Conversations with a Manufacturing Engineer: Michael Bell

Applied knowledge and practical ability are valuable to succeed within manufacturing.

The last feature of our National Engineers Week SME member spotlight series is Michael Bell, CEO and Founder of Synbyo. Bell launched Synbyo in 2019 but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he pivoted his company to become a systems integrator for a variety of industrial businesses, including prototype manufacturing, smart manufacturing, and workforce development. Synbyo is now a Systems Integration company that provides innovative solutions for technical labor and smart manufacturing systems.

The SME Membership team sat down with Bell to discuss his career in manufacturing, some of the valuable lessons he’s learned, and what’s next for engineering. Bell is the current Chair of SME Chapter 145 Sacramento Valley and is working to develop local apprenticeship program to help address the impending manufacturing Skills Gap. Synbyo and SME have a symbiotic relationship due to their mission to advance manufacturing technologies and foster the future skilled workforce.

Why did you decide to go into engineering?

"I grew up playing LEGOs with my siblings and used my imagination to create structures, vehicles, and gadgets. I also loved math. When it was time to declare a major at university, mechanical engineering stood out to me."

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career/about the engineering industry?

"The more skills I learn, the more opportunities open up."

What’s the most surprising thing about engineering that you discovered after starting your career?

"A degree is not required to practice engineering. Some of the brightest people I've met didn't have any degrees. Applied knowledge and practical ability are more valuable."

What would you like to see moving into the future of the engineering industry?

"I'd like to see apprenticeship programs for engineering so that people gain practical, applied experience as they progress through a degree program. I'd also like to see more interdisciplinary engineering pathways for nontraditional industries."

How has SME Membership helped with your career?

"Networking is gold. SME has been the anchor of my professional ecosystem."

It’s a priority for SME to recognize the individuals within manufacturing that are making an impact. Over the years SME Media has profiled leaders within manufacturing in featured lists such as Smart Manufacturing Magazine’s 30 Under 30, 25 Leaders Transforming Manufacturing, and 20 Women Making Their Mark in Robotics and Automation. Featured stories such as these help to showcase the amazing SME members across multiple industries and disciplines that are making significant contributions to manufacturing.

SME is the only professional organization that represents members from all facets of manufacturing. SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia, and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated, and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. Learn more about SME Membership and how SME can help you advance in your manufacturing career. SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce, and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing.