Our Vision

"Developing America's future workforce of manufacturing and engineering technologists by engaging them in critical reasoning and problem-solving skills through partnering industry with education."
Technician operating a large crane hook to lift an aircraft component on the assembly floor

Our Mission

We do this through collaboration between the SME student chapters and our educational and business partners to understand their needs and provide solutions. We partner with business and educational partners to develop grants and workforce development programs that align with the current needs in Manufacturing Engineering careers. This provides human resources with relevant skills and education to ensure successful entry into higher education and the future Manufacturing, Engineering workforce.

We strive to collaborate and support each other with mentorship from the professional/senior chapter as the students ascend through education and into the workplace. This multifaceted collaboration fuels educational and professional succession as we develop our manufacturing and engineering workforce.

"The mission of the 'Educational and Professional Succession' senior SME chapter is to provide the associated student chapters and affiliates, a conduit of connectivity, ensuring their success through workforce development programs and initiatives."

Our Purpose

Advance manufacturing and attract future generations of chapter and society members

Tim Engel being shown CNC machined parts during a manufacturing shop floor tour

About Our Chapter

SME Los Angeles Chapter 153 serves the greater Los Angeles County area and surrounding regions. We bring together manufacturing professionals from diverse industries to share knowledge, network, and advance the field of manufacturing engineering.

Our Focus Areas

  • Professional networking events
  • Student outreach and mentorship
  • Guest speaker presentations
  • Educational media content

Chapter Leadership

Tim Engel, SME Chapter Chair, standing with an engineer in front of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Timothy Engel

Chapter Chair

For inquiries, contact us through our website form.

Prime School Chapter Sponsor

Hawthorne High School

Students in the SME PRIME network receive hands-on training on modern equipment and learn about technology and processes through tailored curriculum that is informed by local manufacturing companies in their communities.

Student Outreach

Chapter 153 proudly sponsors student SME chapters, helping the next generation of manufacturing engineers engage with industry professionals and gain real-world experience.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Student Chapter S012

Cal State Northridge

Student Chapter S327

Current Projects

Chapter Affiliations

Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP So Cal)

Led by the Price School

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AIAA Los Angeles – Las Vegas Section

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

DaVinci Schools

Hawthorne and El Segundo

Lennox Academy

Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy

South Bay Aerospace Alliance

Chapman University

Argyros College of Business and Economics – The Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness

ASEI

American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin

What is SME?

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit association of professionals, educators, and students. Established in 1932 as the Society of Tooling Engineers (1932-1969), renamed the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (1969-2013). Today, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate.

Chapter Membership Benefits

Membership in Chapter 153 facilitates a career pathway to professional success. We "serve" our country by collaborating with industry to create a workforce. We create career success stories to professional success.

Scholarships

Scholarships available through SME Education Foundation

Learn More

ScienceDirect Access

Full access to thousands of peer-reviewed journals and technical articles - a $4,000+ annual value included with your membership

Industry Certifications

Earn industry-recognized credentials including CMfgE, CMfgT, and specialized certifications to advance your career and validate your expertise

Build Your Network

Build your technical/professional networks & communities

Join SME Today