Working as a Project Engineer at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) is more than just a government job—it’s an opportunity to contribute to national technology missions, work on next-generation digital solutions, and be part of a reputed R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the salary structure, job roles, growth path, and benefits of a Project Engineer at CDAC in 2025.
Overview of the Project Engineer Role at CDAC
A Project Engineer at CDAC typically works on cutting-edge research and technology development projects in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Software Development, and DevOps. The position may be project-based but offers immense learning, exposure, and career growth in the long run.
CDAC is known for its innovation-driven work culture, and the Project Engineer role is often the first step for young tech professionals to enter into the public sector tech ecosystem.
CDAC Project Engineer Salary in 2025
CDAC offers a competitive monthly salary to Project Engineers based on their job role, specialization, location, and level of expertise. While the positions are typically on a contractual basis, the compensation is aligned with industry standards and is often higher than many entry-level private sector jobs.
Role-Wise Salary Structure
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated monthly salary offered to Project Engineers across various specializations at CDAC in 2025:
Designation / Specialization | Estimated Monthly Salary (INR) |
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Project Engineer – Software Development | ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 |
Project Engineer – Cybersecurity / IT Security | ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 |
Project Engineer – Security Analysis | ₹56,500 – ₹66,000 |
Project Engineer – Kubernetes & Container Tech | ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 |
Senior Project Engineer – Kubernetes/DevOps | ₹56,500 – ₹66,000 |
Project Engineer – DevOps | ₹45,000 – ₹52,000 |
Senior Project Engineer – Database & Cloud | ₹56,500 – ₹66,000 |
Project Engineer – Speech & NLP Tech | ₹48,000 – ₹56,500 |
Senior Officer / Project Manager Role | ₹56,500 – ₹66,000 |
💡 Note: These salaries are approximate figures based on recent recruitment drives and may vary slightly across CDAC centers such as Pune, Noida, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
Perks and Benefits of Working at CDAC
While the base salary is attractive, CDAC also provides a comprehensive range of non-monetary benefits that enhance your financial security and overall quality of life.
Key Benefits Include:
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Health Insurance: Coverage for employees and their immediate family members.
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Provident Fund (PF): Contribution from both employer and employee ensures future savings.
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Gratuity: Payable upon successful completion of a specified tenure.
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Leave Encashment: Unused paid leaves can be encashed annually or upon completion of the contract.
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Subsidized Meals: Access to affordable and hygienic food at office premises.
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Skill Development Programs: Regular technical training, workshops, and internal certifications.
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Flexible Work Assignments: Opportunity to work in different projects and domains.
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Work-Life Balance: Predictable work hours, supportive work culture, and minimal work stress.
Detailed Job Responsibilities of a CDAC Project Engineer
Depending on the department and project, the exact responsibilities may differ. Below are the common role-specific tasks across various engineering domains:
Software Development Engineer
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Designing and developing software applications in Java, Python, or C++.
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Writing clean, scalable, and testable code for mission-critical solutions.
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Collaborating with cross-functional teams for system integration.
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Troubleshooting bugs and ensuring performance optimization.
Security Engineer
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Implementing IT security policies and procedures.
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Managing firewalls, VPNs, endpoint security, and secure servers.
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Performing vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and threat analysis.
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Working with tools like Wireshark, Nessus, and Splunk.
DevOps / Cloud Engineer
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Creating CI/CD pipelines for seamless deployment.
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Managing cloud infrastructure using AWS, Azure, or GCP.
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Automating container deployment using Docker and Kubernetes.
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Monitoring systems with tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or Nagios.
Database Administrator
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Setting up, maintaining, and tuning databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle.
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Performing regular backups and disaster recovery drills.
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Ensuring database security and data integrity.
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Writing optimized queries and stored procedures.
Career Growth and Promotions at CDAC
Although the Project Engineer position at CDAC is often contractual, it acts as a solid stepping stone for a long-term career either within CDAC or in other government or private institutions.
Career Progression Path
Level | Experience Required | Role Highlights |
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Project Engineer (Entry) | 0–2 years | Technical execution, coding, reporting |
Senior Project Engineer | 2–5 years | Module lead, mentoring, systems design |
Project Manager / Coordinator | 5–8 years | Project planning, budgeting, team management |
Associate Director | 8+ years | Strategic oversight, R&D leadership |
Centre Head / Director | 12+ years | Policy making, cross-project execution |
🚀 Professionals often move on to prestigious roles in NIC, DRDO, ISRO, or even academia after CDAC experience.
Who Should Apply for CDAC Project Engineer Roles?
This role is ideal for:
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Engineering graduates looking for government-affiliated R&D work.
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Freshers with project experience in AI, cybersecurity, or cloud.
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Mid-career professionals seeking stability and meaningful tech roles.
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Professionals interested in contributing to national digital infrastructure projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the CDAC Project Engineer role permanent?
No, the Project Engineer positions are usually contractual (1 to 3 years), but contracts can be extended based on project requirements and performance.
2. Are there any age limits for CDAC Project Engineer posts?
Generally, the upper age limit is around 35 years, but it can vary slightly based on the notification and category-based relaxations.
3. What kind of projects do Project Engineers work on?
Projects may include smart city solutions, AI-based applications, cybersecurity tools, supercomputing research, language processing engines, and cloud infrastructure development.
4. Is there any training provided after selection?
Yes, selected candidates often go through a short induction or domain-specific orientation, followed by on-the-job training based on project needs.
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