| Labor category | Level |
| Engineer (Aerospace/ Mechanical) | 1 |
| (GS12) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Ability to perform activities related to assuring the structural integrity of aircraft and component structures such as wings, fuselage, empennage, landing gear, pylons, nacelles, and engines. Apply principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Understanding of the core concepts of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and deformable bodies using tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), to design, test, and analyze industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motorized vehicles, robotics, etc. Ability to perform analytical structural analysis (finite element modeling) and to analyze results of the loads applied. Application of systems engineering processes across the organization to ensure a discipline that integrates all the stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a system. Education: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. | |
| Engineer (Aerospace/ Mechanical) | 2 |
| (GS12) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Ability to perform activities related to assuring the structural integrity of aircraft and component structures such as wings, fuselage, empennage, landing gear, pylons, nacelles, and engines. Apply principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Understanding of the core concepts of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and deformable bodies using tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), to design, test, and analyze industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motorized vehicles, robotics, etc. Ability to perform analytical structural analysis (finite element modeling) and to analyze results of the loads applied. Application of systems engineering processes across the organization to ensure a discipline that integrates all the stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a system. Education: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. | |
| Engineer (Aerospace/ Mechanical) | 3 |
| (GS13) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Mastered the ability to perform activities related to assuring the structural integrity of aircraft and component structures such as wings, fuselage, empennage, landing gear, pylons, nacelles, and engines. Mastered the ability to apply principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Understanding of the core concepts of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and deformable bodies using tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computer Aided Design (CAD), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), to design, test, and analyze industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motorized vehicles, robotics, etc. Ability to perform analytical structural analysis (finite element modeling) and to analyze results of the loads applied. Application of systems engineering processes across the organization to ensure a discipline that integrates all the stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a system. Education: Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. | |
| Engineer (Electrical/ Electronics) | 1 |
| (GS12) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Performs professional electrical/electronic engineering work in support of the acquisition, development, or sustainment of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment. Performs design and development engineering for critical aircraft systems and devices, used in display, diagnostic, data acquisition, weapons/targeting, navigation, and flight systems. Performs analysis and uses systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to implement, develop, and document projects. Understands system engineering and efforts required to achieve and preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness (OSS&E) in systems or end-items; of standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and of other engineering disciplines. Performs project/program management responsibilities to determine the business and technical needs of customers. Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. | |
| Engineer (Electrical/ Electronics) | 2 |
| (GS12) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Performs professional electrical/electronic engineering work in support of the acquisition, development, or sustainment of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment. Performs design and development engineering for critical aircraft systems and devices, used in display, diagnostic, data acquisition, weapons/targeting, navigation, and flight systems. Performs analysis and uses systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to implement, develop, and document projects. Understands system engineering and efforts required to achieve and preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness (OSS&E) in systems or end-items; of standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and of other engineering disciplines. Performs project/program management responsibilities to determine the business and technical needs of customers. Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. | |
| Engineer (Electrical/ Electronics) | 3 |
| (GS13) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Mastered the ability to perform professional electronics engineering work involved in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes to the acquisition, development, or sustainment of weapon systems, subsystems, and/or support equipment. Functions as the organization’s technical specialist in design and development engineering for critical systems and devices. Performs complex and comprehensive analysis and uses systematic, disciplined, and quantifiable approaches to implement, develop, and document projects. Ensures system engineering and efforts preserve operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness (OSS&E) in systems or end-items; of standard acquisition regulations, practices, and procedures; and of other engineering disciplines. Serves as a consultant and technical expert to senior subject matter specialists and/or agency officials responsible for broad program operations. Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. | |
| Program Manager | 1 |
| (GS11) | Entry Level (0-3 years experience): Assesses progress in assigned projects/programs including cost estimates, schedules, and performance supportability baseline requirements by applying known methods and procedures. Plans, organizes, and coordinates activities of functional specialists including contracting, engineering, manufacturing, program control, configuration/data management, test, and logistics. Reviews and directs the progress in meeting program objectives. Prepares and presents staff studies for presentation to management officials. Education: Bachelor Degree | |
