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Instrument Maker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instrument Maker Position Summary: The Huff Family Innovation Center, part of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, is hiring a Fabrication Shop Technician . The Fabrication Shop ...

Guitar Maker

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Guitar Maker to join our team at Mule Resophonic Guitars ... Conduct quality control checks throughout the production process to ensure each instrument meets ...

Tool/Model Maker

Westbrook, CT · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Tool/Model Maker Location: Westbrook, CT | Full Time Company Overview: The Lee Company is a global ... medical/scientific instrument, oil tool, and automotive industries. Lee Company products are ...

Tool & Die Maker Job Function: Manufacturing Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Full or ... tools, instrument and precision metal parts Experience Requirements * Hands on experience of ...

Tool & Die Maker Job Function: Manufacturing Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Full or ... tools, instrument and precision metal parts Experience Requirements * Hands on experience of ...

Tool & Die Maker Job Function: Manufacturing Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Full or ... tools, instrument and precision metal parts Experience Requirements * Hands on experience of ...

Showing results 41-60

Instrument Maker information

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$14

$24

$32

How much do instrument maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument maker in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an instrument maker?

Instrument Makers are skilled professionals who design, create, repair, and maintain precision instruments used in scientific, medical, musical, or industrial applications. They work with a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, and plastics, using both hand tools and advanced machinery to craft custom instruments or modify existing ones. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring that instruments function accurately and reliably for their intended purposes. Instrument Makers often collaborate with scientists, engineers, and musicians to meet specific requirements. This role requires a combination of technical skill, creativity, and attention to detail.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an instrument maker?

To thrive as an Instrument Maker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, precision measurement skills, and a background in machining or engineering, often supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Proficiency with tools such as lathes, milling machines, and CAD software—as well as knowledge of materials and quality control systems—is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and patience are vital soft skills for producing high-quality, accurate instruments. These competencies ensure the creation of reliable, precise instruments required for scientific, medical, or industrial applications.

What are some common challenges instrument makers face when working on custom projects?

Instrument Makers often encounter challenges related to precise measurements and material selection, especially when creating custom or one-of-a-kind pieces. Collaborating closely with clients or musicians to interpret specific needs can add complexity, as the requirements may not always be clearly defined. Additionally, balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern tools and techniques is essential for meeting quality standards and deadlines. Effective communication and a keen eye for detail are crucial to overcoming these challenges and delivering instruments that meet or exceed expectations.

How do you become an instrument maker?

To become an instrument maker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in woodworking, metalworking, or instrument craftsmanship. Many pursue a technical or vocational program in instrument making, woodworking, or related fields, and develop skills in precision, attention to detail, and familiarity with tools and materials used in crafting musical or scientific instruments.

How much does an instrument maker make?

An instrument maker typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Skilled instrument makers often work with precise tools and may require certifications or apprenticeships to advance their earnings.
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What states have the most Instrument Maker jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Instrument Maker jobs?

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Infographic showing various Instrument Maker job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,042 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Engineering Technician

Fort Myer, VA • On-site, Remote

United States Army Installation Management Command
National Security • 10K+ employees

$57K - $133K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 9 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary
About the Position: . The purpose of the position is to provide technical expertise and knowledge of construction and contract administration. This position is located at the Directorate of Public Works - Fort Myers, Virginia.
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Duties
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  • Serves as a project manager for construction and repair projects for all phases of a project, from pre-design to construction phase.
  • Assists in the development of drawings, specifications, and conducts design analysis.
  • Reviews and checks architectural and engineering drawings ,specifications, quantities, and costs for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with work requirements for each project.
  • Formulates Scope of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statements (PWS), Independent Government Estimates (IGE), and other contract support documents, incorporating advanced technical knowledge and policy interpretation.
  • Develops Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans(QASP), Performance Requirement Summaries (PRS), checklists, and reports to ensure contractor performance follows the SOW or PWS requirements.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation (T-1).
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles
  • This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
Specialized experience including technical work in the areas such as: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
OR
Experience in a trade or craft that work required intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents for example trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as: a Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes or an Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated.
In addition to meeting one of the basic requirements above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-12:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service which includes: Applied multi discipline knowledge to manage work from pre design through construction. Formulated and completed SOWs/PWSs, develop IGEs, prepared QA plans, and acted as a COR or technical representative.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-11).
GS-11:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 grade level in the Federal service which includes: reviewed complex drawings, specifications, and cost data for accuracy and compliance. Developed portions of project packages, evaluated contractor performance, and resolved technical issues during construction.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-10).
GS-10:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which includes: conducted site visits, monitored contractor performance for compliance with specifications, identifying deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-09).
GS-09:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service which includes: performed technical engineering or architectural duties on limited scope projects. Reviewed drawings and specifications for compliance with established requirements.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-08).
GS-08:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes: assisted with engineering or architectural projects, performed basic technical tasks such as reviewing routine drawings, specifications, or cost estimates for accuracy.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07).
GS-07:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service which includes: gathered data, performed straightforward research, and assisted higher graded staff with project coordination, site visits, or quality checks.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-06).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and construction) Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • Relocation/Recruitment incentive may be authorized.
  • Student Loan Repayment may be authorized.
  • Salary Negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for Prior Non-Federal Work Experience and Certain Military Service for Determining Annual Leave Accrual Rate may be authorized.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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