Mechanical Drafters Job Description

A Mechanical Drafter prepares detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

The Tasks for a Mechanical Drafter:

• The Mechanical Drafter develops detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
• The Mechanical Drafter lies out and draws schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
• The Mechanical Drafter coordinates with and consults other workers to design, lay out or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
• The Mechanical Drafter checks dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
• The Mechanical Drafter reviews and analyzes specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
• The Mechanical Drafter modifies and revises designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
• The Mechanical Drafter computes mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery using computer-assisted equipment.
• The Mechanical Drafter positions instructions and comments onto drawings.
• The Mechanical Drafter does layouts, draws, and reproduces illustrations for references manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
• The Mechanical Drafter designs scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.

The Mechanical Drafter needs knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. The Mechanical Drafter must have knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. The Mechanical Drafter needs knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their applications. The Mechanical drafter needs knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. The Mechanical Drafter needs knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. The Mechanical Drafter needs knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

The Mechanical Drafter needs the following skills and abilities to do their job function:

• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of good reading comprehension. This includes understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of mathematics. This includes using mathematics to solve problems.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill active listening. This includes giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of instructing. This includes teaching others how to do something.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of thinking. This includes using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of technology design. This includes generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of complex problem solving. This includes identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of equipment selection. This includes determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of speaking. This includes talking to convey information effectively.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the skill of judgment and decision making. This includes considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the ability to see details at close range within a few feet.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The Mechanical Drafter needs the ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.