According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment. | 93% |
| Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software. | 88% |
| Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines. | 86% |
| Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems. | 84% |
| Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed. | 84% |
| Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials. | 83% |
| Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components. | 79% |
| Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment. | 78% |
| Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems. | 78% |
| Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems. | 74% |
| Position instructions and comments onto drawings. | 74% |
| Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians. | 70% |
| Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems. | 69% |
| Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines. | 65% |
| Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays. | 58% |
