AI Lead Engineer for Banking Technology

Citi • Jersey City, NJ

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience within the banking or financial services industry, understanding regulatory environments and specific challenges a plus.
• Master’s degree preferred

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level