Mechanical Drafters

computer design system realistic interests drawing software mechanical equipment technical personnel equipment drafter

Design Drafter, Drafter, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Drafter

What they do:
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
On the job, you would:
  • Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • design
  • product and service development

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • physics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Skills

Basic Skills

  • figuring out how to use new ideas or things
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

  • come up with lots of ideas
  • create new and original ideas

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Hot Technology
  • Autodesk Revit Hot Technology In Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology In Demand

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe After Effects Hot Technology
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
associate's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about mechanical drafters.