Head of Tech (Engineering & AI)

Portcast is a venture-backed, Singapore-based logistics technology startup helping freight forwarders turn data into better decisions. We're looking for our Head of Tech (Engineering, AI, Data) to lead, own, and shape our technical direction, owning and leading the 15-person Tech team across Engineering, ML/DS, and DA.

Responsibilities

Own technical direction across platform, infrastructure, and product systems; Define scalable architecture and ensure reliability, performance, and security; Improve engineering velocity, code quality, and delivery discipline; Mentor tech team: Engineering, ML, Analytics; Define how AI and data drive competitive advantage in our product; Ensure ML models move from experimentation into production environments; Strengthen MLOps, data pipelines, and real-time data systems; Align analytics insights with product and customer decision-making; Partner closely with Product to shape technical roadmap; Work with Sales and Customer teams to understand enterprise requirements; Guide solution design for complex customer use cases; Lead and develop Engineering, ML/Data Science, and Analytics teams; Hire strong senior talent and raise the technical bar; Stay close to architecture and key system decisions; Review critical designs and technical proposals; Step into complex technical problems when needed; Prototype or validate high-impact ideas

Requirements

10+ years in software engineering, data, or ML environments; Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Software heavy background who understands data, AI, system design and infrastructure; Experience leading technical teams in a startup or product-driven B2B SaaS company; Track record building and scaling production AI/ML systems; Experience with distributed systems, real-time data, and cloud infrastructure; Strong backend and system architecture expertise; Experience deploying ML/AI systems into production, not just research; Deep understanding of MLOps, data platforms, and model lifecycle management; Comfortable operating across engineering, data science, and analytics domains; First-principles thinker who breaks down complex problems clearly; High ownership and accountability; Builder mindset with strong technical judgment; Clear communicator across technical and business teams; Focused on effectiveness and real outcomes

Nice to have

Background in logistics or supply chain industry, or data-heavy SaaS is a strong plus; Previous experience working in enterprises/Fortune 500 is a plus

Benefits

Globally distributed, remote-first flexibility; Tech-first team; Accelerated growth; Impact you can see