Technical Designer | Portland Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 27-1021.00

Skills

Active ListeningReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingOperations AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management

Knowledge

DesignEngineering and TechnologyProduction and ProcessingMechanicalComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Fluency of IdeasOriginalityNear VisionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningVisualizationProblem SensitivityInformation Ordering

Tasks

Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting
Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production
Evaluate feasibility of design ideas, based on factors such as appearance, safety, function, service

Technology

Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDocument management softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing software

Tools

Compact digital camerasDesktop computersLaptop computersLiquid crystal display LCD video projectorsPersonal computersUniversal serial bus USB flash drives

Work Values

AchievementRelationshipsWorking ConditionsRecognitionIndependenceSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium27-1021.00	Commercial and Industrial Designers	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

Detailed design drawings and digital illustrations — produce independently using CAD software and graphics tools in response to client specifications on routine product assignments.
Design concepts — modify and refine iteratively using working models and client feedback, adapting to production limitations with moderate oversight in a manufacturing-oriented environment.
Cost estimates and itemized production requirements — research and prepare by consulting production specifications and supplier data for mid-complexity product development projects.
Feasibility assessments — evaluate design ideas against factors including budget, production costs, and safety standards, applying established criteria in a commercial design studio.
Design presentations — prepare and deliver to internal stakeholders or small client groups, clearly articulating design rationale and responding to feedback in a professional setting.
Engineering and production teams — confer regularly to align design concepts with manufacturing methods and material constraints throughout the product development cycle.
Product safety, usability, and distribution characteristics — investigate systematically and incorporate findings into design revisions for consumer or industrial product lines.
CAD and CAM software — apply routinely to develop production-ready drawings and coordinate digital files with fabrication teams in a product manufacturing context.
Design trend shifts and evolving market characteristics — monitor and apply insights to refine product aesthetics and positioning during active project work.
Specification sheets and working drawings — direct the drafting of, ensuring accuracy and completeness by reviewing outputs against approved concept sketches before submission.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.