Computer Aided Drafting Career Options | Pikes Peak State College

CAD Careers

CAD professionals possess a unique combination of artistic, design, mechanical and mathematical aptitude. In the profession you will work alongside architects, contractors, engineers, manufacturing professionals, electronics technicians, and others. You will play a critical role in space planning and the design of structures, parts and products which are to be fabricated and produced. As a CAD professional, you should possess excellent communication skills, problem solving skills, spatial skills, and mechanical aptitude.

What can I do with a degree in CAD?

Depending on where you choose to emphasis your job title and activities may change. See each emphasis area's job titles below to see what you can do with each degree.

Mechanical Emphasis

Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Job Titles:

Mechanical Drafter
Design Drafter
Mechanical Designer
CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer)
CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)
CAD/CAM Specialist (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing Specialist)
Project Designer
Installation Drafter

Robotics and Automation Emphasis

Electronic Drafters

Draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used for manufacturer, installation, programming robotic systems, soldering, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).

Job Titles:

Design Drafter
Integrated Circuit IC Layout Designer (IC Layout Designer)
Layout Designer, Mask Designer
Printed Circuit Board PCB Designer (PCB Designer)
Printed Circuit Board PCB Draftsman (PCB Draftsman)
Senior Designer, Senior Printed Circuit Board PCB Designer

HVAC Emphasis

HVAC Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing mechanical systems including dimensions, fastening methods, and other information.