out work and setting up machine tools, and of blueprints and their interpretation, program readouts and technical directives, the use of shop mathematics, and shop floor programming.
6. Knowledge of Air Force regulations, practices, and procedures.
7. Knowledge of design engineering methods, sheet metal processes, tool & die making and quality assurance methods and others.
8. Knowledge of assembly methods, fit, form, and functional operation of model assemblies and components, test support equipment and test articles.
9. Knowledge of metrology processes, use of metrology software to generate G-code programs to conduct inspections using Coordinate Measuring Machines and machine tools. Evaluate inspection data.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

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