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Aircraft Engine Mechanic
This standard provides grading criteria for all nonsupervisory work performing maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, modification, and testing of conventional, modified, and experimental aircraft engines, their components, assemblies, and subassemblies. This standard also covers work involving engine accessories such as starters, generators, anti-icers, and fuel control devices when such assignments are incidental to work on the completed engine. Some work situations within this series
What WG-8602 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-8602, as written.
Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard provides grading criteria for all nonsupervisory work performing maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, modification, and testing of conventional, modified, and experimental aircraft engines, their components, assemblies, and subassemblies. This standard also covers work involving engine accessories such as starters, generators, anti-icers, and fuel control devices when such assignments are incidental to work on the completed engine. Some work situations within this series may require varying levels of electronics knowledge. This standard cancels and supersedes the Job Grading Standard for Aircraft Engine Mechanic, 8602, issued September 1974.
Physical Effort
is similar to that described at
Working Conditions
are similar to those described at
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-8602
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
Aircraft Powerplant Repairer
Aircraft engine mechanic pathway.
Skills that carry over: Engine Repair, Powerplant Systems, Diagnostics, Component Replacement, Quality Inspection.
Usually opens at: WG-10, WG-11, WG-12.
Aviation Machinist First Class
Aircraft engine mechanic.
Skills that carry over: Engine Maintenance, Turbine Systems, Diagnostics.
Usually opens at: GS-10, GS-11.
Aircraft Engine Inspector
Aircraft engine pathway.
Skills that carry over: Engine Inspection, Quality Assurance, Documentation, Compliance, Technical Analysis.
Usually opens at: GS-9, 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 aircraft engine 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-8602
What is an Aircraft Engine Mechanic?
An Aircraft Engine Mechanic (WG-8602) performs maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, modification, and testing of conventional and experimental aircraft engines, their components, assemblies, and accessories. Work includes servicing turbine and reciprocating engines, diagnosing performance issues, and ensuring engines meet safety and performance specifications for flight operations.
How much does a federal Aircraft Engine Mechanic make?
Federal Aircraft Engine Mechanics receive WG pay with locality adjustments. WG-8602 positions typically range from WG-10 to WG-12 given the technical complexity and safety criticality. Engine specialists at Air Logistics Complexes and major depots earn top WG rates. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your locality.
What are the requirements for WG-8602 positions?
WG-8602 positions require comprehensive knowledge of aircraft engine systems, including turbine engines, fuel systems, and engine accessories. Candidates must diagnose malfunctions, interpret technical data, and perform repairs meeting aviation safety standards. FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is often required. Security clearances needed for military aircraft.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-8602?
Absolutely. Military aircraft engine experience is the gold standard for WG-8602. Air Force 2A6X1 (Aerospace Propulsion), Navy AD (Aviation Machinist's Mate), Army 15B (Aircraft Powerplant Repairer), and Marine Corps 6212 personnel have directly transferable skills. Your military turbine engine maintenance experience is exactly what federal aviation depots need.
What is the career progression for Aircraft Engine Mechanics?
Aircraft Engine Mechanics advance from WG-10 through WG-12 based on engine type expertise and diagnostic proficiency. Senior mechanics handle the most complex engine overhauls and modifications. Work Leader (WL) positions supervise engine shops. FAA A&P certification plus Inspection Authorization (IA) expands career options into quality assurance.
How do I apply for WG-8602 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Aircraft Engine Mechanic" or "8602" to find positions at Air Logistics Complexes (Tinker, Robins, Hill), naval aviation depots, and Army aviation facilities. Detail your experience with specific engine types—F110, TF33, T700, etc. Include FAA certifications and military engine courses. Veterans' preference applies strongly.
Ready to apply for WG-8602?
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.