Thena Paladin Finds Her Place in Manufacturing

When Thena Paladin started college, she thought she was headed for a career in medicine. Today, the Wilmington native is building a career in an entirely different field, one she says she wishes she had discovered sooner.

Paladin enrolled in college to study biology, intending to eventually enter the medical field. But by her senior year, she knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do. After finishing her degree, she stepped away from school for a while. After getting her start at a local manufacturing company, she discovered an interest she hadn’t expected.

“The more I’m in it, the more I realize this is where I should have always been,” she said.

That realization eventually led her to Cape Fear Community College, where she began studying mechanical engineering in fall 2024. It also set her on a career path that has moved quickly.

An opportunity at Protocase

Today, Paladin works full-time as a mechanical engineering technologist at Protocase, a manufacturing company she first connected with through CFCC.

When she learned the company had an opening, she wasn’t sure she was ready to apply.

“As a student, I was like, well, I’m not really there yet. But let’s see what happens. Can’t hurt, right? An interview is good for experience, no matter what.”

She got the job and joined the company in May 2026, while continuing to take classes part-time.

“Protocase is an incredible company. They’re so driven. This is the first job I’ve been at that’s been difficult. And I love it. Because that challenge is what helps us grow,” she said.

The variety of the work keeps her engaged, and she’s quick to point out that no two days are exactly alike. Her work can involve determining whether a customer’s product can be manufactured using the company’s existing processes or troubleshooting an issue on the production floor.

“It has been a huge change and escalated my learning. It just skyrocketed my understanding of engineering in ways that was everything I’d wanted,” she said.

Connecting school and work

While Paladin is gaining valuable experience at Protocase, she credits much of her preparation to the connections and hands-on learning opportunities she’s found at CFCC.

She points to CFCC’s Department Chair of Advanced Manufacturing Stephen O’Neil as an important mentor. She appreciates the way he structures his classes around real-world applications and connects students with professionals working in the industry.

“The projects that we do in class, they’re not just to meet the requirements. It is to give you insight into what the real world is really like,” she said.

That connection between the classroom and workplace has changed the way she approaches her studies. Engineering coursework involves plenty of calculations, physics, and math, but working in the field has helped her see the bigger picture.

“At the end of the day, it’s about solving problems, finding solutions, and making things better for as many people as possible,” she said.

Her involvement with CFCC’s Society of Manufacturing Engineers has also played a significant role. Paladin previously served as the student chapter chair and continues to participate in the organization. Through the group, she’s had opportunities to meet local employers, learn about different companies, and build connections that extend beyond campus.

A different view of manufacturing

Working full time while taking classes isn’t easy, and Paladin doesn’t pretend otherwise. She’s found that taking two classes at a time is a manageable pace.

She’s aiming to graduate at the end of 2027. After that, she’d like to continue developing her project management skills and hasn’t ruled out pursuing a master’s degree in engineering.

Her experience has also given her a new perspective on manufacturing. The industry brings together technology, engineering, design, project management, and problem-solving. Even within a single company, different departments and specialties must work together to turn an idea into a finished product.

Through her work, Paladin has developed a broader appreciation for just how much manufacturing touches everyday life. She also hopes more people will take a closer look at an industry that offers far more opportunities than they might expect.

“Manufacturing is the backbone of everything that makes the world work,” she said. “When you understand it, when you get it at a small level, you begin to see how everything connects at a higher level. And career-wise, I feel like with manufacturing, the sky’s the limit.”

Manufacturing Day Expo

Those interested in learning more about manufacturing careers and meeting local employers can attend Cape Fear Community College’s Manufacturing Day Expo on Thursday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the college’s North Campus, NB Building, 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne.

The free community event will connect current and prospective students, job seekers, and community members with manufacturers from across the Cape Fear region. Protocase will be among the participating employers.