Mechanical Designer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a mechanical designer. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about degree requirements and job duties to find out if this is the career for you.
Essential Information
Mechanical designers, sometimes referred to as mechanical drafters, create designs for mechanical devices and equipment. Designers may also work with engineers and other professionals to create or improve manufacturing systems or processes. Mechanical designers have either completed a certificate program, an associate's degree or both.
| Required Education | Associate's degree or certificate |
| Required Skills | Must possess strong computer and mathematical skills |
| Projected Job Growth (2012-2022) | -5%* |
| Median Salary (2013) | $51,520* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description for a Mechanical Designer
Mechanical designers typically work in an office setting, reviewing specifications and other data to develop mechanical layouts. Designers typically have working knowledge of mechanical parts as well as computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as AutoCAD. Some mechanical designers may travel to job sites or factories to measure physical dimensions for machinery and observe production lines.
Mechanical Designer Duties
Mechanical designers typically begin a project by meeting with project managers, engineers, and clients to understand the needs and requirements for a new product or mechanical system. For example, designers working on a project to create an automobile engine may consult engineers regarding which structural materials to use or clients regarding engine efficiency requirements. Once materials and specifications have been determined, designers begin using CAD software to plan and develop models. This may include testing and modifying models under different conditions, such as temperature or humidity.
Once a preliminary model is set, mechanical designers may be responsible for presenting it to a project engineer. If the model is approved, designers may then finalize designs and sent prints to the production department. Other duties may include reproducing and archiving designs.
Requirements for a Mechanical Designer
Junior colleges and technical institutes offer certificate and associate's degrees in mechanical design technology or a related field. While certificate programs last 6-12 months and focus more on mechanical design principles and manufacturing process, associate's degree programs may take up to 1-2 years to complete and include advanced courses in mathematics and engineering technologies. Topics may range from designing machinery parts like fasteners and clutches, to analyzing material strengths and stress factors.
Most programs include at least one CAD laboratory course. Students in these courses become familiarized with CAD interfaces, inputs and concepts. Experienced students may be responsible for developing 2- and 3-dimensional designs of mechanical devices, including system calculations and project budgets.
Certification
Mechanical designers who have attained voluntary certifications like those conferred by the American Design Drafting Association or Autodesk, may receive more opportunities in the job market. Certification typically involves passing a qualifying exam. Designers may consult the respective certifying organization or vendor for study guides and practice exams.
Job Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic expects that the employment of mechanical drafters will likely drop slightly from 2012 to 2022, decreasing by about 5% over the decade. The BLS published the median annual salary earned by mechanical drafters as $51,520 in May 2013.
