Model Maker

Naval Air Systems Command•China Lake, CA

About The Position

The Model Maker serves in the Applied Manufacturing Technology Division, Weapons and Energetics Department of NAVAIRWARCENWPNDIV CHINA LAKE. The position supports development of experimental weapons systems by reviewing concepts with research engineers and scientists and assessing how they can be manufactured. The Model Maker selects fabrication methods and specialized materials suited to extreme thermal, pressure, and operational stresses; coordinates work across multiple trade disciplines; and fabricates, assembles, tests, and inspects developmental hardware and one-of-a-kind experimental assemblies.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen and determined suitable for federal employment.
Must participate in the direct deposit pay program and, for new Department of the Navy employees, successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Must obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance before entering duty.
Must meet the OPM Job Qualification Handbook requirements for Trades and Labor Occupations.
Must demonstrate the knowledge and skill to perform the position’s duties; qualifications are assessed based on experience and training, with emphasis on quality rather than a specified length of experience.
Must meet the screen-out element: ability to do the work without more than normal supervision. The described work includes planning and laying out processes across more than one trade; using computers and computer graphics; programming and operating CNC machine tools; and using CAD/CAM software for CNC programming. Higher-level examples include independently overseeing unique and one-of-a-kind prototype models.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.

Responsibilities

Consult with research engineers and scientists to review preliminary design concepts and evaluate manufacturing feasibility for experimental weapons systems.
Determine fabrication methods and select specialized materials, including high-temperature alloys, ceramics, and composites, for extreme operating environments.
Coordinate project workflows across precision machining, welding, sheet metal, and composites to deliver multipart prototype hardware on schedule.
Fabricate, fit, assemble, and bench-test developmental components and experimental assemblies to resolve functional and mechanical issues.
Perform precision layout and final quality inspection using metrology equipment such as CMMs, optical comparators, and laser trackers to verify aerospace tolerances.