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O*NET-SOC 17-3013.00

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.Core1447
  2. Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.Core20964
  3. Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.Core1455
  4. Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.Core1452
  5. Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.Core1449
  6. Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.Core1454
  7. Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.Core1453
  8. Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.Core1450
  9. Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.Core1448
  10. Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.Core1456
  11. Position instructions and comments onto drawings.Core1451
  12. Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.Core1458
  13. Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.Core1459
  14. Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.Core1457
  15. Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.Supplemental1460

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 43 examples in 16 categories, 17 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Rapid prototyping software

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe After EffectsHot Technology
  • Adobe LiveMotion
  • Graphic presentation software
  • McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
  • Motion graphics software
  • Non uniform rational b-splines NURBS software
  • Trimble SketchUp ProHot Technology

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCADHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DHot Technology
  • Autodesk InventorIn Demand
  • Autodesk Mechanical
  • Autodesk NavisworksIn Demand
  • Autodesk RevitHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Bentley MicroStationHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Bentley Navigator
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorksHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • NavisWorks JetstreamIn Demand
  • Piping and instrumentation design PID software
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • PTC Pro/Cable
  • Reverse engineering software
  • Siemens Solid Edge
  • SofTech CADRA

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Bill of materials software

Document management software

  • Document management system software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • ERP software
  • SAP softwareHot Technology

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS softwareHot Technology

Enterprise application integration software

  • Extensible markup language XMLHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft AccessHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Project management software

  • Microsoft ProjectHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot TechnologyIn Demand

Optical character reader OCR or scanning software

  • Scanning software
  • Three-dimensional scanning software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Processing Information

  • Verify mathematical calculations.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Analyze design or requirements information for mechanical equipment or systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Create images or other visual displays.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Discuss designs or plans with clients.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 8
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.