MACHINIST

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-3400, Machine Tool Work Group. 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 the 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 a variety of conventional and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools such as 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. 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. Knowledge of safety regulations, practices, and procedures. Skill in using conventional machine tools and their attachments to perform machining processes requiring special adaptation of the equipment or process for which they were not specifically designed; and in using special or improvised tools, fixtures, and setups to machine surfaces configurations such as curved surfaces requiring machine feeds in different planes simultaneously, surfaces having closely interrelated dimensions, or surfaces having unusual or compound angular relationships. Skill in operating CNC machine tools through one complete cycle to manufacture the first part; proof dimensions; check sufficiency of programming, tooling, fixturing, and machine operations, edit programs and make the normal changes required; and recommend changes to programs on deficiencies noted; and in the use of precision measuring instruments and equipment such as vernier calipers; height gauges; squares; protractors; inside, outside, and depth micrometers; surface gauges; vee blocks; parallel bars; internal and external micrometers, vernier height and depth gauges, indicators, scales, and various· standard and preset snap, plug, or ring gauges. Knowledge of the heat-treating processes, principles, and practices to heat-treat ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, high and low carbon steel and its alloys, magnesium, copper, brass, iron, stainless and high-speed steel, and other conventional metals to harden, case-harden, temper, normalize, and anneal. Ability to read specifications, technical orders, manuals, temperature charts, and related material to determine whether metals involved are satisfactory for the indicated product, the appropriate degree of heat, exposure time, quenching mediums, and other data. Skill in adapting, setting up, and operating a variety of conventional machine tools and attachments to perform special and precise machining operations by devising and constructing fixtures and holding devices; and in the set up and operation of specialized and precision machines such as jig borers, jig grinders, internal. and external thread grinders, and various types of electrical discharge machines to manufacture, overhaul, and repair tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, molds, and gages. Knowledge of a wide range of welding principles, processes, and difficult techniques; and of welding standards and how various metals and metal alloys react to different welding processes and techniques. Ability to weld dissimilar metals including pans and structures that vary in size, shape, and thickness. Ability to use welding drawings, blueprints, specifications, and instructions. PHYSICAL EFFORT: The work requires standing, stooping, bending, and reaching. Frequently handles, lifts, and carries objects weighing up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lifts and moves heavier items with assistance. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed inside in areas that are usually noisy and dirty, and where there is constant danger to the skin and eyes from flying metal chips and abrasive particles; skin irritation from contact with coolants, lubricants, and abrasive compounds; and danger to fingers, hands, and other body parts from cutting tools, grinding wheels, rotating pieces, and moving parts of machines. 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.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to manufacture complex and non-routine parts and items of equipment from raw stock of different metals and metal alloys through the use of conventional and/or computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools involving unusual trade problems and requiring a high degree of Ingenuity and responsibility.