Drafters generally use manual and computer-aided methods to create detailed technical drawings and blueprints using information from engineers and designers. Most electrical drafters specialize in creating in-depth wiring diagrams used to install and repair electrical systems in everything from equipment to power plants to large buildings.
It’s important to include the appropriate educational background in your electrical drafter job description, such as an associate degree or drafting certificate from a vocational school. Electrical drafters must have a firm grasp of math, computer technology and electrical circuits.
Strong electrical drafter candidates should be detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to produce accurate deliverables within deadlines. Interpersonal skills are also essential to make collaboration with engineers and designers effective. Look through the electrical drafter job description below to get more ideas for your own job listing.
Electrical Drafter Job Summary
If you have experience in electrical drafting and want a challenging job in a fast-paced, interesting environment, join our team and work directly with engineers to create high-quality technical drafts and schematics. Our company works on a wide variety of projects from residential wiring to full electrical substation designs, so you will have the chance to enjoy diverse tasks and broaden your professional experience. You will work closely with supportive engineers and designers who encourage creative thinking and innovative solutions. We believe in helping each of our employees fulfill his or her career goals, so we offer professional development courses and several advancement opportunities along with competitive pay and benefits.
Job Responsibilities
- Create accurate, detailed technical plans for electrical systems using computer-aided design programs to convert specifications and design information from engineers into schematics and blueprints
- Collect, study and combine rough sketches and initial design ideas from engineers into coherent technical drafts for further study and review by project managers
- Prepare comprehensive wiring diagrams for electrical equipment, power substations and residential and commercial buildings according to project objectives, design information and engineering specifications
- Check that final technical drafts include all relevant information in an easy-to-read format, and verify that calculations, measurements and units are accurate based on initial design information from engineers
- Review technical drafts as needed according to verbal or written instructions from project managers, engineering team and clients
- Participate in design process by supporting engineers and designers, contributing ideas and information and creating rough sketches and diagrams of electrical wiring and systems on the fly
- Assist designers and project managers as needed in preparing technical documents and presentation slides for meetings with clients and investors, and help sales team create materials for tradeshows and conferences
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Associate degree in drafting or CAD, or four years of relevant work experience
- Proficient with AutoCAD, Revit and Microsoft Office
- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Working knowledge of electrical circuitry and design
Preferred:
- ADDA Certification
- Draft experience related to electrical substation design
Electrical Drafter Job Responsibilities
Better hires often equate to more business and greater profits. Think of your electrical drafter job description as the gateway to adding someone to your staff who can do outstanding work that pleases clients. Therefore, be clear when listing responsibilities. In this, the meatiest section of your posting, focus on details rather than generalities. It’s important to let jobseekers know exactly what they’re likely to be doing if hired for the role.
Don’t get carried away with listing every possible responsibility your new hire might take on. Instead, focus on the main tasks you expect the candidate will assume, and hint at how the applicant’s contributions will benefit your company as a whole. Be hesitant about using jargon in your electrical drafter job description, such as mentioning “strategic” aspects of the position that may not actually exist or declaring your need for a “ninja” to nimbly attack highly technical duties.
The following are a few typical electrical drafter job responsibilities you can model your own after:
- Work closely with engineers to develop wiring details and construction plans
- Use specialized computer software to automate design, calculate quantities and check for errors
- Update CAD standards; contribute to and maintain components library
- Create as-built documents from inspection sketches and notes
- Serve as a technical resource for interns and others who use drafting software less frequently
Electrical Drafter Job Specifications
Clearly showing what skills you’re looking in your electrical drafter job description may attract quality candidates. One study showed that 30 % of jobseekers were looking for a new job for skill growth potential. In the content of your post, they may see skills that they aren’t able to use in their current role. Applicants may be eager to use their talents before forgetting valuable knowledge.
Technical positions are often hard to fill because of a shortage of qualified applicants. A good electrical drafter job description may get picked up by a community college or local economic development center that matches jobseekers to openings. Use common search terms to increase your post’s visibility. Above all, though, remember that the purpose of the skills and qualifications section is to define the role’s essential requirements. This helps you avoid hiring someone who isn’t capable of doing the job.
Here are a few traits and competencies you may choose to include as some of your electrical drafter job specifications:
- Technical diploma in drafting; associate’s degree in engineering technology preferred
- Practical knowledge of fire alarm, power generation and low-voltage systems
- Able to apply national and local electrical codes to project work
- Detail-oriented and analytical
- Positive attitude, with a willingness to learn new technologies and methods