Make an Impact in Power Transmission Manufacturing
MPMA technical committees provide engineers, manufacturers, and technical specialists with a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of industry standards, advance innovation, and strengthen the mechanical power transmission manufacturing community.
These committees focus exclusively on technical disciplines such as gears, bearings, lubrication, metallurgical materials, high-speed units, and emerging technologies. Participation allows members to influence standards that impact both domestic and global manufacturing practices while building professional expertise and connections.
Learn about specific Technical Committees and their current projects.
What Participation Looks Like
Joining an MPMA technical committee is designed to fit within the schedules of busy engineering professionals. Participation typically involves:
- MPMA membership
- Approximately 2–3 hours per month
- Virtual meetings for most sessions (about 95%)
- Occasional in-person meetings hosted by member companies or held at accessible locations
- No prior standards development experience required
Members do not need to share proprietary company data. Standards focus on baseline technical guidance that benefits the industry as a whole. Participation simply requires a willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute at your comfort level.
This ensures every member can contribute safely and effectively while helping advance industry standards.
Benefits of Technical Committee Participation
By joining an MPMA technical committee, members can:
Define Global Industry Standards
Contribute to technical standards used across the power transmission manufacturing sector worldwide.
Represent Your Organization
Share your expertise and ensure your company’s technical voice is reflected in standards development.
Professional Growth
Develop expertise, enhance your resume, and strengthen your network. All of this is included with MPMA membership.
Collaborate with Technical Experts
Work alongside engineers and technical leaders on real-world projects.
Expand Your Skills
Gain hands-on experience with standards development, data analysis, testing protocols, and engineering problem solving.
Many members build long-standing professional relationships through committee participation, collaborating for years to advance industry standards and innovation.
Contributing to Global Standards
Many MPMA technical committees serve as Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to corresponding ISO working groups.
Through this role, MPMA members contribute industry expertise to the development of international standards, helping ensure that the voice of the mechanical power transmission manufacturing community is represented in global standards development.
This collaboration strengthens the alignment between U.S. and international technical standards, supporting innovation and global competitiveness.
How Committees and Working Groups Operate
The MPMA technical structure includes two levels of participation: committees and working groups.
Committee Structure
Committees are permanent groups responsible for overseeing standards activities within a technical discipline. They manage working groups, coordinate ISO Technical Advisory Group responses, oversee document reaffirmations, and respond to Requests for Interpretation (RFIs).
Working Groups
Working groups are temporary teams formed within a committee to develop or revise a specific standard. Each working group is named after its document number designation, focuses on a single project, and is dissolved upon project completion. Working group members participate in meetings, contribute expertise, and complete project assignments under the guidance of a project leader. Only active members count toward quorum and voting, ensuring that decisions reflect engaged participants.
Meetings
MPMA committees and working groups meet regularly to review technical topics, advance standards projects, and coordinate collaboration among members.
- Virtual meetings are typically two hours.
- Common start times are 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
- In-person meetings are generally held over two days at a member facility or accessible location.
- Active projects meet approximately every other month.
These meetings provide valuable opportunities for technical collaboration and professional engagement across the industry.
Join a Technical Committee
MPMA members interested in participating in a technical committee or working group are encouraged to contact the MPMA Technical Division. Staff can help connect members with committees aligned with their technical expertise and professional interests.
Helpful resources for new participants include:
- How to Participate Presentation
- ISO Introduction Presentation
- Operating Instructions for the MPMA Technical Division
Resources for Committee Members
Current committee and working group members can access project documents and collaboration materials through the MPMA Govenda Document Portal.
New MPMA members interested in technical committees can explore opportunities on the Technical Committees page and contact the MPMA Technical Division to get started.