Engineering Design and Drafting Careers
Are you fascinated by how things work? Do you have ideas on how to fine tune and improve the products you encounter every day? Is problem solving a game for you? Consider a career in engineering drafting or design.
CADD systems and creativity: engineering design
Engineering designers, sometimes referred to as commercial or industrial designers, are responsible for the quality and safety of products ranging from microchips to airliners, from skateboards to formula race cars. Their craft requires knowledge of art, business and engineering principles. Designers may work directly with clients as well as with engineers, suppliers and manufacturers. They use computer-aided design (CAD) to create conceptual models and specifications for production. They may also use computer-aided industrial design (CAID) software to create designs and machine-readable instructions that can direct automated production tools to build the designed product to exact specifications. Before a product is completed and manufactured, designers may participate in usability and safety tests.
Detailed CAD drawings: engineering drafting
Engineering drafters prepare technical drawings and plans that guide production workers in the manufacture of everything from microchips to airliners. The drawings, which specify dimensions, materials and manufacturing procedures, are developed from rough sketches, specifications, and calculations provided by engineers and scientists. An engineering drafter needs to understand engineering and manufacturing theory and standards to draw the parts of a machine and design elements. Sometimes referred to as CADD operators, drafters use Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems to prepare drawings.
Qualifications: Creativity and technical training
A drafter or designer must be creative and have an eye for detail. A college program will include coursework in math, science and the principles of physics as well as training in the use of CADD systems and manufacturing methods and materials. A designer needs to be a good oral, visual and verbal communicator, open to new ideas and aware of trends. Opportunities for advancement may require business skills.
Engineering Design & Drafting College Program
Globe University's Associate in Applied Science in Engineering Drafting and Design degree program was developed in collaboration with Northwest Technical Institute (NTI), a long-respected member of the technical college community. It offers employer-approved training on standard engineering design software, including SolidWorks and ProENGINEER.
For more information about Globe University or the engineering design program, call 1-877-303-6060 or request information through this site.