Design Tracer (Drafter: Buildings and Civil Engineering Facilities)
せっけいトレーサー（せいずこう：たてもの・どぼくしせつ）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A technical job that copies and revises drawings using tracing paper, drafting machines, and CAD software based on design drawings of buildings and civil engineering facilities.
Description
A design tracer is a specialist who uses tracing paper, drafting machines, and drafting tools to copy and revise drawings based on original design drawings for buildings and civil engineering facilities. In recent years, CAD software is also used in combination, corresponding to the digitization of drawings and 3D modeling using BIM (Building Information Modeling). Error-free accurate work and collaboration with designers and construction managers are required.
Future Outlook
Amid the ongoing digitization of design work in the architecture and civil engineering fields, the demand for design tracers with CAD operation and BIM compatibility skills remains stable. In the future, as AI and automation tools are introduced to improve drafting efficiency, advancing specialized skills and obtaining qualifications will be key to increasing market value.
Personality Traits
Attentive / Cooperative / Meticulous / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Contract Employee / Dispatched Employee / Flex-time Work / Full-time Employee / Remote Possible
Career Path
Junior Design Tracer → Senior Design Tracer → Drafting Team Leader → CAD Operator → BIM Modeler → Design Engineer
Required Skills
CAD Operation / Hand-drawn Drafting / Handling Drafting Tools / Reading Architectural and Civil Drawings
Recommended Skills
BIM Software / Graphic Software / Understanding English Drawings / Utilizing Communication Tools
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because mistakes are not allowed in the accurate copying and revision of drawings. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Since it requires faithfully reproducing existing drawings, original ideas are rarely needed. |
| Initiative & Leadership | Since work is performed following instructions from superiors or designers, there are few situations requiring leadership. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly desk work sitting down, so heavy labor is minimal. |
Related Qualifications
- CAD Utilization Engineer Exam
- National Skills Test Drafting (Grade 2-3)
Aliases
- Drafting Tracer
- Drawing Tracer
- Tracer
Related Jobs
- Architectural Design Engineer
- CAD Operator
- Civil Engineering Construction Manager
- Drafting Engineer