Principal Engineer – AI & Technology Systems

Lenskart's R&D function is building the next generation of technology-led vision care systems, including AI-assisted eye testing, intelligent retail workflows, connected devices, automation systems, and software-led diagnostic experiences. We are looking for a Principal Engineer – AI & Technology Systems to join the R&D function as a senior technical builder and systems leader. This is not a product management role. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader with strong software engineering depth, AI exposure, system architecture capability, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary execution across software, AI, data, devices, and real-world workflows. The person will act as a senior technical owner within the R&D function, helping convert high-potential ideas into robust, testable, and deployable technology systems.

Responsibilities

Define system architecture for AI-native and software-led R&D projects; Design scalable solutions involving backend systems, frontend interfaces, APIs, databases, AI/ML models, cloud/local deployment, and device integrations; Evaluate technical trade-offs across performance, reliability, latency, scalability, security, usability, and maintainability; Build systems that can work reliably in real-world retail, optometry, diagnostic, and consumer environments; Create architecture documentation, technical specifications, integration flows, and validation plans; Lead the development of AI-assisted workflows involving decision engines, conversational systems, speech-to-text, NLP, computer vision, recommendation systems, and human-in-the-loop intelligence; Work with AI/ML teams, software engineers, and domain experts to convert AI capabilities into usable products; Evaluate AI models and systems for accuracy, latency, reliability, user experience, failure handling, and deployment feasibility; Build feedback loops for continuous improvement of AI-enabled systems; Ensure AI systems are practical, explainable where required, and aligned with real user workflows; Convert ambiguous R&D goals into clear technical milestones, experiments, prototypes, and implementation plans; Build proof-of-concepts quickly while maintaining sound engineering judgment; Identify technical risks early and create mitigation plans; Lead rapid prototyping, technical validation, pilot deployment, and iteration; Work closely with the R&D Lead to prioritize ideas based on technical feasibility, business impact, scalability, and speed of execution; Ensure successful prototypes are designed with a clear path toward productionization; Guide development across backend, frontend, data pipelines, AI services, dashboards, control systems, and integration layers; Support integration with external devices, instruments, sensors, APIs, control interfaces, and third-party software systems; Create robust communication between software systems and physical-world workflows; Define data capture, storage, processing, and analytics requirements for R&D systems; Ensure systems are testable, observable, maintainable, and secure; Mentor and guide software engineers, AI/ML engineers, data engineers, and integration teams; Review technical designs, architecture decisions, code quality, and implementation approaches; Help build a high-performance engineering culture inside the R&D function; Drive decisions under ambiguity; Support hiring, evaluation, onboarding, and development of technical talent; Work with internal teams and external vendors to ensure strong execution quality; Collaborate with R&D, product, business, retail operations, optometry, design, data science, and engineering teams; Translate business and operational needs into robust technical solutions; Communicate complex technical topics clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders; Work with leadership to evaluate new technology opportunities and build strategic R&D capabilities; Support partnerships, vendor evaluations, technology scouting, and external development collaborations

Requirements

7+ years of experience building software, AI-enabled, or technology-driven solutions; Strong background in software engineering, system architecture, and technical problem-solving; Proven experience building and shipping multiple products, platforms, tools, or internal systems; Experience working in R&D, innovation, startup, platform engineering, AI product development, automation, health-tech, diagnostics, robotics, consumer technology, or similar environments; Experience leading engineering teams, technical workstreams, or zero-to-one technology initiatives; Ability to work in ambiguous environments and convert unclear problems into executable technical plans; Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently; Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, AI/ML, Data Science, Electronics, Robotics, or a related technical field; Strong exposure to several of: Backend development using Python, Node.js, Java, Go, or similar technologies; Frontend development using React, Next.js, or similar frameworks; API design, databases, microservices, distributed systems, and cloud/local deployment; AI/ML systems, LLM integrations, speech-to-text, NLP, computer vision, or intelligent automation; Data pipelines, analytics systems, model evaluation, feedback loops, and experimentation frameworks; System integration with hardware, instruments, devices, sensors, or third-party platforms; Software architecture, reliability engineering, observability, security, and scalability; Rapid prototyping and productionization of experimental systems

Nice to have

Experience as a founder, founding engineer, early-stage startup leader, or zero-to-one product builder; Experience building AI-native products or platforms; Experience in health-tech, diagnostics, optometry, medical devices, retail technology, robotics, automation, or computer vision; Experience integrating software with physical devices or real-world operating environments; Experience building tools or systems used by non-technical users; Experience managing small technical teams or leading cross-functional engineering squads; Exposure to regulated, safety-critical, healthcare, or diagnostic environments