Rolling stock engineering drafter
Also known as: rolling stock draughtsperson, rolling stock drafter, rolling stock engineering draftsperson, rolling stock engineering draughter, rolling stock engineering drafting consultant, rolling stock engineering drafting adviser
About this occupation
Rolling stock engineering drafters convert the rolling stock engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using software. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of rail vehicles such as locomotives, multiple units, carriages and wagons.
A specialisation of drafter.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use technical drawing software
- use CADD software
- use computer-aided engineering systems
- engineering processes
- use manual draughting techniques
- ICT software specifications
- technical drawings
- design drawings
- engineering principles
- create technical plans
- CAE software
- read engineering drawings
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Architectural and Civil Drafters (O*NET 17-3011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings, and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets, and other data.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments as necessary.
- Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Writing, Speaking
US median pay: US$66,150 a year (2025), 103,700 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.9)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.5)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Mechanical Drafters
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Civil Engineers
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.