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

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

1. Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.

2. Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.

3. Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.

4. Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery using computer-assisted equipment.

5. Position instructions and comments onto drawings.

6. Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.

7. Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.

8. Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.

9. Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.

10. Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.

11. Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Mechanical Drafters. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Mechanical Drafters, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$36,950 for entry level workers, and $58,580 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 3,910 Mechanical Drafters employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 3,960  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 110 job openings each year.

Plattsburg Aeronautical Institute - Beginning in 2007, the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute will start enrolling high school juniors and seniors and adults with a high school diploma or equivalent in FAA-approved airframe and powerplant mechanics courses.

Drafters - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics encourages original research, furthers dissemination of new knowledge, fosters the professional development of those engaged in science and engineering, improves public understanding of aerospace and its contributions and fosters education in engineering and science.

Society of Manufacturing Engineers - As the world's leading resource for manufacturing information and knowledge, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers promotes an increased awareness of the value of manufacturing among industry professionals and the general public, while introducing young people to exciting career options in the field.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District is made up of approximately 34,600 Civilian and 650 military members. The military and civilian engineers, scientists and other specialists work hand in hand as leaders in engineering and environmental matters and provide quality, responsive engineering services to the country.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - Founded in 1880, ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community.

Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics - Do you ever wonder how airplanes fly? How does a pilot control the movement of the airplane? Why are the engines on an airliner different from the engines on a fighter plane? The information at this site is provided by the NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office to give you a better understanding of how aircraft work. Each page at this site describes a single topic related to basic airplane aerodynamics, propulsion, rockets, or kites.

American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) - The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a professional membership and educational society dedicated to serving the professional growth and advancement of the individual working in the design drafting community. ADDA is the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to the professional designer/drafter in all disciplines.

Mechanical Engineers - Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Architectural Drafters - Prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.

Civil Drafters - Prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.

Electrical Drafters - Develop specifications and instructions for installation of voltage transformers, overhead or underground cables, and related electrical equipment used to conduct electrical energy from transmission lines or high-voltage distribution lines to consumers.

Civil Engineering Technicians - Apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.

Electronics Engineering Technicians - Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

Electrical Engineering Technicians - Apply electrical theory and related knowledge to test and modify developmental or operational electrical machinery and electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic - Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers - Inspect, test, sort, sample, or weigh nonagricultural raw materials or processed, machined, fabricated, or assembled parts or products for defects, wear, and deviations from specifications. May use precision measuring instruments and complex test equipment.