Home / Federal careers / WG-5378
Powered Support Systems Mechanic
This standard is used to grade nonsupervisory general mechanical work involved in making a variety of repairs to powered ground and similar support equipment used for aircraft ground servicing; missile, aircraft, air control, and radar installations' powered support; field combat support; engineering and construction project support; and general utilities, including standby and emergency power generating systems. The systems repaired are made up of combinations of components such as: gasoline, d
What WG-5378 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-5378, as written.
Powered Support Systems Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is used to grade nonsupervisory general mechanical work involved in making a variety of repairs to powered ground and similar support equipment used for aircraft ground servicing; missile, aircraft, air control, and radar installations' powered support; field combat support; engineering and construction project support; and general utilities, including standby and emergency power generating systems. The systems repaired are made up of combinations of components such as: gasoline, diesel, multi-fuel, or turbine engines; electrical systems; gears; combustion powered generators, compressors, and similar power supply units including those with heating and cooling applications; and the electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems which are part of the equipment repaired.
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-5378
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
Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical)
WG-5378 Powered Support Systems Mechanic is the closest trade match. GSM gas turbine and engine-driven equipment experience maps with no friction.
Skills that carry over: Gas turbine maintenance, Engine-driven support equipment, Mechanical troubleshooting, Preventive maintenance.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10, WL-10.
Aerospace Ground Equipment
WG-5378 Powered Support Systems Mechanic is the closest federal match, built around aerospace ground support and powered support equipment. 2A6X2 experience qualifies with almost no friction.
Skills that carry over: Powered support equipment repair, Generator and power-cart maintenance, Hydraulic and pneumatic systems, Gas turbine compressor servicing.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10, WG-11.
Electrical Power Production
WG-5378 Powered Support Systems Mechanic is the tightest federal match. Mobile and stationary generators, power plants, and ground support equipment map almost one-to-one to 3E0X2 work.
Skills that carry over: Generator maintenance, Power plant operation, Switchgear repair, Diagnostics.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10.
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 powered support systems 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-5378
What is a Powered Support Systems Mechanic?
A Powered Support Systems Mechanic (WG-5378) repairs powered ground and support equipment for aircraft servicing, missile/radar installations, field combat support, engineering projects, and emergency power systems. They work on diverse equipment combining gasoline, diesel, hydraulic, and pneumatic components.
How much does a federal Powered Support Systems Mechanic make?
Federal Powered Support Systems Mechanics (WG-5378) 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.
What are the requirements for WG-5378 positions?
WG-5378 requires mechanical skill across multiple equipment types. Qualifications include experience with gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, generators, and ground support equipment. Multi-system troubleshooting ability is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5378?
Absolutely. Military ground support equipment experience directly qualifies. Air Force 2A6 (Aerospace Ground Equipment), Army 91B/91D with GSE duties, and any MOS involving aircraft ground support or powered equipment maintenance provides excellent preparation.
What is the career progression for Powered Support Systems Mechanic?
Powered Support Systems Mechanics progress to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions. Career paths include aerospace ground equipment supervision, facilities support management, or transition to specialized vehicle or generator maintenance positions.
How do I apply for WG-5378 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Powered Support' or 'Ground Support Equipment' or series '5378.' Positions exist at Air Force bases, depots, and facilities with GSE. Highlight your diverse equipment experience and troubleshooting skills. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-5378?
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.