By Justin Starkey
The demand for skilled engineering talent in the aftermarket has never been greater, and neither has the opportunity to connect with it locally. The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) SoCal are capitalizing on the more than a dozen Southern California universities that are actively building vehicles for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions.
The organizations are partnering to bring students and industry together for a one-of-a-kind Career Fair on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event offers a unique chance for collaboration that can benefit your organization and the future of the industry.
Most SAE competitions require students to travel more than 1,000 miles to showcase their work. This event flips that model by putting student-built vehicles, technical expertise, and future engineers directly in front of local industry professionals, creating meaningful, face-to-face engagement without leaving the region. Thanks to our partners at the SEMA Garage, the venue provides an ideal environment to highlight innovation, collaboration, and career pathways in the aftermarket.
The Career Fair will welcome students from SAE programs and beyond, along with SAE and SEMA industry professionals, for a full day of activities. Registered companies already include Blacmotor, Edelbrock, Formosa EV, Haas Automation, Honda Racing Corporation USA, HP Tuners, Pedal Commander, PRI/SIM, Searchtec Consulting Group, and more—representing a broad cross-section of performance, manufacturing, engineering, and technology-focused organizations.
Throughout the day, attendees will experience student vehicle displays, technical build presentations, business case reviews, educational sessions, SEMA Garage tours, and dedicated career fair networking. Many internships and full-time job offers were extended at past events from 2023–2025, reinforcing the value of this format as a highly efficient recruiting opportunity.
For industry professionals, participation options include hosting a career fair table to connect one-on-one with third- and-fourth year students or serving as a judge to provide live feedback on student builds and presentations. Your expertise and involvement are vital in shaping future engineers. Registration is complimentary for SEMA member companies, while non-member companies may participate for a $500 fee through SAE SoCal, which covers up to four attendees.
Beyond hiring, this event serves a larger purpose: introducing students to the aftermarket. Many attendees at past fairs shared that they were previously unaware of this career path but were immediately interested once exposed. If we want to ensure a strong pipeline of engineers for the future, engagement must start now.
Company participation is essential for shaping the future of the aftermarket. Register now to secure your spot and help develop the next generation of talent.