Model Builder

Standard Job Description

The Model Builder plans, layouts, and fabricates scale models of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and related components for controlled flight and free flight wind tunnel testing, radar cross section (RCS) range evaluation, trainer, and engineering assessment. This role involves complete model construction from engineering information, including interpreting blueprints and lofting prints, fabricating components from diverse materials (wood, metal, plastic, composites,), and assembling installation and test support. Key duties include constructing patterns for fabricating and assembling major aircraft sections (wings, fuselage, tails), and performing rework and finishing operations to exacting tolerances. The position requires operating metal and wood working machinery, including precision CNC milling machines and lathes, setting up models in wind tunnels and RCS ranges, and making test directed modifications. Work may occur on company premises or at field test facilities under engineering direction.

Basic Qualifications

• 2-4 years proven hands-on experience operating and setting up manual CNC milling machines and lathes (comfort with older, non-push-button equipment preferred)
• Experience with reading, interpreting, and editing CNC G-code for manual machine setup
• Experience with interpreting blue‑prints, sketches, and verbal instructions.
• Experience with precision measuring instruments (dial indicating depth/height gauges, vernier protractors, calipers, micrometers)

Desired Skills

• Thread cutting on manual lathes; practical proficiency with a wide range of metal and wood working equipment
• Experience with composite fabrication (fiberglass, graphite, resin systems)
• Ability to plan, layout, and set up basic machine tools for one‑off or low‑volume components
• Experience with spray coatings applications to include applying various coatings, lacquers, enamels, epoxy, mix paints, and metallic coatings.
• Apply trigonometry (right and oblique triangle solutions) and shop math to solve geometry-related routing and fixture problems
• Construct full-scale mock-ups from production assemblies, blueprints, templates, or tooling
• Familiarity with RCS range setup, modifications, and model installation for radar cross section testing is a plus
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance (eligible and able to secure within 6 months of hire)
• Willingness to travel up to 25 % of the assignment (domestic and limited international) to support wind‑tunnel, RCS, and other test facilities.
• Strong shop‑math skills (fractions, decimals, basic algebra, geometry) applied to machining calculations.

Pay Information

• $34.91 - $56.89

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow-both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.

Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate''s work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Additional specific benefits are dependent upon the business unit and the collective-bargaining agreement.
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.