Program Manager – Technology

About the job

Role Overview The Program Manager – Technology will be responsible for driving the technical execution, integration, and roadmap alignment of advanced quantum communication, cryptography, networking, and allied deep-tech programs at IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation. This role bridges research, engineering, startups, and national mission objectives, ensuring that cutting-edge R&D transitions into deployable systems, demonstrators, pilots, and scalable platforms. Key Responsibilities Technical Program Leadership • Own technical planning and execution across multiple quantum and deep-tech programs. • Translate mission objectives and research goals into concrete technical roadmaps, milestones, and deliverables. • Ensure coherence across architecture, protocols, hardware, software, and systems integration. Research-to-Deployment Transition • Drive movement from lab research to prototypes, pilots, field trials, and production-ready systems. • Support technology readiness level (TRL) advancement across programs. • Identify technical risks early and propose mitigation strategies. Startup & Industry Integration • Work closely with deep-tech startups supported by the Foundation on product architecture, validation, and integration. • Coordinate joint development efforts between academia, startups, and industry partners. • Support technical due diligence and evaluation of startup proposals. Technical Governance & Reviews • Support Technical Review Committees, architecture reviews, and design audits. • Ensure documentation of system designs, specifications, test results, and compliance requirements. • Maintain alignment with national and international standards where applicable. Infrastructure & Testbed Management • Coordinate usage and evolution of shared labs, testbeds, networks, and pilot infrastructures. • Work with operations teams on procurement and deployment of technical infrastructure. Technology Strategy & Foresight • Track global trends in quantum communications, cryptography, networking, and adjacent domains. • Provide inputs into long-term technology strategy, platform thinking, and national capability building. Requirements Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related deep-tech domains. • 8–12 years of experience in advanced R&D, systems engineering, or technology program management. • Strong understanding of one or more areas: quantum communications, cryptography, networking, hardware-software co-design, or large-scale systems. Desired Skills & Attributes • Ability to engage deeply with researchers while maintaining system-level perspective. • Strong technical documentation and review skills. • Comfort operating at the intersection of research, engineering, and policy-driven missions. • High intellectual curiosity, rigor, and execution focus. Reporting & Interface • Reports to: CEO, IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation • Works closely with: Faculty PIs, C-DOT technical teams, startup CTOs, system integrators, and government technical committees. These roles are mission-critical positions supporting India’s national deep-tech and quantum technology ecosystem through IITM CDOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation.