Mason Switzer (C’19)

ENGINEERING SCIENCE
Mechanical Systems Design Engineer, Boeing

Mason’s career trajectory didn’t start out the way he’d planned.

An avid cyclist and in his senior year at Principia, Mason was excited to engage in the final round of interviews with leading bike company, Specialized. He was flown out to its office in San Francisco, but returned to campus without an offer. 

So, he shifted gears and spent the following summer leading a mountain bike program in the Western US before resuming his job search. Remembering his advisor's recommendation to consider the aerospace industry, Mason joined a fellow engineering science graduate to attend the Boeing career fair in St. Louis.

“There must have been 1,000 applicants that walked through the door,” recalls Mason.

Despite the volume of applicants, Mason was granted an interview based on his résumé and received an offer a few months later. He is now working as a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer and responsible for hydraulic system integration for the T-7A Red Hawk, the Air Force’s next-generation training system.

“It wasn’t what I thought I was going to do, but this job has turned out to possibly be the best thing I could’ve asked for,” Mason says.

Mason’s work involves the use of NX CAD (next-generation, computer-aided design), which is the same program he utilized as part of the solar car team at Principia. His work involves developing the correct tube geometries of the hydraulic systems for the T-7A Red Hawk aircraft.

Mason had looked at engineering-specific schools before attending college but didn’t feel the overall experience would be much fun. He wanted a place where he could grow as a person. He chose Principia for that reason, as well as it being the best value for everything he could get out of an education and school community.

“Principia’s best asset is its tight-knit community,” he adds.

Mason appreciates the personal relationships he developed with Principia faculty and staff. He sees them as mentors who have been instrumental throughout his journey. 

Along with serving in student government, Mason was actively involved in the Lazy Zipper improv group and on house boards. He was also on the solar car, cross country, and tennis teams.

Must-Take Course: Acting 1

Favorite Principia Moment: My most memorable moments were doing a really fun show with my improv buddies. You get with your group of friends and make people laugh.

Advice for Incoming Students: Involve yourself in as many things as you possibly can.