| Program Manager | 2 |
| (GS12) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Plans and performs system acquisition management activities for a major element of complex systems. Develops, reviews, and analyzes plans, programs, and time-phased schedules. Plans, organizes, and coordinates activities of functional specialists including contracting, engineering, manufacturing, program control, configuration/data management, test, and logistics. Prepares and/or reviews program budgets to determine if projections are accurate and overall system performance is being achieved as projected. Represents the organization and higher management echelons and provides status information on assigned projects/programs, as required, in high level meetings and discussions with senior officials, both within and outside the DOD. Education: Bachelor Degree | |
| Program Manager | 3 |
| (GS13) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the organization with responsibility for the development of major aspects of key Air Force programs of national significance and/or essential operating programs. Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Makes periodic and comprehensive assessment and evaluation of program goals, and objectives, which will provide a basis for long-range planning to enhance the organization’s management capabilities. Represents the organization with higher levels within the organization and stakeholder organizations. Works in conjunction with the contracting personnel to approve terms and conditions set forth in contract negotiations, contracting plans, budgets, and changes to the scope of work. Education: Bachelor Degree | |
| Aircraft Production Controller | 1 |
| (GS07) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Assists higher-graded Production Support Technicians in reviewing and developing workload schedules. Assists higher-graded Production Support Technicians in assessing daily shop operations, managing assets in-work, and reviewing assets in-queue to develop daily work schedules. Provides material management support for repair, overhaul, manufacture, and/or modification of equipment and/or parts requiring special handling. Education: High School Diploma | |
| Aircraft Production Controller | 2 |
| (GS09) | Intermediate Level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Reviews, validates, and processes workload induction documents. Reviews programmed Work Control Documents for work operations to be performed to ensure adequacy and accuracy of skill codes, equipment codes, work center codes, etc. Researches item history utilizing applicable databases. Develops unprogrammed workload schedules based on priority, project directives, actual shop capacity, and assets in work. Ensures workload schedules contain all required elements of maintenance/modification operations and coordinates with appropriate personnel to ensure operations are properly integrated and supported. Adjusts established production schedules, as needed, based on production line or shop capacity, status of work in progress, time required to complete the activity, availability of skills, material such as Time Compliance Technical Order and Time Change Item tools, and urgency of need. Provides material management support for repair, overhaul, manufacture, and/or modification of equipment and/or parts requiring special handling. Education: Associate Degree | |
| Aircraft Production Controller | 3 |
| (GS11) | Senior Level (7+ years experience): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Researches, analyzes, plans, and initiates job acceptance for programmed/unprogrammed workloads. Develops new/modifies work schedules as required, due to changes in funding, priorities, or internal /external customer requirements. Plans and schedules initiation dates of production and manages production resources, products, end items, aircraft, and projects until repairs or projects are completed. Manages shop capacity and calculates and establishes shop hours based on workload mixture in systems to control input to maintenance. Provides material management support to production operations by ordering parts and material. Monitors multiple shop operations, plans and manages actual production start dates, manages assets in-work, and monitors assets in-queue. Education: Bachelor Degree | |
| Aircraft Mechanic General | 1 |
| (WG08) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Knowledge of the operation and functions of a number of aircraft components and parts, and the methods of removal and installation so that the parts and components are not damaged or misaligned. Knowledge of a number of less complex aircraft systems, subsystems, and assemblies and how to perform functional checks after installation. Knowledge of operational and maintenance records, both manual and automated, required for the aircraft. Removes major components of aircraft structure or systems and performs repairs of limited complexity. Works with higher grade mechanics to accomplish larger and more complex operations. Accomplishes operational and maintenance record keeping, both manual and automated, associated with aircraft maintenance and repair. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Education: High School Diploma and graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience. | |
| Aircraft Mechanic General | 2 |
| (WG09) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Knowledge of the makeup, operation, installation, and adjustment of a variety of major interrelated and/or integrated aircraft systems, subsystems, and assemblies such as fuel and hydraulic systems, flight control systems, instrumentation systems, engines, landing gear assemblies, airframe, and control surfaces to troubleshoot, repair, replace, and overhaul, as necessary. Knowledge of activity supply procedures to initiate requisitions for needed parts and supplies. Thorough knowledge of the publication order system to obtain the most up-to-date technical manuals and to propose changes to publications when discrepancies are found. Performs troubleshooting on a variety of major aircraft systems, their assemblies, and components. Disassembles, repairs, and reassembles major aircraft systems, their assemblies, and components. Accomplishes operational and maintenance record keeping, both manual and automated, associated with aircraft maintenance and repair. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work area. Education: FAA Airframe and Power Plant Certificate/License | |
| Aircraft Mechanic General | 3 |
