Job Description
The Department of the Navy is hiring a Machinist Leader (WL 10) for its Point Loma Complex in San Diego, California.
This full-time federal position involves setting up and operating conventional and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools such as lathes, vertical and horizontal boring mills, milling machines, shapers, planers, grinders, thread cutters, and drills.
You will work with precision instruments including vernier calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and comparators to achieve accurate dimensions and tolerances. The role requires planning and laying out work from blueprints, worksheets, and drawings, even when information is missing or incorrect.
You will use shop mathematics and handbook formulas to compute and verify dimensions. Materials you will machine include aluminum, brass, bronze, high carbon and alloy steels, chrome, nickel, titanium, molybdenum, super alloys, nylon, rubber, plastics, and Teflon.
As a leader, you will supervise and coordinate the work of other machinists, ensuring quality and productivity. This position is ideal for experienced machinists with leadership skills who want to serve in a vital national security role.
Salary & Compensation
Estimated market salary: $95,000 - $175,000 per year.
Qualification
To qualify for the Machinist Leader (WL 10) position, you must demonstrate the ability to lead or supervise, which is the screen-out element. Your experience and training will be evaluated based on the quality of your knowledge, skills, and abilities in trade and labor occupations. There is no specific length of time required, but you must show you possess the necessary competencies.
- Ability to lead or supervise (screen-out element
- must receive at least 2 points.
- Experience setting up and operating conventional and CNC machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, etc.).
- Skill in using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, etc.).
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work sheets.
- Knowledge of shop mathematics and handbook formulas for computing dimensions.
- Experience machining various metals and materials (steel, aluminum, titanium, plastics, etc.).
- Must be a US Citizen.
- Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
- Must participate in direct deposit pay program.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
Role Responsibilities
Set up and operate conventional and CNC machine tools to produce precision parts.
- Plan and lay out work from blueprints, drawings, and work sheets with missing or incorrect information.
- Use precision instruments to verify dimensions and tolerances.
- Compute dimensions using shop mathematics and handbook formulas.
- Machine a variety of metals and materials including alloys, plastics, and composites.
- Lead and supervise a team of machinists, assigning work and ensuring quality.
- Inspect finished products for conformance to specifications.
- Maintain tools and equipment in safe working condition.
How to Apply
Log in to your USAJOBS account (or create one at usajobs.gov) and open the announcement for Machinist Leader (Job ID: usajobs-847985500).
- Complete the online federal application questionnaire.
- Prepare and upload a federal resume (maximum 2 pages) that includes employer names, start/end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week if less than full-time, and pay plan/series/grade for relevant federal experience.
- Submit any required supporting documents (e.g., DD-214 for veterans, transcripts if using education, licenses/certificates).
- Ensure your complete application package is received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 10/13/2026.
Additional Information
This position is in the WL 10 pay grade, with hourly pay ranging from $33.30 to $50.37 per hour.
- Multiple work sites are available: San Diego, CA; Pearl Harbor, HI; Portsmouth, ME; Philadelphia, PA; Portsmouth, VA; Bangor, WA; Bremerton, WA; Everett, WA. Applicants will only be considered for positions within their own UIC.
- You may be required to pass a pre-appointment physical examination and obtain a security clearance.
- This position may be subject to drug testing, including random testing.
- You may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, safety shoes, and respirators.
- Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, high noise levels, and uncommon tours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Travel may be required, including to remote or isolated sites, on military and commercial aircraft.
About Company
The Department of the Navy is a branch of the US Department of Defense responsible for naval operations and national security. It employs a large civilian workforce that supports shipyards, naval bases, and maintenance facilities worldwide. The Machinist Leader role is part of the Navy's industrial base, ensuring the readiness of naval vessels and equipment through precision machining and leadership. Working for the Navy offers federal benefits, job stability, and the opportunity to contribute directly to national defense. Department of the Navy
- Agency Wide is named as the hiring organisation for the MACHINIST LEADER post.