Computer Aided Design Operator

Computer Aided Design Operator Career

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A Computer Aided Design Operator, or CAD Operator, creates technical drawings using computer graphics. Computer Aided Design Operators are found in many industries, from engineering to garment design to aeronautical drafting. It is useful wherever design details can be translated into a computer model for greater accuracy and ease of exhibition.

To be a Computer Aided Design Operator, you should be very detail oriented. You will be creating 3-D models and blueprints of designs, and your work will be presented to clients, contractors, engineers and managers. So every little detail needs to be correct, from notes on what type of wood should be used to what pipe size is needed.

Daily tasks could include meeting with a designer to understand their ideas and notes, creating the graphs, models, or representations needed to accurately portray their idea, and reviewing your work to make sure it is accurate and understandable. So there is not a huge creative component to this position— instead you are using your proficiency in computer graphics to translate rough drafts into final, polished versions.

How do I become a Computer Aided Design Operator?

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You do need some basic training, so at least an associate’s degree in the technical and computing aspects of your chosen industry would be a good start.