Mechanical Drafters

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Also known as:  Aeronautical Drafter, Automotive Design Drafter, Die Designer, Gage Designer, Mechanical Design Drafter, Mechanical Drafter, Tool and Die Designer, Tool Designer

ABOUT MECHANICAL DRAFTER CAREERS

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Expand
A drafter "draws" the plans that should specify how something should be constructed. Engineers and architects may develop the grand design of a machine, building, or circuit board, but the drafter is the one who fills in the specific details - without which nothing could be built. Therefore, the dra ...
fter must often work closely with engineers and architects in order to draft these plans to exact specifications.

The work of drafters is all around you. Your computer, your telephone, and your TV exist because a drafter at some company created a set of plans specifying how they should be built. Today, most drafters have traded their ink pens and protractors for PCs and special "computer aided design" or "CAD" software. So, the more training you've had in the latest versions of this type of software, the more attractive you'll be to employers. A heavy dose of math and science courses would be helpful, too.

There are drafting jobs in every manufacturing or building industry. You'll do best if you have a natural aptitude for drawing and for thinking in three dimensions.
SNAPSHOT Expand
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
MED
Level of responsibilities
LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict
LOW
Competition for this position
LOW
Communication with others
HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
LOW
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DAILY TASKS Expand
Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery using computer-assisted equipment.
Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
MAIN ACTIVITIES Expand
Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE Expand
Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
KEY ABILITIES Expand
Mathematical Reasoning The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Visualization The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Originality The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
TOP SKILLS Expand
Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Mathematics Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Analysis Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.