Career Information

​What Kind of Work Will You Do?

  • Prepare a variety of product engineering models and drawings, including detail drawings, assembly drawings and layout drawings in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional realms. Prepare three-dimensional prints (prototypes).
  • Design new products or modify existing products
  • Identify industry standards (ASME/ANSI, ISO, etc.). Work with industry codes
  • Operate computers, printers, 3D scanner, rapid-prototyping equipment and use a variety of CAD and computer software
  • Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to create models, assemblies, drawings and analyze models
  • Students gain practical experience that is applicable to design and drafting, through field trips and exposure to manufacturing processes

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

  • Visualize in two and three dimensions
  • Self motivation to start a project and self-discipline to carry it out
  • Adapt to various CAD software, drafting systems and work environments
  • Understand and work in an engineering office
  • Learn to apply math skills up through trigonometry
  • Visualize parts separately and how they fit together
  • Willingness to learn and use your imagination

What Companies Hire CAD Tech Students?

Some of the local companies that hire DMACC CAD Tech Students include:

  • Cox Communications
  • Cox Sheet Metal
  • Des Moines Water Works
  • DMACC
  • DPT Mechanical
  • Eagle Iron Works McLanahan Co
  • EFCO
  • Emerson Process Management
  • Exotic Electro-Optics
  • John Deere
  • Kline Tool
  • LDJ Manufacturing Inc
  • Marel Townsend
  • Prairie Engineering
  • Quality
  • Sauer Danfoss
  • Titan Tire Corporation
  • Todd and Sargent
  • Weiler
  • Ambassador Steel/Harris rebar

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

  • Computer-Aided Design and Drafting is projected as a growth field throughout the year 2015 and beyond
  • Computer experience is now a minimum requirement for many occupations
  • Graduates with minimal experience can start their own business with little capital investment
  • Average starting salary AAS: $50,000-$60,000 ​per year.​

Recommended High School Courses

  • Composition
  • Algebra I
  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Physics
  • Principles of Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Drafting
  • Industrial Arts
  • Keyboarding
  • Metals
  • Office Procedures