Post-Doctoral Researcher in Machine Diagnostics and Prognostics (HAL Project), IIT Madras
Job Description
IIT Madras is hiring a postdoc in machine fault diagnostics for a research project with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). You will build real-time systems that detect faults and predict the remaining useful life of machine parts.
At a glance
- Post: Post-Doctoral Researcher, one post (Advt. 197/2026)
- Where: Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai
- Coordinator: Dr Piyush Shakya
- Pay: ₹50,000 a month (consolidated)
- Duration: 3 months to start, extendable up to 15 months in steps of 3 or 6 months
- Apply by: 11 October 2026 (online)
The project is funded by HAL. It covers data from machines in operation, such as current, speed, vibration, temperature and noise. The work includes trips to the partner’s site.
About the postdoc in machine fault diagnostics
- Build a graphical user interface to take in, process, analyse and show machine data
- Acquire real-time signals from running machines and process them with stochastic signal-processing methods
- Develop machine-learning models for fault detection, fault classification and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction
- Work with HAL on software and GUI integration, including travel to HAL’s site
- Write technical and research reports
Why this role matters
Predicting when a machine part will fail saves money and prevents accidents, especially in aerospace. This post puts a new PhD on a live industry project with HAL, which is a strong line on a CV for industry or academia.
Eligibility
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering from a reputed university or institute, in machine vibration or stochastic signal processing
- At least 2 papers in reputed journals
- Essential: LabVIEW for sensor interfacing, data acquisition and GUIs
- Essential: MATLAB for signal analysis, system modelling and RUL prediction
- Working knowledge of Python for machine learning and data work, and a solid base in time, frequency and time-frequency signal processing
Positions are on contract only. Candidates must be citizens of India. You must apply online; do not post a hard copy. The institute may limit the number of candidates it calls for a test or interview.
Pay and duration
- ₹50,000 a month, consolidated
- Starts for three months and can be extended to a maximum of 15 months, in steps of 3 or 6 months, based on performance
How to apply
Apply online on the IIT Madras IC&SR current openings page. Pick Advt. 197/2026. The portal accepts only one application per login email for each advertisement. You cannot edit it after you submit. Print the submitted form and bring it if you are called.
Key dates
- Advertised: 21 September 2026
- Last date for online applications: 11 October 2026
Please read the IIT Madras IC&SR careers page (Advt. 197/2026) before applying, and browse more postdoc positions on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Official advertisement: icandsr.iitm.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Bring a condition-monitoring case study: one dataset, the features you pulled out, and how well your model found faults.
- Revise RUL methods: degradation models, health indicators, and data-driven versus physics-based prognostics.
- Show LabVIEW work: screenshots of a DAQ or GUI you built will help, because LabVIEW is essential for this post.
- Know your signal processing: FFT, envelope analysis, wavelets and order tracking for rotating machines.
- Expect industry work: the role includes site visits to HAL. Browse more postdoc positions.
About IIT Madras
IIT Madras is one of India's oldest Indian Institutes of Technology. It was set up in 1959 and its campus is in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Its Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) hires contract staff for the funded projects its faculty run.
