Technical Lead Mechanical Prototyping

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 fast-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 [Confidential Information] and [HIDDEN TEXT] with the subject line:

Application | Technical Lead - Mechanical Prototyping | D-COE IISc

Application Package Requirements:

1. Updated Resume / CV
2. Cover Letter (max 300 words) highlighting why this role excites you and key career achievements
3. 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.