About the Role:
The Air Force Test Center is looking for a Full-Time Model Maker (WG-4714-15) to work at the AEDC, 704th Test Group, 846th Test Squadron, Operations Flight Machine/Model Shop (846 TS/TGTOHM) at Holloman Air Force Base.
The primary purpose of this position is: To independently design, plan and execute advance manufacturing processes and produce one-of a-kind mechanical models, test support equipment, special tooling, jigs and fixtures to facilitate research and development programs for prototype munitions, aircraft and/or components and test evaluating equipment.
Announcement Length/Closes: 15 days
Location: Alamogordo, NM) (Holloman Air Force Base)
Typical 2025 salary range: $78,832 - $92,123 per year (includes Locality)
Travel Requirements: Up to 25% travel possible
- Areas of Consideration (AOC): Wing – wide (AEDC)
Desired Skills:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) programming desired
- Minimum of 3 years of Computer Aided Drafting/ Machining (CAD/ CAM) experience desired
- Minimum of 1 year of Machine Trades education desired
Major Duties:
- Plans, develops and executes advanced manufacturing processes for R&D. Leads manufacturing team efforts. Solves workflow and technical issues. Studies, develops and executes emerging technologies such as “Additive Manufacturing” and CNC controlled “Ultrasonic Welding” to meet the future needs of the R&D customer and the Holloman High Speed Test Track.
- Reviews work requests, customer test requirements, and technical data to manufacture experimental prototype items, mechanical models and test evaluation equipment. Provides feedback and solutions on design, machinability, fit, finish, heat treating and assembly to test engineers and customers to provide the highest quality product.
- Manufactures and evaluates test articles using a variety of conventional and/or CNC machine tools, test measurement & diagnostic equipment, and electronic coordinate measuring devices. Determines resource requirements for manufacturing. Develops and evaluates model and test article manufacturing requirements. Uses CAD/CAM software to design special tools and fixturing and develop advanced programming for CNC machine tools. Programs and performs advanced machining processes. Assembles parts, components and models. Produces drawings, sketches and technical data on special tooling and fixtures. Provides finished models, test articles and test support equipment with one magnitude more accuracy than components being tested.
- Conducts training for model makers, machinists and other tradesmen on equipment, project processes, safety and timeline constraints of assigned projects. Mentors and provides technical support to other model makers, machinists and other tradesmen. Provides quality assurance support by conducting in-process and completed part inspections, functional checks of assemblies, models and test support equipment using manual and computer-based metrology inspection processes.
- Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Follows federal and state rules when storing, using, handling, labeling, and disposing of hazardous materials and waste in accordance with environmental standards. Performs clean-up duties as needed in the assigned area.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Obtain & maintain Security clearance
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical
- Knowledge on planning and execution of manufacturing processes for test and evaluation projects.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
***Resumes limited to two pages. Federal agencies now only accept resumes up to two pages in length.*** Learn more about the new resume requirements at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit.
Please send resumes to: J Z. Pieszala, j.pieszala@us.af.mil, Hiring Manager
ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE HAF/AFMC/AFTC HIRING FREEZE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE IS REQUIRED