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
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.
Leadership |
HIGH
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Critical decision making |
HIGH
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Level of responsibilities |
LOW
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Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines |
HIGH
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Dealing and handling conflict |
LOW
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Competition for this position |
MED
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Communication with others |
LOW
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Work closely with team members, clients etc. |
HIGH
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Comfort of the work setting |
HIGH
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Exposure to extreme environmental conditions |
LOW
|
Exposure to job hazards |
LOW
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Physical demands |
LOW
|
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.
Interacting With Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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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. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Design | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
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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. |
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English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
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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. |
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Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
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Production and Processing | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
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Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
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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. |
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Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
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Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
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Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
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Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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