Mechanical designer vs mechanical engineer

Both mechanical designers and mechanical engineers play crucial roles in the development of new products and systems. Although there are similarities between them, there are stark differences between the duties of a mechanical engineer and the duties of a mechanical designer. Mechanical engineers work with other design professionals to take a project from the initial design stages to the final manufacturing or construction stages. Often referred to as drafters, mechanical designers specialize in using 2D and 3D CAD design software to create highly precise technical designs and digital models. The illustrations and models that a mechanical designer creates are based on the initial sketches made by the mechanical design engineer. A mechanical designer must follow the specifications and instructions the mechanical engineer provides. The aim of the process is to transform an initial sketch of an object or product into a complex and precise technical design ready for manufacturing.