Engineering ServicesISCO 3118

Mechanical engineering drafter

A mechanical engineering drafter is a person who turns the designs and sketches of mechanical engineers into technical drawings containing dimensions, the details of fastening and assembly methods, and the other specifications used in manufacturing.

Take the free test Check yourself in a minute ↓AI risk: 84/100 (very high risk)

Check yourself in a minute: mechanical engineering drafter

Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

create solutions to problems

use manual draughting techniques

use technical drawing software

create technical plans

use CAD software

About mechanical engineering drafter

The drafter puts dimensions, tolerances, surface finish and weld symbols on the drawing, and the workshop makes the part from them, so the drawing has to be unambiguous.

Technical plans are produced in CAD software, and drafting techniques govern how a part is represented: which views, which sections, what is drawn and what is left to a note.

The drafter needs to know mechanical engineering principles and mechanics. A drafter who understands how a part is loaded notices that a dimension cannot be held, that a fastening will not be reachable with a tool, or that two tolerances stacked together make an assembly impossible. Mathematics is used for the geometry, from simple trigonometry to tolerance stack-up calculations. Problems are solved by going back to the engineer with a specific question rather than guessing.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (14)

design drawingsdesign drawingsThe drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...principles of mechanical engineeringprinciples of mechanical engineeringThe principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.technical drawingstechnical drawingsDrawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.mechanical engineeringmechanical engineeringDiscipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.manual draughting techniquesmanual draughting techniquesTechniques used for creating detailed drawings of designs by using specialised pencils, rulers, templates and scales.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...use manual draughting techniquesuse manual draughting techniquesUse non-computerised draughting techniques to make detailed drawings of designs by hand with specialised tools such as pencils, rulers and templates.use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.create technical planscreate technical plansCreate detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.liaise with engineersliaise with engineersCollaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.

Optional (15) — show

material mechanicsmaterial mechanicsThe behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.CADD softwareCADD softwareThe computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is the use of computer technology for design and design documentation. CAD software replaces manual drafting with an automated process.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.3D modelling3D modellingThe process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimension...blueprintsblueprintsMust be able to read and understand blueprints, drawings and plans and maintain simple written records.calculate materials to build equipmentcalculate materials to build equipmentDetermine the amount and the kind of materals necessary to build certain machines or equipment.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.create a product's virtual modelcreate a product's virtual modelCreate a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.use CADD softwareuse CADD softwareUse computer-aided design and drafting software to make detailed drawings and blueprints of designs.read standard blueprintsread standard blueprintsRead and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.advise client on technical possibilitiesadvise client on technical possibilitiesRecommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.maintain mechanical equipmentmaintain mechanical equipmentObserve and listen to machinery operation to detect malfunction. Service, repair, adjust, and test machines, parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical principles. Maintain...draft design specificationsdraft design specificationsList the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.define part requirementsdefine part requirementsCalculate and determine the functional, physical, structural, geometrical and size dimensions for the parts necessary to create machines or equipment.review draftsreview draftsProofread and give feedback to technical drawings or drafts.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

electromechanical drafter10 shared essential skills heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) drafter10 shared essential skills automotive engineering drafter9 shared essential skills civil drafter9 shared essential skills drafter9 shared essential skills electrical drafter9 shared essential skills electronics drafter9 shared essential skills industrial tool design engineer9 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a mechanical engineering drafter do?

Mechanical engineering drafters convert mechanical engineers' designs and sketches into technical drawings detailing dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used for example in manufacturing processes.

What skills does a mechanical engineering drafter need?

A mechanical engineering drafter needs 14 essential skills, including design drawings, mathematics, principles of mechanical engineering, technical drawings, mechanical engineering.

Will AI replace mechanical engineering drafter jobs?

The AI disruption score for mechanical engineering drafter is 84/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: use manual draughting techniques, manual draughting techniques, review drafts. Most resilient: maintain mechanical equipment, mechanics, liaise with engineers.

AI Replacement Risk

84/ 100

Very High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

use manual draughting techniques manual draughting techniques review drafts

Skills resilient to automation

maintain mechanical equipment mechanics liaise with engineers

This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.

Check your own AI risk

View full AI disruption analysis →

Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services

ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals

Essential Skills14

Is mechanical engineering drafter right for you?

Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.

Take the free test