Mechanical engineering draftspersons usually work in engineering workshops or manufacturing businesses, but they may also work in factories, power plants, offices or building sites. They usually spend a large amount of time using computers and design software, but they may also spend time in workshop or factory environments, which can be hot, dirty and noisy, and may feature dangerous equipment. They may travel for work, either to inspect the manufacture of products they have drafted, or to learn about the design and manufacture of mechanical products. They usually work regular hours, but may also do shift work.

Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson usually use CAD (computer-aided design) technology to draw and design the parts and equipment that they design, although they may also use more traditional technical drawing techniques that utilise tools such as drawing boards, rulers, protractors, compasses and pencils. They may also use some hand tools and measuring equipment, as well as wearing safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and boots when working in a workshop environment.