Honorary Membership may be conferred upon an individual of recognized ability and stature who has, by voluntary action, contributed their substantial skills and talent to accomplish the goals of the Society. This award is one of the most prestigious honors presented by the Society and is reserved for those exhibiting professional eminence among manufacturing engineers.
- Any group of five or more voting members of the Society may nominate a candidate for Honorary Membership by presenting, in writing, the reasons for such nomination to the president of the Society.
- A two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors, by secret ballot, is necessary to elect a candidate to Honorary Membership.
- Honorary Members shall be entitled to the privileges of an SME member.