Careers in Mining and Resources WA - Engineering Technician/Draftsperson

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Engineering Technician/Draftsperson - CAD Drafter

Also known as: Mechanical Engineering Technician, Computer Aided Designer

Most designers today use computer aided design (CAD) systems in preference to conventional (by hand) drafting methods. Computer aided design (CAD) is used extensively in many sectors of manufacturing including the design of cast, light and heavy metal products, structural and mechanical detail drafting, component design and prototyping. It is also used in the chemicals, plastics and hydrocarbons sectors.

Computer aided designers may work across almost every sector of manufacturing, and at a variety of occupational levels from a drafting operative to drafting assistant, drafting supervisor, patternmaker, designer, design manager and engineering draftsperson. They might even work as a CNC (computer numeric control) or robotic systems designer, or as a design engineer.

Duties

develop drawings in the design process for new machinery or equipment, often with the aid of computer-aided design or drafting (CAD)
design precision equipment, machine tools and production machinery
assemble and install new or altered mechanical equipment, parts, machine tools and controls, and help to construct, maintain and repair engineering machinery
perform workshop and field tests using standard instruments and methods, and assist in developing quality control tests for products and parts
study material handling methods and suggest changes to reduce handling costs.