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Mechanical Drafters - 17-3013.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Mechanical Drafter
  • Designer
  • Drafter
  • Design Drafter
  • Mechanical Designer
  • CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
  • CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)
  • CAD/CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist)
  • Project Designer
  • Installation Drafter

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
  • 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.
  • Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
  • Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
  • Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
  • Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.
  • Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
  • Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
  • Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
  • Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
  • Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
  • Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.
  • Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • analyze test data
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • communicate technical information
  • conduct training for personnel
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • consult with customers concerning needs
  • create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
  • evaluate engineering data
  • examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
  • follow manufacturing methods or techniques
  • inspect manufactured products or materials
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read technical drawings
  • understand engineering data or reports
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
  • use government regulations
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use precision measuring tools or equipment
  • use spreadsheet software
  • work as a team member

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Detailer
  • Die Designer
  • Drafter, Automotive Design
  • Drafter, Automotive Design Layout
  • Drafter, Detail
  • Drafter, Mechanical
  • Drafter, Tool Design
  • Engineering Assistant, Mechanical Equipment
  • Mold Designer (Plastics Industry)

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Auto-Design Detailer
  • Controls Designer
  • Detailer
  • Detailer, Furniture
  • Die Designer
  • Die-Designer Apprentice
  • Drafter Apprentice
  • Drafter, Aeronautical
  • Drafter, Automotive Design
  • Drafter, Automotive Design Layout
  • Drafter, Castings
  • Drafter, Detail
  • Drafter, Mechanical
  • Drafter, Patent
  • Drafter, Tool Design
  • Engineering Assistant, Mechanical Equipment
  • Mold Designer
  • Technical Illustrator