Mechanical Drafters Go Back to List Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Tasks
	Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
	Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other 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.
	Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
	Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
	Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
	Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
	Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
	Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
	Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.

Skills
	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.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Knowledge
	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.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   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.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $70,489.00 $33.89  $24.89  $27.94 - $39.50  Bridgeport/Stamford $70,759.00 $34.02  $24.90  $29.11 - $41.26  Danbury $63,646.00 $30.60  $24.36  $27.39 - $37.90  Hartford $77,228.00 $37.13  $26.83  $30.17 - $41.49  New Haven $77,093.00 $37.06  $26.72  $31.16 - $45.23  New London/Norwich $61,631.00 $29.63  $24.41  $24.73 - $30.87  Waterbury $64,580.00 $31.05  $22.90  $26.23 - $37.14

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   58   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer somewhat limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.