Electronic Drafters

Career Description: Draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used for manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic equipment.

Industry: Architecture and Engineering

Other Job Titles for Electronic Drafters:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry and printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
• Consult with engineers to discuss and interpret design concepts, and determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
• Locate files relating to specified design project in database library, load program into computer, and record completed job data.
• Examine electronic schematics and supporting documents to develop, compute, and verify specifications for drafting data, such as configuration of parts, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Supervise and coordinate work activities of workers engaged in drafting, designing layouts, assembling, and testing printed circuit boards.
• Compare logic element configuration on display screen with engineering schematics and calculate figures to convert, redesign, and modify element.
• Review work orders and procedural manuals and confer with vendors and design staff to resolve problems and modify design.
• Review blueprints to determine customer requirements and consult with assembler regarding schematics, wiring procedures, and conductor paths.
• Train students to use drafting machines and to prepare schematic diagrams, block diagrams, control drawings, logic diagrams, integrated circuit drawings, and interconnection diagrams.
• Generate computer tapes of final layout design to produce layered photo masks and photo plotting design onto film.
• Select drill size to drill test head, according to test design and specifications, and submit guide layout to designated department.
• Key and program specified commands and engineering specifications into computer system to change functions and test final layout.
• Copy drawings of printed circuit board fabrication using print machine or blueprinting procedure.
• Plot electrical test points on layout sheets and draw schematics for wiring test fixture heads to frames.
• Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment and major repairs.
• Develop budgets, estimating labor, material, and construction costs.
• Compile data and write reports regarding existing and potential engineering studies and projects.
• Collect data relating to commercial and residential development, population, and power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
• Conduct field surveys and study maps, graphs, diagrams, and other data to identify and correct power system problems.

Emerging Tasks

• Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
• Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
• Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
• Keep documentation of service histories on all biomedical equipment.
• Manage team of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating and utilizing budgets, and overseeing contract obligations and deadlines.
• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• communicate technical information
• conduct training for personnel
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with vendors
• determine material or tool requirements
• develop plans for programs or projects
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
• follow manufacturing methods or techniques
• inspect manufactured products or materials
• maintain records, reports, or files
• prepare cost estimates
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• resolve engineering or science problems
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computer graphics design software
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use government regulations
• use knowledge of metric system
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• use hand or power tools
• use knowledge of metric system
• use oscilloscopes in electronics repair
• use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use scientific research methodology
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
• develop tables depicting data
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
• direct personnel in support of engineering activities
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• estimate cost for engineering projects
• estimate materials or labor requirements
• estimate time needed for project
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• evaluate costs of engineering projects
• evaluate engineering data
• evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
• evaluate product design
• examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
• explain complex mathematical information
• follow manufacturing methods or techniques
• follow safe waste disposal procedures
• follow statistical process control procedures
• improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
• interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
• investigate customer complaints
• lead teams in engineering projects
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan testing of engineering methods
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• provide analytical assessment of engineering data
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• resolve engineering or science problems
• test electrical components or systems
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand engineering data or reports
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computer graphics design software
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use government regulations
• use hazardous materials information
• use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use long or short term production planning techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use pollution control techniques
• use project management techniques
• use quality assurance techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
• use robotics systems technology
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• use total quality management practices
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• write product performance requirements

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

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• Projected growth (2006-2016): 4.13%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 1,438
• Employment (2006): 34,848

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