| (WG10) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Knowledge of the startup, operation, shutdown, and emergency procedures for the systems and the aircraft; symptoms of normal and abnormal operation; the inter-relationships between operating systems; and activity safety procedures to prevent damage to equipment or injury to personnel. Knowledge of associated trades such as sheet metal, painting, aircraft electrical, electronics, and aircraft engine work to determine when work should be assigned to specialized support shops. Performs all functional and support systems, operate the engine(s), and run up and taxi the aircraft; determine what systems are malfunctioning; search repair directives, technical orders, and manuals to determine repairs needed; and personally perform or guide lower grade aircraft mechanics in the performance of repairs. Responsible for performing, coordinating, and/or overseeing maintenance on the aircraft. Performs aircraft inspections including preflight, post flight, phase, and other scheduled and unscheduled inspections. Diagnoses and identifies probable locations of malfunctions from the cockpit during engine run-up. Initiates requests for unscheduled tools, equipment, and materials during preparation for flight. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work area. Education: FAA Airframe and Power Plant Certificate/License | |
| Aircraft Structural Mechanic | 1 |
| (WG08) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Plans and lays out work following clear cut work orders and instructions from the supervisor or higher grade worker. Manufactures and installs or repairs cylindrical, square, or rectangular-shaped objects which have easily constructed fastenings such as single and double-hem edges and single, double, or grooved seams. Uses and maintains tools. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Education: High School Diploma and graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience. | |
| Aircraft Structural Mechanic | 2 |
| (WG10) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Plans and lays out work from blueprints, sketches, drawings, specifications, and work orders in the construction and maintenance of installation facilities. Develops patterns, cuts, forms, joins, assembles, and installs items and systems which have combined straight and curved edges or irregular curves, angles, and planes. Welds commonly used metals in connection with the construction and restoration of sheet metal products. Performs sheet metal mechanic duties in a safe manner, utilizing safety practices and procedures, and complying with established safety rules and regulations. Prepares various surfaces of interior and exterior aircraft sheet metal structures by mechanically and chemically removing old paint and rust, filling cracks, sanding, and applying fillers and base coats. Operates and maintains complex hand and power tools and equipment such as sliproll forming machines, box and pan brakes, rotary machines with extra forming rolls, and crimping, burring, turning, and beading machines, and soldering and welding equipment to fabricate and repair items. Education: FAA Airframe Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Structural Mechanic | 3 |
| (WG11) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Plans and lays out work with a minimum of accompanying information, to fabricate, manufacture, assemble, and install unconventional, one-of-a-kind aircraft sheet metal items for a one-time project or in support of experimental or testing activities. Modifies aircraft frame segments, such as metal structural members and reinforcements. Plans and lays out work from blueprints, sketches, drawings, specifications, and work orders in the construction and maintenance of installation facilities. Develops patterns, cuts, forms, joins, assembles, and installs items and systems which have combined straight and curved edges or irregular curves, angles, and planes. Welds commonly used metals in connection with the construction and restoration of sheet metal products. Oversees preparation of various surfaces of interior and exterior aircraft sheet metal structures by mechanically and chemically removing old paint and rust, filling cracks, sanding, and applying fillers and base coats. Uses and maintains tools. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Education: FAA Airframe Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Electrician | 1 |
| (WG08) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Assists Aircraft Electricians by performing the simpler and more routine duties of the aircraft electrician trade and working with higher grade workers as instructed. Under close supervision, learns to perform the more advanced work of the aircraft electrician trade as a means of developing trade skills and gaining knowledge of the trade. Uses and accounts for all tools and equipment such as screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, automatic strippers, drills, soldering equipment, heat guns, electric and pneumatic power tools, and other specialized tools of the trade. Performs shop support work. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Education: High School Diploma and graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience. | |
| Aircraft Electrician | 2 |
| (WG09) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Performs routine disassembly, repairs, modification, assembly, reassembly, test, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems, equipment, and accessories. Removes and replaces electrical components following technical orders, manufacturers’ specifications, and standard trade methods, and in reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, engineering instructions, and schematics concerning electrical wiring, systems, and components. Uses a variety of tools and equipment such as hand and automatic strippers, soldering equipment, wire cutters, heat guns, electric and pneumatic power tools, and other specialized tools of the trade. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Maintains records and documents actions. Education: FAA Airframe Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Electrician | 3 |
| (WG10) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Troubleshoots, modifies, repairs, and tests complex electrical systems, components, and accessories with intricate wiring systems under actual or ground power. Sets up and operates computerized multiple circuit analyzing equipment to run established and new diagnostic programs in various test modes to test aircraft electrical circuitry and interconnecting cabling of the entire aircraft or individual systems. Test, troubleshoot, analyze, modify, and repair complex electrical systems and components. Trace hard to locate and intermittent electrical defects and problems using a variety of meters and test devices. Reposition conventional electrical and electronic components and wiring to facilitate installation of nonconventional equipment. Calibrate and adjust components such as amplifiers, proximity boxes, generators, and voltage regulators. Perform initial and final functional and operational checks on the entire aircraft electrical system. Uses a variety of tools and equipment such as hand and electrical test units. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Maintains records and documents actions. Education: FAA Airframe Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Avionics | 1 |
