Mechanical Graduate with thesis offered a Techician role. Hearbroken, need advice. Please help.

Hello hardworking people, I am an International Mechanical graduate student who is graduating this April with thesis on Li ion batteries. I have worked very hard to build mself up and sacrificed a lot just to graduate and succeed with my thesis. I got offered a Process technician role in the D shift. I am heartbroken. The Hr says its a stepping stone but am I really underselling myself ? I love workin on Li ion batteries and not really worried about the money. I am really interested in learning and growing but at the same time dont want to sell myself short.