SME Membership Blogs

Tara Thomasson, a technical fellow at Lockheed Martin and SME Member Council representative, brings a unique lens to the evolving world of manufacturing. Drawing from her industry experience and leadership perspective, she explores the skills and mindsets that professionals will need to navigate the next wave of transformation.

A new generation of innovators is driving a powerful transformation in the manufacturing industry, one fueled by fresh ideas, cutting-edge technologies and an unwavering passion for progress.

SME Membership is introducing a new avenue for member engagement and thought leadership with the launch of its first SME Corporate Member Sponsored Webinar.

I began my career as an electrical applications engineer for Harman International. In that role, I learned not just how our products were placed into vehicles but why they were packaged into certain locations to create that “perfect sound."

When we think about engineering and manufacturing, it’s easy to envision complex machines, technical jargon, and strict processes. But behind every breakthrough in these fields are the people driving innovation, diversity, and change.

As drone operations continue to advance industries ranging from agriculture to public safety, the demand for skilled professionals in drone technology is soaring. Fullerton College, known for its commitment to workforce development, has stepped up to meet this growing demand with its bachelor’s degree in drone and autonomous systems. This forward-thinking program is designed not only to equip students with essential drone piloting skills but also to delve into cutting-edge technologies such as LIDAR, thermal imaging and more.