Two recent NIU engineering graduates are among the latest success stories of a local education-to-industry pathway that includes collaboration with area community colleges and professional preparation via hands-on internships.
Joseph Rayner, who earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from NIU in May 2026, now works as an application engineer at Elgin-based Assurance Technologies Inc. (ATI). After starting as a teenage intern, Rayner gained experience across manufacturing operations, quality control and CNC machining while completing coursework at Elgin Community College and later NIU.
“Seeing the impact engineering can have on the world opened my eyes to the possibilities,” Rayner said.
ATI leaders say Rayner’s progression reflects growing demand for professionals who combine hands-on manufacturing experience with strong engineering fundamentals. The company has supported employees through tuition assistance, flexible scheduling and partnerships with local institutions.
Another example is Nicholas Gomez, who followed a similar path from Bartlett High School to ECC and NIU before launching a career with Johnson Controls. Gomez, who also interned at ATI, credits the combination of classroom learning and real-world industry experience for helping him develop technical expertise, communication skills and professional confidence.
Both graduates highlight the value of the regional talent pipeline linking community colleges, NIU’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, and local employers, creating opportunities for students to earn degrees, gain experience and launch rewarding engineering careers close to home.
To learn more, read the Elgin Patch story, “From ECC to NIU to Industry: Huskie Engineering Grads’ Journeys Highlight Regional Talent Pipeline.”
