IIT Madras Chief Operating Officer Recruitment 2026

IIT Madras is hiring 1 Chief Operating Officer (COO) on a contract basis at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems, Chennai. If you have a Master's (minimum) or PhD (preferred) in Engineering, Business Administration, or Project Management along with a Bachelor's in ECE, Electrical, Applied Physics, or Computer Science and at least 5 years of industry experience in semiconductor or photonics manufacturing, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 3 June 2026. Consolidated salary is Rs. 1,80,000 to Rs. 2,20,000 per month with a 5% annual increment.

IIT Madras Chief Operating Officer Recruitment 2026 - Advt 85/2026

The Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR), Indian Institute of Technology Madras has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt.85/2026 dated 14 May 2026 for the temporary post of Chief Operating Officer in the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems, coordinated by Prof. Bijoy Krishna Das, Department of Electrical Engineering. This is a high-salary leadership role covering project finance, manpower planning, foundry coordination, and technology translation for India's silicon photonics initiative. Experienced industry professionals with semiconductor or photonics manufacturing backgrounds are the ideal candidates.

Who Can Apply?

Qualification

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred, Master's minimum) in Engineering / Business Administration / Project Management
• AND Bachelor's in Electronics & Communication Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Applied Physics / Computer Science

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in a related discipline
• Deep technical understanding of semiconductor / photonics manufacturing
• Proven high-level project operational management experience

Indian citizens are eligible. Migrants from Pakistan or subjects of Nepal need an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.

Salary

• Consolidated monthly pay: Rs. 1,80,000 to Rs. 2,20,000 per month (depending on qualifications and experience)
• 5% annual increment based on performance
• Duration: 1 year initially, extendable up to 5 years based on performance

Selection Process

Selection is through shortlisting and interview:

1. Shortlisting based on online application — qualifications, relevance and depth of experience, and academic achievements.
2. Written / Skill Test / Interview as decided by the institute. The institute reserves the right to set the mode of screening.
3. Document Verification at the time of interview. Carry the printed application and original certificates.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The institute reserves the right not to fill the position.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official IC&SR careers portal at icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php.
2. Check Advertisement No. Advt.85/2026 and click on the Chief Operating Officer position.
3. Register with your active email ID and complete the online application form.
4. Fill in your qualifications, industry experience, and project management track record.
5. Submit the application before 3 June 2026. The application cannot be edited once submitted.
6. Take a printout of the submitted application — you will need it at the time of interview/document verification.
7. If you are already working on a project at IIT Madras, apply through proper channel or carry an NOC.

For technical issues only, email icsrrecruitment6@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in or icsrrecruitment@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in or call 044-2257 8843 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM to 5:30 PM).

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 14 May 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 3 June 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems
• Manage project finances including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting
• Coordinate manpower planning, recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation of project staff
• Ensure laboratory readiness and efficient utilization of resources across PIC design, fabrication, and testing
• Coordinate with technical teams on design, fabrication, characterization, and packaging activities
• Support technology translation, productization, and industry collaboration efforts
• Act as a liaison with industry partners, foundries, vendors, and external stakeholders
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards