Ever heard of the Research Triangle region in the US?
It’s a nickname for the metropolitan area in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, where three Tier 1 research universities form a geographical triangle that encases the actual Research Triangle Park — founded in 1959, the largest in the nation. The park spans 7,000 acres, featuring high-tech businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, and more. The entire region is home to over 7,000 companies, with a significant portion of them being international.
One point of the Research Triangle belongs to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, the capital city. Suppose you’re looking to pursue a graduate programme with the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for a career boost. There is really no better school to serve as your launchpad. With companies like SAS Institute, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and many more at your doorstep, NC State will naturally propel you to innovate and impact your way to becoming a future industry leader.
NC State’s MAE faculty boasts award-winning research work, opening the doors for students to follow in their footsteps. Source: NC State
Expert faculty, dedicated staff
The MAE faculty has been garnering acclaim. In February, three were named NC State’s University Faculty Scholars for 2024 to 2025. It’s a title awarded to only 20 faculty members each year, recognising their academic and research prowess in areas ranging from acoustics and ultrasound imaging to high-temperature materials. More recently, Dr. Andrew Lee received the competitive Faculty Career Development Award from the National Science Foundation for his research on deployable shell structures.
It goes without saying — you’re receiving world-class teaching at MAE. Training the next generation of highly skilled, ethical engineers are expert faculty members who are dedicated to improving technology and society in a wide range of fields. Their support extends beyond the classroom, with student receiving individual mentoring, hands-on experiences, and robust professional development programmes.
“I aim to pursue a career in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry,” says Swanand Kulkarni, a recent graduate. “The MAE department has offered relevant coursework, helping me bolster my skills.”
MAE offers Master of Science programmes in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. They’re research- and career-focused, with the faculty often collaborating with other NC State departments to run interdisciplinary projects. As you’re nurturing your independence as a researcher, they’ll back you up with industry connections, and that includes the scholars at the remaining two points of the Research Triangle: Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Students can also reach out to the dedicated graduate programme staff for additional support.
“I also learnt about the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) from the NCSU chapter conducted within the department premises, helping me network with industry professionals, leading to me securing a summer internship at Piedmont Service Group,” says Kulkarni.
MAE has many professional development opportunities, especially with NC State’s prime campus location. Source: NC State
Rigorous career development
There is a growing demand for mechanical engineers, with global challenges emerging in multiple areas, including autonomous transportation, renewable energy, automotive engineering, propulsion systems, and others. Therefore, it’s essential that students are provided with the resources to enhance their credibility as professionals.
“We’re building new career resources for MAE graduate students, including one-on-one advising, tailored workshops, and professional development support to help them succeed beyond the classroom,” says Jay Riddell, MAE Graduate Programme Assistant. “I’m excited to be in this role and to support our students as they explore and pursue their goals.”
The MAE Graduate Career Services and Professional Development team helps you shape your career with personalised guidance. You can meet with a counsellor for a one-on-one conversation about your future and immerse yourself in on-campus activities, such as the MAE Career Fair or the Distinguished Lecture with a renowned industry figure. If you seek assistance through job applications, they’ve got programmes to review your resume, find a co-op or internship, develop your communication skills, and more.
“The department has given me access to resume scoring tools like Quinncia, enabling me to optimise my resume, helping me confidently apply for internships and full-time roles,” says Kulkarni. “I am sure with the support I have from the department, and the pertinent coursework available, I can achieve my career aspirations.”
Considering that many MAE graduates have landed jobs in top companies like Volvo, Honda Aircraft, Boeing, and SpaceX — it’s a testament to NC State’s success to helping you shape a thriving future. If you’re ready to level up your career, check out the graduate programmes at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering here.
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