Mechanical Draughtsman
Engineering
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.
What you'd do all day
The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.
- 1Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
- 2Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- 3Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
- 4Modify and revise designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
- 5Review and analyze specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
- 6Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to the materials.
- 7Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items, such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
- 8Compute mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
- 9Coordinate with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
- 10Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
- 11Confer with customer representatives to review schematics and answer questions pertaining to installation of systems.
- 12Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
- 13Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
- 14Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.
- 15Shade or color drawings to clarify and emphasize details and dimensions or eliminate background, using ink, crayon, airbrush, and overlays.
Also known as
What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.
- Drafter
- Detailer
- CAD Drafter
- CAD Designer
- CAD Operator
- CADD Drafter
- Die Designer
- Body Designer
- CAD Draftsman
- CAD Draughter
How far is this from you?
Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.
1
Entry straight after SPM
2
SPM + sijil / short TVET course
Typical entry
Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)
4
Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)
5
Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route
Subjects that matter here
The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.
What you'd need to know
The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.
- Design96%
Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing
- Engineering and Technology95%
PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Mechanical90%
Mechanical Engineering StudiesPhysicsDesign & Technology (RBT)
- Mathematics87%
Additional MathematicsMathematics
- English Language79%
English
- Physics78%
Physics
Tools you'd use
Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.
What the work feels like
Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.
- Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
- Dealing with customers or the publicA little
- Leading or coordinating othersHigh
- Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
- Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
- Noisy environmentRarely
- Time spent sittingAlmost all the time
- Time spent standingA little
Where this job is heading
Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.
- Create bills of materials.
AI and demand for this job
A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.
Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)
This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.
Pay in Malaysia
We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.
Where to check:
- JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
- DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
- SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
How to get here
Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.
Related careers
If this interests you, these are worth a look too.
About this information
This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.
O*NET occupation: Mechanical Drafters
Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org