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Mechanical Drafters

Also called: Design Drafter, Drafter, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Drafter

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Air Force, Marine Corps, or Navy.

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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
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems 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 Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$60,200
$37,590
$95,860
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

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See more details at O*NET OnLine about mechanical drafters.