Senior drafters are in charge of drafting effective designs that meet specified requirements for their organization. These professionals use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create blueprints and drawings that satisfy project needs, analyze drawings, and modify existing designs. In addition, senior drafters are responsible for mentoring junior drafters, overseeing their work and recommending changes. They also take part in training sessions for new staff members, organize drawing sheets, manage an inventory of supplies, and interact with engineers to finalize concepts and reduce possible issues during production. Senior drafters must identify inefficiencies, suggesting changes to designs and final product dimensions. They also create supporting documents that relate to product design and maintenance. Senior drafters generally work full time in an office setting and report their progress to the director of graphics or supervisor in their organization.

A bachelor's degree in engineering design or a related field is required for this position. Previous experience in drafting position is needed, and industry certifications may be preferred. Senior drafters need to possess strong interpersonal skills to communicate their ideas with colleagues and convey concepts to non-technical staff. They must pay strong attention to detail in the drafting phase to prevent design issues and be organized individuals that can multitask and prioritize workload. Additionally, senior drafters should work well with other drafters and also perform effectively on their own with minimal supervision. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Senior Drafter Tasks

• Design, draft, and check drawings, maps, diagrams, and documentation for projects.
• Review, interpret, and explain drafts and drawings.
• Create three dimensional models and use other methods to verify fit check.