Composite/Plastic Fabricator

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command•Hill AFB, UT

About The Position

This Air Reserve Technician (ART) position provides on- and off-equipment maintenance for 5th Generation aircraft. ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and receive the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service. They must also maintain active membership in the assigned Air Force Reserve unit and participate in an average of one weekend of military training per month. The incumbent performs ART duties and may be assigned non-ART duties, generally not exceeding 30 percent of total responsibilities, as determined by the supervisor. The work involves interpreting engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications; planning and performing repairs, coatings, and fabrication of aircraft structural components and support equipment; and evaluating low-observable coating systems. The fabricator uses hand and power tools and specialized surface-preparation and coating equipment, works to exacting tolerances, and maintains work areas and equipment. The position supports aircraft maintenance and Reserve training and requires maintaining applicable certifications, security clearance, and Air Force Reserve requirements. The position may involve temporary duty travel by military or commercial aircraft, driving vehicles and aerospace ground equipment, shift work, overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, including shop and aircraft environments, and may involve strenuous exertion, awkward or cramped positions, hazardous materials, noise, temperature extremes, aircraft and machinery hazards, and required protective equipment. The incumbent must be able to pass the physical examination for respiratory protection and meet applicable program-access requirements.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must be a current member of the Air Force Reserve or willing and qualified to join, and must meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements.
Must be able to perform Composite/Plastic Fabricator work with little to no supervision; qualifications are evaluated under the OPM WG-4300 Pliable Materials Work Family standard.
Must maintain current certifications.
Must obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Must be able to attain special program access for the applicable weapon system program, in accordance with applicable Air Force requirements.
Must qualify for a license or permit to operate required vehicles and aerospace ground equipment on the airfield.
Must pass the physical examination required to wear respiratory protection equipment.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must be able to work shifts, including first, second, and third shifts, and scheduled or unscheduled overtime; work may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must be able to travel on temporary duty assignments, potentially by military or commercial aircraft.
Knowledge of materials, techniques, practices, and procedures for sheet-metal and composite aircraft structural work and support equipment maintenance.
Knowledge of records-maintenance and documentation policies and procedures, hazardous-waste and environmental-protection requirements, workplace hygiene, and foreign-object-debris prevention.
Skill in layout and pattern development, including geometric projection and triangulation.
Skill in using and maintaining metal-shop tools, equipment, and measuring instruments, including drill presses, punches, metal saws, cabinet blasters, paint guns, and pressure-pot paint guns.
Skill in assembling, fabricating, and repairing aircraft structural components and materials.
Ability to inspect and evaluate sheet-metal and composite structural damage and plan and perform repairs.
Ability to communicate and document work orally and in writing, manually and through computer-based systems, and interact professionally and cooperatively with coworkers and organizations.
Skill in using and maintaining specialized surface-preparation and coating equipment, including powered spray units, sanders, grinders, vacuums, pit-depth gauges, and stencil machines.
Practical knowledge of low-observable technologies and construction features, and ability to input, validate, analyze, interpret, and understand signature data.
Must be able to perform strenuous physical work, including prolonged standing, reaching, lifting, bending, stooping, working in cramped or awkward positions, climbing ladders and scaffolds, and handling tools that cause vibration or noise.
Frequently handle, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift and move heavier items with assistance.
Must comply with protective-equipment requirements, including respirators, vapor-proof suits, safety glasses, and fall-protection harnesses when required.
Males must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.

Responsibilities

Interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing process specifications for coatings and plastics applications on low-observable aircraft, parts, and assemblies.
Plan and lay out work using engineering data, blueprints, sketches, drawings, specifications, and work orders to repair, coat, or manufacture aircraft structural components and support equipment.
Operate, clean, maintain, and account for hand tools, power tools, and fabrication and repair equipment.
Evaluate and audit low-observable coating systems for damage and system integrity.
Prepare effective training plans to maximize Reserve training.
Fabricate, assemble, and repair aircraft structural components and materials, including sheet-metal and composite structures.
Inspect and evaluate structural damage and plan and accomplish repairs.
Apply low-observable coatings to specified thickness and surface texture, working to exacting tolerances.
Maintain records and document work orally and in writing, manually and through computer-based access methods.
Maintain an organized, clean work area and equipment; perform daily cleanup and follow housekeeping and foreign-object-debris prevention practices.
Follow hazardous-waste, personal-protection, and environmental-protection requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.