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Mechanical Drafters

O*NET files this work under Mechanical Drafters: people who prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information. The skills rated most useful are operations analysis, critical thinking, and reading comprehension. A regular part of the work is to produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (6.0 of 7), then Conventional (4.9) and Investigative, which gives it the code RCI. Getting in usually takes one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree, a level O*NET calls medium preparation. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need helping, teaching or caring for people.

What they do

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

Main 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.

Skills

  • Operations Analysis
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Mathematics
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operations analysis and critical thinking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.2 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Also called

  • CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
  • CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)
  • CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist)
  • Design Drafter
  • Die Designer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.