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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

  • 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

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.
  • Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • 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 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.
  • Discuss designs or plans with clients.
  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
  • Verify mathematical calculations.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aeronautical Engineering Officer, Aircraft Mechanical, Electronic, Electrical and Safety Equipment (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Engineer Assistant (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Engineering (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Engineering Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Launching, Recovery and Landing Aids Engineering Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Detailer
  • Die Designer
  • Drafter, Auto Design Layout
  • Drafter, Automotive Design
  • Drafter, Detail
  • Drafter, Mechanical
  • Drafter, Tool Design
  • Engineering Assistant, Mechanic Equip
  • Mold Designer (Plastics Ind)

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