Job Description & Requirements
Job Summary:
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Technical Lead (AI, Software) to provide hands-on technical leadership and people management for our AI engineering team, while also serving as the main on-site manager of the Sri Lanka branch. This role is responsible for architecting scalable AI solutions and leading, mentoring, and growing a high-performing team of engineers, while working closely with the Operations Manager to oversee branch personnel, administration, and day-to-day operations across all business units based there. The individual will play a critical role in aligning technology strategy with business goals and ensuring the successful delivery of AI-driven products.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead the architecture, design, and development of AI/ML-based software systems, and define engineering standards and best practices across the team.
Oversee the end-to-end AI lifecycle — from data pipelines and model development through deployment and monitoring — ensuring systems are scalable, secure, and high-performing in production.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of AI/software engineers, managing resource planning, task allocation, and performance reviews.
Support recruitment and retention of engineering talent, and foster a collaborative, accountable team culture.
Work closely with product managers, data teams, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions, driving project planning, prioritization, and timely delivery.
Communicate technical concepts and progress clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Work jointly with the Operations Manager to manage all branch staff
Represent the branch to senior management and external stakeholders (e.g. University of Moratuwa partnership, local authorities) in coordination with the Operations Manager.
Stay current with emerging trends in AI and software engineering, and drive adoption where relevant to the business.
Requirements:
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
8+ years of experience in software engineering, with significant exposure to AI/ML systems and a proven record of delivering production-grade AI applications.
Prior experience in team leadership or people management; experience managing or coordinating a branch/site office is essential.
Strong programming skills in Python, Rust, C#, and Dart, with a solid understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and data engineering concepts.
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), distributed systems, and AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Experience with MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
Exposure to generative AI, NLP, or computer vision applications; familiarity with AI governance, ethics, and compliance frameworks is a plus.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking capabilities, with experience in agile development methodologies.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to partner effectively with operations leadership to manage a multi-functional branch.
Accountable and results-driven, with the ability to balance technical leadership with people and branch management responsibilities.
PBA Systems is a member of
PBA Group
(
PBA: Platform for Bots and Automation
), a regional robotics and automation company that allows businesses of every size to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies to optimise and scale up their operations. From building tech products; specialising in precision and general robotics; to offering turnkey automation solutions, PBA is a technology partner that never stops reinventing. Our purpose is to meet the challenges of the everyday world by making robotics tech accessible to everyone.
PBA’s core capabilities involve the development of technology which can be applied to businesses across all industries, including a full suite of solutions in Warehouse Automation and Factory Automation. PBA also designs and manufactures its own products, including made-in-Singapore Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Collaborative robot (cobot) arms – the first-of its kind manufactured in Southeast Asia – as well as Motion Control and Direct Drive Technology.
PBA Group has over 30 companies in 10 countries and over 500 employees regionally, with a strong focus on Southeast Asia. We welcome enthusiastic, entrepreneurial and self-motivated challenge-seekers looking to chart a career in the robotics and automation industry.
For more information on PBA and its robotics and automation capabilities, visit us at *************