Occupation Details
Mechanical Drafters
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$48,220.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$64,020.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$82,920.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
2,290
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
2,280
+-1 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
215
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.0%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
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.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology
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.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Architects' scales
- Backlit digitizers
- Compasses
- Computer aided design CAD multi-unit display graphics cards
- Cutting plotters
- Desktop computers
- Electronic scales
- Estimating keypads
- French curves
- Graphics tablets
- Handheld calculators
- Large-format digitizers
- Notebook computers
- Plotters
- Print servers
- Protractors
- Sonic digitizers
- T-squares
- Three-dimensional laser digitizers
- Three-dimensional motion controllers
- Triangles
Technology
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- Adobe Systems Adobe LiveMotion
- Bentley Navigator
- Bill of materials software
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Document management system software
- ERP software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- conduct training for personnel
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- consult with customers concerning needs
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- communicate technical information
- work as a team member
- inspect manufactured products or materials
- evaluate engineering data
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze test data
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use government regulations
- follow manufacturing methods or techniques
- use knowledge of metric system
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use spreadsheet software
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
- Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- 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.
- Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
- Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
- Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
- Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
- Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
- Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
- Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.
- Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Design Drafting Association (ADDA)
The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a professional membership and educational society dedicated to serving the professional growth and advancement of the individual working in the design drafting community. ADDA is the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to the professional designer/drafter in all disciplines.
Learn MoreAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics encourages original research, furthers dissemination of new knowledge, fosters the professional development of those engaged in science and engineering, improves public understanding of aerospace and its contributions and fosters education in engineering and science.
Learn MoreAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Founded in 1880, ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community.
Learn MoreBeginner's Guide to Aeronautics
Do you ever wonder how airplanes fly? How does a pilot control the movement of the airplane? Why are the engines on an airliner different from the engines on a fighter plane? The information at this site is provided by the NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office to give you a better understanding of how aircraft work. Each page at this site describes a single topic related to basic airplane aerodynamics, propulsion, rockets, or kites.
Learn MoreDrafters
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MorePlattsburg Aeronautical Institute
Beginning in 2007, the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute will start enrolling high school juniors and seniors and adults with a high school diploma or equivalent in FAA-approved airframe and powerplant mechanics courses.
Learn MoreSociety of Manufacturing Engineers
As the world's leading resource for manufacturing information and knowledge, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers promotes an increased awareness of the value of manufacturing among industry professionals and the general public, while introducing young people to exciting career options in the field.
Learn MoreU.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is made up of approximately 34,600 Civilian and 650 military members. The military and civilian engineers, scientists and other specialists work hand in hand as leaders in engineering and environmental matters and provide quality, responsive engineering services to the country.
Learn More