What a CAD drafter does
A CAD drafter turns sketches, markups and engineering or architectural designs into accurate technical drawings and models. Depending on your field, that may include architectural plans, structural or mechanical details, civil site and grading plans, shop drawings or manufacturing drawings with dimensions and tolerances. Drafters maintain drawing standards, manage revisions and title blocks and coordinate with engineers, architects and project managers to keep drawing sets current.
Drafting errors cause confusion on site and on the shop floor, and a slow drafter can hold up an entire design team. A skilled drafter works efficiently, catches inconsistencies and follows your standards without constant correction. Finch screens candidates for proficiency in your software, the drawing types they have produced, attention to detail and their ability to interpret markups from engineers and architects, so you interview people who can contribute early.
Typical responsibilities
- Produce 2D drawings and 3D models from designs, sketches and markups
- Prepare drawing sets, details, sections and schedules
- Maintain layer, title block and drawing standards
- Manage revisions and keep drawing records organized
- Coordinate drawings with engineers, architects and other disciplines
- Prepare shop or fabrication drawings where the role requires it
Qualifications and credentials
- A college diploma in architectural, civil or mechanical engineering technology, or in CAD and drafting
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and, depending on the role, Revit, Civil 3D, SolidWorks or Inventor
- Understanding of drafting standards and dimensioning, and for manufacturing, tolerancing such as GD&T
- Familiarity with construction documents or manufacturing processes relevant to your field
- Certification as a technician or technologist through OACETT may be an asset for some roles
Who hires a CAD drafter
- Architectural and engineering consulting firms
- Manufacturers and fabricators
- Home builders and land developers
- Construction, mechanical and electrical contractors
- Millwork, cabinetry and steel detailing companies
Where we recruit CAD drafter candidates
We fill CAD drafter roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Software proficiency, checked against the tools and versions you use
- Drawing samples, reviewed for accuracy, clarity and standards
- The types of drawings they have produced in your field
- Ability to interpret markups and ask the right questions
- Speed and organization when managing revisions
Interview questions to ask
- Show me a drawing set you produced. Which parts did you create, and which did you inherit?
- How do you manage revisions so the site or shop never works from an outdated drawing?
- An engineer's markup conflicts with the architectural drawings. What do you do?