Description
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Initiative
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Presentation software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Visualization
- Fluency of Ideas
- Oral Comprehension
Skills
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
GDTP (Y14.5) Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional Certification - 2009 Senior LevelCertifying Organization
American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional SurfacingCertifying Organization
SOLIDWORKS
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional WeldmentsCertifying Organization
SOLIDWORKS
Type
Product/Equipment
Certificate name
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional - TechnologistCertifying Organization
American Society of Mechanical Engineers International
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Mechanical Apprentice DrafterCertifying Organization
American Design Drafting Association/American Digital Design Association
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $51,505 |
| Median (50%) | $62,917 |
| High (90%) | $95,920 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $58,590 |
| Mid Level | $70,719 |
| Senior Level | $78,057 |
| Expert Level | $102,273 |
Employability
There are currently 50,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 47,900 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -5%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -5%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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