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Industrial Equipment Mechanic
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involving the dismantling, repairing, relocating, modifying, maintaining, aligning, and installing of general nonproduction industrial plant machinery, equipment, and systems such as bridge cranes, towveyor/conveyor and pneumatic tube systems, sandblasting machines, and other industrial plant support machinery and equipment; service, industrial waste and flood control equipment such as compressors, pumps, and valves; and engraving machines, aircraft test
What WG-5352 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-5352, as written.
Industrial Equipment Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involving the dismantling, repairing, relocating, modifying, maintaining, aligning, and installing of general nonproduction industrial plant machinery, equipment, and systems such as bridge cranes, towveyor/conveyor and pneumatic tube systems, sandblasting machines, and other industrial plant support machinery and equipment; service, industrial waste and flood control equipment such as compressors, pumps, and valves; and engraving machines, aircraft test block equipment, and fire extinguishing systems. The work requires a practical knowledge of the mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and components of diverse industrial plant support machinery and equipment, and other equipment that control industrial waste and provide service to establishments such as industrial plants, machine tool repair shops, and hospitals. This includes detailed knowledge of the operating characteristics of the involved systems and equipment, and of the applicable installation and repair procedures, methods, and trade practices.
Physical Effort
: Grade 8 industrial equipment repairers frequently handle objects weighing 20 kilograms (45 pounds) and occasionally carry objects weighing 20 kilograms (45 pounds) and over for considerable distances. They are required to push, pull, reach, walk, stand, crawl, kneel, bend, and work in cramped positions over and under machinery of all types for sustained periods of time.
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-5352
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
WG-5352 Industrial Equipment Mechanic fits missile-systems and support-equipment mechanical maintenance experience.
Skills that carry over: Industrial equipment repair, Hydraulics and pneumatics, Mechanical assembly, Diagnostics.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Machinery Technician
Industrial Equipment Mechanic — maintains manufacturing and industrial equipment. MK troubleshooting and repair skills transfer directly to shore-side industrial machinery.
Skills that carry over: Equipment Repair, Preventive Maintenance, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Electrical Systems.
Usually opens at: WG-9, WG-10, WG-11.
Construction Mechanic
Industrial Equipment Mechanic. Direct match — maintaining and repairing heavy construction equipment is exactly what CMs do. USACE, NAVFAC, and Bureau of Reclamation are top hiring agencies.
Skills that carry over: Diesel engine repair, Hydraulic systems, Equipment diagnostics, Preventive maintenance, Welding.
Usually opens at: WG-10, WG-11, WG-12.
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 industrial equipment 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-5352
What is an Industrial Equipment Mechanic?
An Industrial Equipment Mechanic (WG-5352) maintains and repairs nonproduction industrial plant machinery including bridge cranes, conveyor systems, pneumatic tube systems, compressors, pumps, valves, and support equipment at federal facilities.
How much does a federal Industrial Equipment Mechanic make?
Federal Industrial Equipment Mechanics (WG-5352) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$42 per hour. Annual earnings range $58,000-$87,000. Complex industrial systems command higher rates.
What are the requirements for WG-5352 positions?
WG-5352 requires skill maintaining industrial plant equipment. Qualifications include experience with cranes, conveyor systems, compressors, pumps, and industrial machinery; ability to troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5352?
Yes, military equipment maintenance experience qualifies. MOSs involving mechanical repair at depot facilities, shipyard industrial equipment, or base support systems maintenance provide directly relevant experience for industrial equipment positions.
What is the career progression for Industrial Equipment Mechanic?
Industrial Equipment Mechanics progress to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions. Career paths include maintenance supervisor, facilities engineering, or transition to specialized systems like cranes or HVAC. GS engineering technician positions are also options.
How do I apply for WG-5352 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Industrial Equipment' or series '5352.' Positions exist at depots, shipyards, and large federal facilities. Highlight your equipment variety experience, troubleshooting skills, and industrial safety knowledge. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-5352?
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.