Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Sample of reported job titles:
CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator), Design Drafter, Drafter, Drafting Technician, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Drafter, Product Designer, Project Designer
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
- Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
- Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD,Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D,Autodesk Inventor,Autodesk Mechanical,Autodesk Revit,Bentley MicroStation,Bentley Navigator,Computer aided design and drafting CADD software,Computer aided design and drafting software CADD,Dassault Systemes CATIA,Dassault Systemes SolidWorks,Piping and instrumentation design PID software,PTC Creo Parametric,PTC Pro/Cable,Reverse engineering software,Siemens Solid Edge,SofTech CADRA
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:1CadCam Unigraphics,Rapid prototyping software
- Data base user interface and query software:Microsoft Access
- Document management software:Document management system software
- Enterprise application integration software:Extensible markup language XML
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Working 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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
- Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
- Create images or other visual displays.
- Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
Work Context
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:100% responded"Every day"
- Electronic Mail:98% responded"Every day"
- Physical Proximity:80% responded"Slightly close (e.g., shared office)"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:72% responded"Every day"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:70% responded"Extremely important"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Active Learning:Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- 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.
- Mathematics:Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 61%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
- 20%Bachelor's Degree
- 8%Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
- 7%Some College Courses
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Mathematical Reasoning:The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Visualization:The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Fluency of Ideas:The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Interests
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Work Values
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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