CADD Careers

Most CADD graduates go on to work in an office setting. Nearly half of all drafters work in architectural and engineering firms that design contract work. Others find jobs in a variety of manufacturing industries.

• Architectural CADD Technician
• CADD Technician for Civil Engineering
• CADD Technician in Electronics
• Mechanical CADD Technician
• CADD Technician for Structural Engineering
• Surveying CADD Technician
• Aeronautical or Aerospace drafters
• Pipeline drafters

Architectural drafters work with architects and designers in the preparation of drawings necessary to build a structure. Study of construction techniques and materials, as well as building codes are important to the education of an architectural drafter. Architectural drafters may specialize in an area such as residential architecture (homes), commercial architecture, or structural drafting.

 

Mechanical drafters work with mechanical engineers and designers to prepare detail and assembly drawings of a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices. They may be involved in specifying design elements such as the types of fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws) needed to assemble the machine. Mechanical drafters are usually trained in engineering techniques as well as manufacturing theory and standards.

 

Aerospace drafters prepare engineering drawings detailing plans and specifications used in the manufacture of aircraft, and related parts.

 

Civil drafters prepare drawings and topographical and relief maps for construction or civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and pipelines. Civil drafters may also work for Surveying companies creating site plans and layouts for new subdivisions.

 

Electrical drafters prepare wiring and layout diagrams used by workers who install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in electrical distribution systems, and buildings. Electronics drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic devices and components.