Hiring: Technical Lead – Mechanical Prototyping

Location:
IISc Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Organization: Centre of Excellence in Design (D-CoE), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore Reporting To: CEO, D-CoE Employment Type: Full-Time Contract (1-year initial, renewable annually up to 5 Years) Compensation: INR 70,000 to INR 1,20,000 / month (consolidated, based on experience & performance) About D-CoE @ IISc Bangalore The Centre of Excellence in Design (D-CoE) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore—established in association with the Government of Karnataka (IT/BT Department)—is dedicated to driving world-class innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship. Operating at the vibrant intersection of academia, government, and deep-tech startup ecosystems, D-CoE provides state-of-the-art digital fabrication and prototyping facilities. We run immersive, practical training programmes designed to empower students, researchers, founders, and industry professionals to translate bold concepts into market-ready products. The Role at a Glance Are you someone who can run an energetic CAD and 3D printing workshop in the morning, debug a startup’s failing mechanical prototype at noon, guide a student team through their third design iteration by afternoon, and sketch out a smart fixture by evening—and enjoy every single minute of it? We are seeking a Technical Lead
- Mechanical Prototyping to lead hands-on training, manage rapid prototyping activities, and mentor innovators at D-CoE. You will bridge classical mechanical engineering with modern digital fabrication, smart manufacturing, and AI-enabled design workflows.

Key Responsibilities
1. Teaching, Training & Curriculum Design
• Design and deliver structured, project-based workshops on mechanical prototyping, CAD modelling, and hardware product development.
• Guide learners through the complete product development lifecycle: concept creation, 3D modelling, fabrication, assembly, testing, and rapid iteration.
• Create practical learning modules, exercises, lab demonstrations, and assessments across in-person, hybrid, and online formats.
• Update training content continuously to align with evolving digital manufacturing standards and industry trends. 2. Mechanical Prototyping & Digital Fabrication




• Lead hands-on sessions covering 3D printing (additive manufacturing), CAD design modification, rapid fabrication, and prototype validation.
• Provide expert guidance on Design for Manufacturability & Assembly (DFMA), material selection, tolerances, and assembly techniques.
• Oversee the safe and efficient operation of D-CoE’s prototyping lab equipment.
• Solve complex mechanical challenges, integrating mechanical hardware with sensors, electronics, microcontrollers, and IoT modules when needed. 3. Startup & Student Project Mentorship
• Supervise student teams, interns, and startup founders building physical hardware products and proofs-of-concept (PoCs).
• Define technical scope, project milestones, testing protocols, and final deliverable criteria.
• Evaluate prototype performance, technical documentation, and final project demonstrations.
• Foster a rigorous, iterative engineering problem-solving environment. 4. Emerging Technologies & AI Integration
• Introduce AI and Generative AI design tools into mechanical engineering, CAD modeling, and product design workflows.
• Support interdisciplinary smart manufacturing and automation projects involving IoT, sensor integration, and smart hardware.
• Stay ahead of technological advancements in generative engineering, automation, and digital manufacturing. 5. Lab Operations & Industry Outreach
• Manage equipment, tools, raw materials, and consumables for smooth prototyping lab operations.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, equipment usage logs, and project records.
• Engage with startups, corporate partners, and academic institutions to understand evolving prototyping requirements.
• Conduct facility demonstrations, awareness sessions, and outreach workshops to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem. Eligibility Criteria & Skill RequirementsQualifications & Experience
•

Education:
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering,



Manufacturing Engineering, Product Design, or Mechatronics.
•

Experience:
3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in mechanical prototyping, product development, digital fabrication, or CAD engineering.
• Age Limit: Upper age limit of 45 years (relaxation admissible for SC/ST/OBC/PH as per government norms). Technical Skills & Tools
• Core: Mechanical Product Development, CAD Modelling, Rapid Prototyping, DFMA, Material Selection, Prototype Validation.
• Fabrication: 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing, Mechanical Assembly, Machining, Laser Cutting, 3D Scanning (desirable).
• Emerging Tech: Exposure to Sensors, IoT, Embedded Systems, Automation, and AI/Generative AI design tools (highly valued). Professional & Interpersonal Skills
• Strong facilitation, teaching, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to break down complex technical engineering concepts for diverse audiences.
• Mentorship-driven mindset with strong project management skills.
• High ownership, proactive problem-solving attitude, and adaptability in a rapid-paced lab environment.

What We Offer
• Prestige: Direct association with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India’s top research institution.
• Ecosystem Access: A front-row seat to Karnataka’s vibrant startup, deep-tech, and innovation ecosystem.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Access to cutting-edge digital fabrication labs and state-of-the-art design studios.
• Impact & Networking: High autonomy to shape curriculum, mentor top talent, and interact with academic leaders, founders, and government stakeholders.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application package to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line: Application | Technical Lead
- Mechanical Prototyping | D-COE IISc Application Package

Requirements:
• Updated Resume / CV
• Cover Letter (max 300 words) highlighting why this role excites you and key career achievements
• LinkedIn Profile Link Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening call, followed by a practical task-based assessment and leadership interview. D-CoE @ IISc is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

📌 Technical Lead – Mechanical Prototyping (Bengaluru)
🏢 Centre of Excellence in Design, DM, IISc
📍 Bengaluru