Description

Mechanical designers, also referred to as mechanical drafters, use computer programs to translate the design ideas of architects and engineers into technical drawings and workable plans.  

Mechanical designers in the HVAC/R field work alongside mechanical engineers. They review and analyze engineers’ original sketches and then use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare detailed drawings for mechanical equipment, controls, and building systems, and they work to improve designs to correct operating deficiencies. Mechanical designers need to be creative and detail-oriented to accurately transform engineers’ preliminary designs into technical schematics. Some mechanical designers perform load and ductwork calculations that affect the dimensions and layout of mechanical systems and the size of equipment needed. The computer software programs that are most in-demand by employers of mechanical designers in the HVAC/R field are AutoCAD, Revit, and the Microsoft Office suite of software.

Mechanical designers must enjoy working in a collaborative environment and need strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with engineers, construction managers, and other team members. It is important for mechanical designers to be organized and manage time well, because they often work under deadline and may work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Mechanical designers spend most of their time working on computers in offices. They may also visit worksites to meet with engineers, architects, or construction personnel. Mechanical designers typically work full-time, and working additional hours to meet deadlines might be necessary.

Job Outlook

According to the New York State Department of Labor, there are approximately 1,400 mechanical designers in New York State. They project this occupation to decrease by 10 jobs between 2020 and 2030 and describe employment prospects as “very unfavorable”.

Entering the Field

A post-secondary education is typically needed to work as a mechanical designer. Jobs are often accessible to workers with an associate degree or undergraduate certificate in drafting or, for mechanical designers in the HVAC/R field, a related degree program such as mechanical engineering technology. Entry-level positions are available to workers without prior experience, but some employers may prefer to hire mechanical designers with a few years of relevant hands-on experience with HVAC/R equipment and systems.

Some mechanical designers prepare for the work by earning certification from the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA), which offers credentialization as a Mechanical Apprentice Drafter or Mechanical Certified Drafter (among other specialties). Most employers do not require ADDA certification.

Wages

In New York State, the median wage for mechanical designers is approximately $66,500. Entry-level workers earn about $48,400 and experienced workers earn about $86,300.

Annual Wage (Q1 2023 dollars, rounded to 100s) – Statewide and by Labor Market Region

Source: New York State Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Survey, SOC Code 17-3013 (Mechanical Drafters)

Employers

Mechanical designers in the HVAC/R field may be hired by manufacturing companies that design and produce HVAC/R equipment and parts, engineering or consulting firms that design building mechanical systems for clients, or building equipment contractors that configure and install HVAC/R systems. While mechanical designer was the most common job title used in online job advertisements in 2022 for this occupation in the HVAC/R field, other online job postings listed these positions with “drafter” in the title, and some referenced specific software used on the job (e.g., mechanical drafter, Revit draftsman). Searching online job boards using those titles and keywords such as “HVAC,” “refrigeration,” “mechanical,” “drafting,” “computer-aided design,” or “CAD” can help to identify opportunities to work in this occupation.

Labor Unions

Workers in architectural and engineering occupations, including mechanical designers, are not highly unionized. Within the HVAC/R field, some workers who do computer-aided drafting may be members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), which has seven local chapters across New York State. Some labor market regions have more than one active local chapter. Visit their websites (shown below) to see which ones represent mechanical designers in different parts of the state.

Mechanical designers who work for New York State or local governments might belong to a union representing public sector employees. Check with local public unions in the community to see if they represent mechanical designers or see if local employers that hire mechanical designers of HVAC/R equipment and systems have a union affiliation that includes these jobs.

Capital Region

• SMART Local 83 

Central New York

• SMART Local 58 

Finger Lakes

• SMART Local 46 
• SMART Local 71 

Hudson Valley

• SMART Local 38 

Long Island

• SMART Local 28 

Mohawk Valley

• SMART Local 58 
• SMART Local 83 
• SMART Local 112 

New York City

• SMART Local 28 

North Country

• SMART Local 58 
• SMART Local 83 

Southern Tier

• SMART Local 58 
• SMART Local 112 

Western New York

• SMART Local 71 
• SMART Local 112 

Education and Training Programs

Individuals who want to work as a mechanical designer in the HVAC/R field can prepare for employment by enrolling in a certificate or associate degree program in CAD, CAD technology, mechanical engineering technology, or mechanical technology.

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