How to Be Aerospace Drafter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 23, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aerospace industry is a highly competitive and rapidly growing field, requiring the need for highly skilled professionals. As a result, aerospace drafters play an important role in the industry, creating highly detailed and complex drawings for aircraft and other aerospace components. The complexity of these drawings requires a high level of expertise in design software, mathematics, and engineering principles.

By having a strong knowledge of these areas, aerospace drafters are able to create high-quality drawings that can be used to create and manufacture components that meet safety and quality regulations. In addition to being highly skilled in their profession, aerospace drafters must also be able to work in a fast-paced environment, as deadlines are often tight. their work has a direct impact on the success of the aerospace industry, as well as the safety of airplanes and other aerospace components.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming an aerospace drafter is to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. This is necessary to ensure that you have the basic knowledge and skills to understand the materials and concepts used in aerospace drafting.
Pursue an Associate Degree in Drafting. After obtaining a high school diploma or GED, the next step is to pursue an associate degree in drafting. This degree program will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the fundamentals of aerospace drafting, including computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and 3D modeling.
Obtain an Entry-Level Aerospace Drafting Position. After completing an associate degree, you should be able to obtain entry-level positions in aerospace drafting. These positions usually involve working with CAD and CAM software to create three-dimensional models of aerospace components and systems.
Consider Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree. Depending on your career aspirations, you may want to consider furthering your education by pursuing a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. This will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to continue to advance in the aerospace drafting field.
Pursue Certification. In some cases, pursuing certification in aerospace drafting can help you stand out from the competition. Certification programs are available through organizations such as the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

Becoming a skilled and capable aerospace drafter requires dedication, hard work and technical expertise. The best drafters have an in-depth understanding of engineering principles, aircraft design and related technologies. They are also proficient in using computer-aided drafting (CAD) software and understand the applicable industry standards.

Dedication to developing these skills will lead to the ability to create accurate, detailed and highly technical drawings for aerospace components or systems. This increased proficiency can then result in more job opportunities and potential promotions. the knowledge gained will help create a foundation for furthering ones career in aerospace engineering.

You may want to check Mechanical Drafter, HVAC Drafter, and Plumbing Drafter for alternative.

Job Description

Create detailed drawings and illustrations of aerospace components, systems and structures for use in product development and engineering.
Analyze engineering data to determine the most effective design of aerospace components.
Prepare sketches and diagrams of aerospace components and systems.
Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create 2D and 3D drawings.
Develop engineering drawings to meet industry standards and customer specifications.
Ensure drawings are accurate and conform to accepted standards.
Review and revise existing drawings, as needed.
Work closely with engineers, designers, and technicians to ensure accuracy of drawings.
Participate in design reviews to ensure that all components are compatible and meet safety requirements.
Maintain technical records and documentation of drawings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Solid knowledge of aerospace engineering principles and drafting standards
Proficiency in CAD software applications such as AutoCAD, CATIA, and Pro/Engineer
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications
Ability to utilize 3D modeling for aerospace component design
Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance) principles
Familiarity with aerospace industry regulations, such as FAA and EASA
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills
Attention to detail and accuracy

Aerospace Drafters typically work on highly complex projects, and the most important skill they need to have is the ability to read, interpret and accurately draw technical drawings. This requires a strong understanding of engineering principles and the ability to visualize three-dimensional objects in two dimensions. excellent communication skills are essential for Aerospace Drafters, as they must be able to effectively communicate their designs to colleagues, engineers and contractors.

Lastly, a good foundation in mathematics is required to properly calculate angles, distances, and other measurements that may be necessary when creating drawings. Having these skills and knowledge provides Aerospace Drafters with the tools they need to create precise drawings that accurately depict the designs they are working on.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Aerospace drafting?
What have been some of your most successful projects?
What CAD software are you familiar with and what is your level of experience?
How do you stay up to date with new technologies and industry developments?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision in your work?
How have you handled tight deadlines and multiple projects at once?
What methods do you use to create 3D models?
Describe a time you had to solve a complex problem in Aerospace drafting.
What techniques do you use for troubleshooting issues?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and efficiency when drafting?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. A computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create and edit 2D and 3D technical drawings. (eg: creating detailed drawings of aircraft components).
Solidworks. A 3D CAD software used to create and edit detailed 3D models. (eg: creating complex 3D models of aircraft components).
CATIA. A 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software used to design complex shapes and surfaces for aerospace applications. (eg: designing wings for an aircraft).
Pro/Engineer. A 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software used to design and develop mechanical and electrical systems for aerospace applications. (eg: designing electronic control systems for aircraft).
Unigraphics. A 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software used to create and edit 3D models of aircraft components. (eg: creating detailed 3D models of turbine engine components).
ANSYS. A finite element analysis (FEA) software used to simulate the behavior of aerospace systems. (eg: analyzing the strength of a lightweight composite material).
MathCAD. A mathematical analysis software used to analyse and solve engineering problems. (eg: calculating stress and strain levels in a wing structure).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
National Association of Rocketry (NAR)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
Women in Aerospace (WIA)
National Aerospace Education Council (NAEC)
Professional Society of Aerospace Engineers (PSAE)
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

We also have Process Drafter, Landscape Drafter, and Design Drafter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CAD (Computer Aided Design). A computer software application used for creating 2D and 3D designs by manipulating lines, shapes, and text.
CAD Modeling. The process of creating a 3D representation of a part or assembly from a set of 2D drawings.
BOM (Bill of Materials). A document that lists the parts, components, and other items required to build a product.
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). A software application used to control the manufacturing process of a product.
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing). A system of symbols used to define the size, shape, orientation, and location of a part.
FEA (Finite Element Analysis). A computer simulation used to predict the behavior of a product in response to loads, environmental conditions, and other variables.
Stress Analysis. The process of determining the effects of external forces on a product or structure.
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). A computer simulation used to predict the behavior of fluids in response to external forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Aerospace Drafter? A1: An Aerospace Drafter is a professional who creates drawings and technical documents for aircraft and aerospace components and systems. Q2: What qualifications do I need to become an Aerospace Drafter? A2: Most employers require at least an associate's degree in drafting or a related field, as well as experience with CAD software. Knowledge of aerospace engineering principles and math are also helpful. Q3: What types of documents do Aerospace Drafters create? A3: Aerospace Drafters typically create engineering drawings, diagrams, and schematics related to aircraft and aerospace components, as well as bills of materials, specifications, and assembly instructions. Q4: What tools do Aerospace Drafters use? A4: Aerospace Drafters typically use specialized CAD software, as well as industry-specific software programs such as CATIA or Solidworks. They may also use manual drafting tools such as compasses, protractors, and rulers. Q5: What is the salary range for Aerospace Drafters? A5: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Aerospace Drafters is $62,450. Salaries can vary widely based on location, experience level, and employer.