Mechanical Drafter

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer); CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator); CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist); Design Drafter; Die Designer; Drafter; Drafting Technician (Drafting Tech); Mechanical Designer; Tool Design Drafter; Tooling Designer

Tasks

• Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
• Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
• Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
• Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
• Create bills of materials.
• Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production 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.
• Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
• 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.
• Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
• Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.

Knowledge

• Design
• Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• Production and Processing
• Computers and Electronics
• Physics
• English Language

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Mathematics
• Active Learning
• Speaking
• Writing
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Visualization
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Speech Clarity
• Originality
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Number Facility
• Selective Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Fluency of Ideas
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed