Head of Mechanical Engineering

Chennai Institute of Technology; Chennai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Chennai Institute of Technology seeks an accomplished academic leader to head the Mechanical Engineering department. The role focuses on leading applied research, strengthening industry partnerships, and steering funded projects and technology transfer.

The candidate will mentor faculty and Ph.D. scholars, build Centres of Excellence, and foster national and international collaborations while advancing innovation across core engineering disciplines.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years in academia with teaching and research.
• Experience in reputed universities with strong credentials.
• Strong industry connect and industry-sponsored projects.
• Proven track record in government/industry-funded research.
• Strong publication record with patents and technology development.
• National and international research collaborations.
• Experience in building Centres of Excellence, labs or programs.
• Mentoring startups or student innovation initiatives.
• Strong network with OEMs, R&D orgs, tech companies.
• Experience in Ph.D./postgraduate supervision.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI/ML, EVs, etc.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact applied research and attract sponsored projects.
• Build strategic industry and international collaborations.
• Drive consultancy, technology development, patents and transfer.
• Establish and strengthen research centres and laboratories.
• Mentor faculty, Ph.D. scholars, students and startups.
• Strengthen the department at Core Engineering × Industry × Research × Innovation.

Skills

Academic leadership

Teaching & research

Industry collaboration

Grants & funding

Publications & patents

Mentoring startups

PhD supervision

Networking with OEMs

Education

Ph.D. in ME

Job description

Head of Department - Mechanical Engineering

We are looking for an accomplished academic and research professional to join our rapidly growing institution, focused on applied research, industry engagement, innovation and strong foundations in core engineering.

Desired Profile

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline from a reputed institution.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in academia, with a strong track record in teaching and research.
• Experience in reputed universities/institutions with strong academic and research credentials.
• Strong industry connect and experience in industry-sponsored / consultancy projects.
• Proven track record in securing government and industry-funded research projects.
• Strong publication record in reputed journals/conferences, along with patents and technology development.
• Established national and international research collaborations.
• Experience in building Centres of Excellence, laboratories or industry-academic programs.
• Experience in mentoring startups, technology ventures or student innovation initiatives.
• Strong network with OEMs, R&D organisations, technology companies and industry leaders.
• Experience in Ph.D./postgraduate supervision and mentoring research teams.
• Exposure to emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, EVs, AI/ML, digital twins, additive manufacturing, materials or sustainability will be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to:

• Lead high-impact applied research and attract sponsored projects.
• Build strategic industry and international collaborations.
• Drive consultancy, technology development, patents and technology transfer.
• Establish and strengthen research centres, laboratories and Centres of Excellence.
• Mentor faculty, Ph.D. scholars, students and startups.
• Strengthen the department’s position at the intersection of Core Engineering × Industry × Research × Innovation.

Experience: 10+ years in academia

Position: Professor / Senior Faculty – Mechanical Engineering