Home / Federal careers / WG-5350
Production Machinery Mechanic
at the grade 10 level, grade 11 production machinery mechanics independently determine the nature of the trouble and extent of repairs required on equipment that is usually complicated by more variables. They are expected to recognize the evidence of electrical or electronic malfunctions from indications in the mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic portions of the equipment, requiring
What WG-5350 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-5350, as written.
Production Machinery Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
at the grade 10 level, grade 11 production machinery mechanics independently determine the nature of the trouble and extent of repairs required on equipment that is usually complicated by more variables. They are expected to recognize the evidence of electrical or electronic malfunctions from indications in the mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic portions of the equipment, requiring
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-5350
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Missile and Space Systems Maintenance
2M0X2 mechanical maintenance maps directly to WG-5350 Production Machinery Mechanic. Technical-data-driven repair of complex mechanical systems transfers without friction.
Skills that carry over: Mechanical system repair, Preventive maintenance, Technical-data compliance, Troubleshooting.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer
Production Machinery Mechanic (WG-5350) covers the machine-repair and overhaul side of 91J work.
Skills that carry over: Machine repair, Mechanical overhaul, Diagnostics, Precision adjustment.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer
Direct match for heavy mobile equipment mechanic. Highlight track vehicle maintenance and complex system troubleshooting.
Skills that carry over: Heavy Equipment Maintenance, Track Vehicle Systems, Fire Control, Hydraulic Systems.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-10, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Perform production machinery mechanic tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to read and interpret instructions and procedures
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-5350
What is a Production Machinery Mechanic?
A Production Machinery Mechanic (WG-5350) maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs production equipment used in manufacturing operations. They work on complex machinery with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic components at federal production facilities.
How much does a federal Production Machinery Mechanic make?
Federal Production Machinery Mechanics (WG-5350) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$42 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $58,000-$87,000.
What are the requirements for WG-5350 positions?
WG-5350 requires skill diagnosing and repairing production machinery. Qualifications include troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; recognizing electrical/electronic malfunctions from mechanical symptoms; and ability to determine repair requirements independently.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5350?
Military equipment maintenance experience helps qualify. MOSs involving mechanical repair, manufacturing support, or heavy equipment maintenance provide relevant skills. Arsenal and depot maintenance experience with production equipment directly applies.
What is the career progression for Production Machinery Mechanic?
Production Machinery Mechanics progress to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead mechanic positions. Career paths include production supervisor, maintenance management, or transition to WG-5352 (Industrial Equipment) or GS manufacturing engineering technician roles.
How do I apply for WG-5350 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Production Machinery' or series '5350.' Positions exist at arsenals, ammunition plants, and manufacturing facilities. Highlight your equipment repair experience, troubleshooting skills, and production environment knowledge. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-5350?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.