Should I quit my CNC machinist position to do my senior capstone project this year?

I’m currently pursuing a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. About to start my 4th out of 5 years. and as of about a month ago I started working as a CNC machinist at an optics manufacturing company.

When I got interviewed they told me that I will probably have to keep working full time or close to full time during school, which I can probably do but it will most likely mean I’ll have to push my senior capstone project back one year. I don’t have any other internship experience but have worked in my school’s machine shop for around a year.

I am a little concerned that pushing my senior design project back will limit my opportunities for other internship experience. Since I am slightly lacking in project experience.

And I will also most likely have to quit my job as a machine shop assistant at my school. This job is less involved not really dealing with high precision manufacturing and more of a teaching focused role. Teaching students how to operate manual mills and lathes as well as welding and some other machines.

But the new company has made insinuations that once I get my degree and if I keep working with them I will have an opportunity to start working as an engineer for them. It would be a pretty nice job.

I am also worried about the job market, this last hiring season I applied for over 100 internships with only one interview and no acceptance. I’m not sure how much my capstone will help my chances at getting one and it feels like a bit of a gamble to give up a good job.

Should I either quit this CNC machinist position once the school year starts and do my capstone project this year. Or should I push the capstone project back a year quit my shop assistant position at my school and work as a CNC machinist?

**Also I want to make it clear. I am already planning on taking 5 years. Pushing my senior capstone project back one year won’t extend how long I am actually in school.**

**I will also need to work a job no matter what. My financial aid and loans don’t cover enough. It’s really either I do this CNC role or I continue my other role as a shop assistant at my school.**

I don’t have to make a decision right now and don’t plan too but any advice would be very helpful.