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Electronics Drafter

An electronics drafter is responsible for creating 3D models of electronic products in modeling software. They create these models from scratch and also update existing models. A few of the main duties of an electronics drafter are creating models in CAD, help design new products, create standard models, and edit any changes based on customer preference. They also have to specify correct dimensions and material.

Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and in installing and repairing electronic devices and components.

One of the most important skills that an electronics drafter will have is their ability to correctly create the model needed. Another skill is attention to detail as the drafter will need to make sure that the models are made correctly. 

Drafter

What does an Electronics Drafter do?

Drafter

Electronics drafters use software to create schematics and to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings and plans.

Many drafters are referred to as CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) operators. With CADD systems, drafters create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems.

Drawings can be programmed directly into (BIM) Building Information Modeling systems and (PDM) Product Data Management systems. These drawings can be used to build everything from microchips, toys, skyscrapers, and spacecraft.

Through three-dimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how elements in their projects work together. PDM software helps users track and control data, such as technical specifications related to projects. Just as BIM is changing the work of architectural drafters as well as engineers and designers, PDM is changing the work of mechanical drafters. These software systems allow drafting and design work to be done at the same time as the work done by other professionals involved in the project.

  • CAD Design Knowledge

    Electronics drafters design and prepare plans for using computer-aided design and drafting software. They produce effective product designs by using their understanding of engineering and manufacturing techniques.

  • Communication Skills

    These workers find out customer requirements by speaking to them. They also make revisions on a model based on customer requirements. Coordinate with other teams to ensure the model is correct.

  • Detail Oriented

    These workers add structural details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques. They also prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineers and architects.

  • Model Creation

    Electronics drafters create the correct model in CAD. They also specify material used on model. They must compute mathematical formulas to find correct dimensions. Electronics drafters create models out of rough sketches.

Design Drafter

Design drafters use software applications to create a draft of an engineer’s or architect’s design. Their duties include gathering material and equipment specifications, ensuring drafts are up to building technique standards, and collaborating with team members. Design drafters usually work for an engineering or architect company.

 

In this role, you’ll collaborate with engineers and architects to create the first draft of a technical design. You’ll calculate dimensions and weight limitations, as well as use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create drawings and designs. To ensure success as a design drafter, you should be able to use design principles to create technical drawings that bring the engineer’s or architect’s ideas to life. Ultimately, a top-notch design drafter should have excellent knowledge of CAD software, and the ability to conceptualize design with meticulous attention to detail.

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Drafters are responsible for creating drawings and plans that construction and production workers can then use to build products or buildings. Drawings from electrical and electronics drafters offer visual guidelines for constructing a product or structure.  Electrical and electronics drafters must fill in specifications and calculations made by scientists, architects, engineers and surveyors. An understanding of engineering, standardized building techniques and manufacturing theory can help electrical and electronics drafters add in details. Specifically, electrical drafters create wiring and layout diagrams for workers responsible for installing, erecting and repairing electrical equipment and wiring. The work may occur in buildings, communications centers, electrical distribution systems and power plants.

Salary

Salary

Electronics drafters earn an average yearly salary of $57,500. 

Starting-level

Starting-level electronics drafter earnings begin at:

 
$17.59 per hour
$36,590 per year
Senior-level

Senior-level electronics drafter earnings begin at:

 
$33.74 per hour
$70,170 per year
Mid-level

Mid-level electronics drafter earnings begin at:

 
$27.64 per hour
$57,500 per year
Top-level

Top-level electronics drafter earnings begin at:

 
$40.26 per hour
$83,740 per year
Junior-level

Junior-level electronics drafter earnings begin at:

 
$22.00 per hour
$45,770 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

What does the workplace for an electronics Drafter look like?

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Electronics drafters can work in a variety of areas, such as electrical engineering and drafting service firms, medical industries, automotive and manufacturing industries, aviation, and even multimedia design.

Typically, electrical and electronics drafters work in office environments. Because they log many hours in front of the computer, back discomfort, hand and wrist problems and eyestrain are all common. A 40-hour workweek is standard. Although electronics drafters spend much of their time working on computers in an office, some may visit jobsites in order to collaborate with architects and engineers.

Electrical and electronic drafters almost always work indoors in comfortable air temperatures. Workers in this occupation spend most of their days sitting. They have contact with others by email, in face-to-face discussions, and by telephone. Being able to work well in a group or team is very important in this work.

On a typical workday, electronics drafters use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects or tools. This work environment requires employees to spend a fair amount of time making repetitive motions. Workers may experience stress in this job due to a lot of time pressure. Accuracy is extremely important in this work. 

How to Become an Electronics Drafter?

Drafter

Common Degrees: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Interior Design, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, Civil Engineering, CAD and Architectural Drawing, Drafting Technology.

Typical Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in drafting from technical school
  • Ability to stay organized and multitask
  • Solid mathematical skills
  • Knowledge of necessary regulations
  • Great time management skills
  • Ability to work on your own

Similar Careers

Sources:
Betterteam.com, 2022 | CampusExplorer.com, 2022 | Canva.com, 2022 | Career Explorer, 2022 | Glassdoor.com, 2022 | NCCareers.org, 2022 | Recruiter.com, 2022 | Truity.com, 2022 | Workable.com, 2022

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