Applied AI Lead Engineer

Applied AI Lead Engineer, Banking Technology SVP (Hybrid)

Role

Citi's Banking Technology organization is seeking an exceptional full stack hands-on AI Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge AI solutions for the banking sector. This pivotal role involves architecting and implementing a scalable agentic AI framework, translating complex ideas into robust, production-ready systems, and driving tangible business value within Citi. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on technical leader with deep expertise in AI principles, agent-based systems, machine learning, and advanced software engineering practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end design, hands-on implementation, and deployment of scalable, robust agentic AI frameworks and generative AI solutions for critical banking use cases, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security.
• Build full-stack applications that seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art ML/LLM tools and services into comprehensive AI solutions.
• Champion an MVP-first approach, focusing on rapid iterations, hypothesis testing, and A/B experiments to achieve continuous improvement and quick "time to value."
• Design and implement rigorous metrics and evaluation strategies for AI system and agent performance, driving continuous optimization and behavioral improvement.
• Proactively explore, prototype (POC), and integrate the latest advancements in AI, particularly in agent-based systems, autonomous AI, and generative AI technologies.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership, guiding architectural decisions, and fostering collaboration with cross-functional teams including AI researchers, data scientists, product managers, and software engineers to integrate and scale AI solutions across Citi's products and services.
• Exhibit excellent communication and collaboration skills, effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Deep hands-on experience in engineering and executing scalable enterprise solutions.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python (e.g., FastAPI, Django, Flask, PySpark) or Java (e.g., Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, Spring Security).
• Proficiency in UI (e.g., Angular, React, Next.js, Node.js, TypeScript) for full-stack development.
• Proficiency in database technologies, such as Oracle, Postgres, or MongoDB.
• Solid understanding of core AI concepts, including knowledge representation, automated planning, decision-making under uncertainty, and multi-agent systems.
• Hands-on experience with relevant frameworks (e.g., LanGraph, LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI, N8N).
• Extensive experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and relevant libraries (e.g., Scikit-Learn, NumPy, Pandas).
• Proven experience in creating, deploying, and integrating MCPs (Model Context Protocol) into agentic AI systems.
• Deep familiarity with large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, including their application within agentic systems.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing robust APIs for AI services.
• Proficient in software development best practices, including version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, comprehensive testing, and code reviews. Strong understanding of agile methodologies, application resiliency, and security principles applied to complex AI projects. Proven expertise in system design, application development, and ensuring operational stability for AI initiatives.
• Deep experience with application and data architecture patterns and designs. Experience leveraging managed services and existing platforms, with a strong emphasis on API-First Design, microservices, and event-driven architectures.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Excellent analytical and innovative problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and creative approach to overcoming complex technical challenges.
• Previous experience within the banking or financial services industry, understanding regulatory environments and specific challenges a plus.

Work Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive software engineering experience with a strong emphasis on hands-on coding, demonstrating a proven track record of rapid delivery and successfully launching multiple AI features into production environments.
• Minimum 3+ years of dedicated professional experience in software development focused on AI, prompt engineering, machine learning, Generative and/or agentic AI systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with architecting and delivering enterprise scale AI projects.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to quickly learn new skills and effectively navigate complex organizational structures.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience
• Master’s degree preferred

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Job Family Group:

Technology

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Job Family:

Applications Development

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

Jersey City New Jersey United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$176,720.00 - $265,080.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Nov 16, 2026

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Automated Processing and AI

We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.

Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.

Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi.

View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.