If he 喜欢搞实际研究和开发, then

If he 喜欢搞实际研究和开发, then this offer is very good. He can use this opportunity to pursue his career in the academic area. Because his 专业是工程类 he can still 搞实际研究和开发 for the industry as a university faculty, but it might be a research university and he would find grants/funds and also have to teach a couple of classes. It would be a little suffering for him since he对教师的工作不算太感兴趣.....

He can still look for jobs during the three-years contract. Good luck!