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

See all Architecture and Construction Careers.

ABOUT MECHANICAL DRAFTER CAREERS

Video transcript

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 drafter 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

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

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	LOW
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

Daily tasks

Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.

Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.

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.

Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.

Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.

Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.

Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.

Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.

Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

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.

Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

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.
Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

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.

TOP SKILLS

Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.