| (WG11) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Under supervision, installs, modifies, overhauls, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs complete avionics operating system(s) consisting of numerous complex integral components. Sets up and operates software controlled automatic test equipment to test and troubleshoot complex electronics components and systems. Uses and maintains hand tools such as screwdrivers, drills, wrenches, soldering irons, and micro soldering units. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Education: High School Diploma and graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience. | |
| Aircraft Avionics | 2 |
| (WG12) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Installs, modifies, overhauls, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, rebuilds, aligns, and calibrates integrated ground or airborne electronics systems. Sets up and operates software controlled automated test equipment to run established programs in various test modes to test and troubleshoot integrated systems. Uses and maintains hand and power tools, precision measurement tools, and test equipment. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Maintains inspections and maintenance records. Education: FAA Airframe Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Avionics | 3 |
| (WG13) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Installs, modifies, overhauls, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, rebuilds, aligns, and calibrates complete multi-systems such as the electronics package in a highly automated aircraft where target acquisition and tracking, weapons control, aircraft altitude control, navigation, and other complex functions are performed by numerous systems which are extensively interconnected with data feedback loops and accomplish a number of major functions. Sets up and operates software controlled automated test stations to run established and new diagnostic programs in various test modes to test and troubleshoot multi-system complexes. Uses and maintains hand and power tools, precision measurement tools, and test equipment. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Maintains inspections and maintenance records. Education: FAA Airframe Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | 1 |
| (WG08) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Under supervision, performs standard, routine disassembly and assembly operations and makes prescribed modifications to aircraft engines, engine assemblies, and accessories. Uses automated test equipment and standard measuring and testing instruments. Uses computer terminals or personal computers to access technical manuals and related materials and accomplish operational and maintenance record keeping associated with aircraft maintenance and repair. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Education: High School Diploma and graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience. | |
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | 2 |
| (WG09) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Performs the full range of disassembly/assembly of modified or conventional aircraft engines, engine assemblies, and accessories. Diagnoses problems causing engine malfunction through visual observation or by disassembling and measuring parts for deviation from specifications. Uses automated test equipment and precision measuring and testing instruments, specialized disassembly/assembly tools and remote visual inspection systems. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Education: FAA Power Plant Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | 3 |
| (WG10) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Mastered the full range of disassembly/assembly of modified or conventional aircraft engines, engine assemblies, and accessories. Troubleshoots one or more types or models of malfunctioning conventional and/or modified aircraft engines on the flight line, in test cells, or maintenance shops. Disassembles, repairs, and reassembles aircraft engines, their assemblies, and components. Uses a variety of hand and power tools. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work area. Education: FAA Power Plant Certificate/License. | |
| Aircraft Non-Destructive Tester | 1 |
| (WG08) | Entry Level (0 - 3 years experience): Under supervision, processes metal parts for the florescent penetrant (zyglo) method of nondestructive testing nonmagnetic parts for cracks and other discontinuities having surface openings. Visually inspects oil penetrant solution at frequent intervals for evidence of impurities such as foreign matter and water bubbles, and to assure that correct oil level is maintained. Uses and maintains tools. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Education: Completed Company training program that meets the guidelines outlined in FAA AC65-31B. | |
| Aircraft Non-Destructive Tester | 2 |
| (WG10) | Intermediate level (3 - 7 years experience): Advanced after spending time at the entry level. Inspects aerospace components, parts, and materials by applying the full range of ultrasonic, eddy current, and/or radiographic inspection techniques established by inspection guidelines. Applies magnetic particle and/or liquid penetrant inspection to detect and interpret the relevancy of flaws in a variety of parts. Uses and maintains tools. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Maintains records and documents actions. Education: Completed Company training program that meets the guidelines outlined in FAA AC65-31B. | |
| Aircraft Non-Destructive Tester | 3 |
| (WG11) | Senior level (7+ years): Advanced after spending time at the intermediate level. Using the ultrasonic-eddy current processes, performs inspections of aircraft, engine, missile, ground support equipment, etc., parts and components, support equipment structural members, components, parts, and other materials for which inspection procedures and/or acceptability standards are inadequate or not available. Using the radiographic equipment, performs inspections of aircraft, engine, missile, ground support equipment, etc., parts, components, support equipment structural members, components, parts, and other materials for which inspection procedures and/or acceptability standards are inadequate or not available. Serves as NDI Technical Advisor, advising responsible shop supervisors, engineering, quality assurance and other related functions of defects found, their extent and their effect of the quality and serviceability of products. Uses and maintains tools. Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Maintains records and documents actions. Education: Completed Company training program that meets the guidelines outlined in FAA AC65-31B. | |
