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Mechanical Drafters

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

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • design
  • product and service development
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
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

Verbal
  • communicate by writing
  • listen and understand what people say
Math
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Ideas and Logic
  • use rules to solve problems
  • 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
  • Dependability
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD software
  • Bentley Navigator
Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
  • Motion graphics software
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
  • Scanning software
  • Three-dimensional scanning software

Education

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

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$49,200
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about mechanical drafters.