Job Description and Duties

Drafting and design technologists create technical drawings and schematics based on the work of architects, design engineers, or scientists. These drawings created using computer-aided design (CAD) software; act as guidelines and instructions for construction crews and manufacturing workers. In some cases, CAD schematics are used to program automated manufacturing systems.

Drafting duties include making dimension, weight, and stress calculations, identifying materials, and noting construction procedures. Design technologists have additional duties such as testing concepts and prototypes, performing surveys or inspections, and evaluating finished products.

Job Skills

Individuals interested in this field should have strong abilities in math and science. Good communication and problem-solving skills are also important in the drafting and design engineering field.

Career Options

Drafters and design engineers might find employment in the construction field as well as within engineering, manufacturing and architecture businesses. Opportunities could also be found in more specialized fields, such as automotive or heating and cooling systems design. Here are some jobs to consider.

• CAD Drafter
• Mechanical Drafter
• Aeronautical Drafter
• Architectural Drafter
• Electrical Drafter
• Design Engineer
• HVAC Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Design Engineer
• Product Design Engineer
• Automotive Design Engineer

Drafting and Design Engineer

Drafting and Design Engineering is an exciting career that allows the engineer to be involved in all stages of the design process, from conception to presentation of the finished plans. This career requires a working knowledge of drafting and design principles, material types and properties, and manufacturing processes.

Drafting and design engineering technologists prepare detailed drawings based on information, rough sketches, specifications, calculations and estimates prepared by other individuals or teams. They may also be involved in recommending required strength, type, and quantity of materials needed for a project.  Design engineering technicians may choose to specialize in the design of tools, machines or products for structural, electrical, civil or mechanical systems.  They typically represent their proposals and recommendation in a graphic format, either through manual drawings or computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Some drafting and design technologists also create engineering and architectural drawings and models, including technical manuals and illustrations.