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Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

What you’d do

  • Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
  • Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
  • Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
  • Create bills of materials.
  • Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
  • Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Operations Analysis
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Mathematics

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Design Drafter
  • Die Designer
  • Drafter
  • Mechanical Designer
  • CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
  • CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)

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