Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released an official notification for the selection of Director (Engineering, Research & Development) for the year 2026. The recruitment is being conducted by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) and represents one of the most prestigious board-level technical leadership positions in India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem.
This article provides a comprehensive, structured, and easy-to-understand guide covering the company profile, job responsibilities, eligibility conditions, experience requirements, pay scale, tenure, and step-by-step application process.
Overview of HAL Director (Engineering, R&D) Recruitment 2026
The post of Director (Engineering, Research & Development) is a Board-level position in HAL. The selected candidate will play a decisive role in shaping India’s aerospace and defence research roadmap, strengthening indigenous technology development, and driving innovation aligned with national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Highlights:
- Organization: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Recruiting Authority: Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB)
- Post Name: Director (Engineering, Research & Development)
- CPSE Schedule: Schedule ‘A’
- Date of Vacancy: 01 December 2026
- Location: India (HAL Headquarters and R&D ecosystem)
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is one of the largest aerospace and defence companies in Asia. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and holds Maharatna status, reflecting its strategic importance and operational autonomy.
HAL operates through:
- 21 Production Divisions
- 9 Dedicated R&D Centres
- Presence across 7 states and 10 geographical locations in India
Over the last eight decades, HAL has been the backbone of India’s defence aviation capabilities, providing end-to-end solutions including:
- Design and development of aircraft and helicopters
- Manufacture of aero-engines and avionics
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services
- Support for Indian Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard
HAL also collaborates with ISRO on space vehicle programs and has expanded its export footprint to over 25 countries.
Role of Director (Engineering, Research & Development)
The Director (Engineering, R&D) is a functional director and a permanent member of HAL’s Board of Directors. The role reports directly to the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of HAL.
This position carries strategic responsibility for driving innovation, overseeing high-end engineering projects, and strengthening HAL’s R&D ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities and Job Description
The Director (Engineering, R&D) is responsible for ensuring effective planning, execution, and governance of all research and engineering activities across HAL.
Core Responsibilities Include:
- Leading Research & Development (R&D) initiatives
- Overseeing Design & Development (D&D) of aerospace platforms
- Managing Project Development and advanced technology programs
- Driving Corporate Engineering and Product Development
- Supervising new projects and license-based programs
- Developing and protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)
- Promoting indigenization and indigenous production under government initiatives
- Implementing Board decisions related to engineering and R&D domains
The role is critical in transitioning HAL from licensed manufacturing to design-led, innovation-driven aerospace leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 45 years
- Superannuation Age: 60 years
Residual Service Requirement on Date of Vacancy:
- Internal candidates: Minimum 2 years residual service
- Other candidates: Minimum 3 years residual service
Employment Status Requirements
On the date of application and interview, candidates must be employed on a regular basis (not contractual or ad-hoc) in one of the following:
- Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)
- Central Government Group ‘A’ Officers (including Armed Forces and All India Services)
- State Public Sector Enterprises with annual turnover of ₹10,000 crore or more
- Private sector companies with annual turnover of ₹10,000 crore or more
Preference is given to candidates from listed companies.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess:
- A graduate degree in Engineering, preferably in:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical or Electronics Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Computer Science
- Metallurgy
- Chemical or Production Engineering
- Postgraduate qualifications in the above disciplines are considered desirable and provide an added advantage.
Experience Requirements
Applicants must have senior-level technical and operational experience in reputed organizations.
Essential Experience:
- Significant experience at senior management level
- At least five years in the last ten years leading major R&D projects
- Hands-on leadership in:
- Aircraft or helicopter design
- Aero-engine development
- Engineering support systems
- Defence research and development
Experience in the development of defence platforms and systems for operational use is considered highly valuable.
Pay Scale and Salary Structure
The post carries a prestigious Schedule ‘A’ CPSE pay scale.
Pay Scale:
- ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,40,000 (IDA)
Candidates from various eligible pay scales (IDA or CDA) as specified in the notification are eligible, provided they meet the minimum service requirements in their current scale.
In addition to basic pay, the Director is entitled to allowances and benefits as per HAL and Government of India norms applicable to Board-level executives.
Tenure of Appointment
- The appointment is for a period of five years, or
- Until the date of superannuation, or
- Until further government orders,
- Whichever is earlier
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online only through the PESB portal.
Application Channels
- CPSE candidates: Through concerned administrative ministry or CPSE
- Central Government officers: Through cadre controlling authority
- State PSE candidates: Through concerned state administrative authority
- Private sector candidates: Apply directly to PESB
Private sector applicants must submit additional documents such as:
- Annual reports of the company for the last three years
- Proof of company turnover
- Evidence of board-level or near board-level position
- Self-attested documents for age and qualifications
Important Dates
- Last date for submission of applications by applicants: 10 February 2026 (03:00 PM)
- Last date for forwarding applications by nodal officers: 19 February 2026 (05:00 PM)
Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without any consideration.
Selection Process
The Public Enterprises Selection Board reserves the right to:
- Shortlist candidates
- Conduct interviews
- Recommend suitable candidates to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
The final appointment is subject to government approval.
Why This Role Matters
The Director (Engineering, R&D) at HAL is not just a corporate role—it is a nation-building responsibility. The position directly influences:
- India’s defence preparedness
- Indigenous aerospace technology development
- Strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing
- Global competitiveness of Indian aerospace products
For experienced engineering leaders, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of India’s defence and aviation landscape.
Conclusion
The HAL Director (Engineering, Research & Development) Recruitment 2026 is a landmark opportunity for senior engineering professionals with deep expertise in aerospace, defence R&D, and large-scale engineering systems. With an attractive pay scale, strategic authority, and national importance, the role stands among the most influential technical leadership positions in India’s public sector.
Eligible and interested candidates should ensure timely and complete submission of applications through the PESB portal as per the official notification
