Lead Python AI Principal Engineer (Hands-On), SVP

Citigroup Inc.; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Citibank (Switzerland) AG in Mississauga is looking for a Principal Engineer to lead the development of complex AI solutions. The role requires 6+ years of software experience, including team management, and a strong background in Python and AI/ML technologies. Responsibilities include guiding engineers, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring quality across projects. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential. Preferred candidates will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree and experience in the financial industry.

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in software industry in a senior role.
• 3+ years' experience managing teams.
• Highly experienced in delivering technical solutions in Python/AI/ML.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of complex AI solutions and architecture.
• Guide engineers and data scientists, reviewing designs and code.
• Engage with stakeholders to define and architect solutions.

Skills

Python

AI/ML integration

Technical problem-solving

Leadership

Cloud architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree

Tools

FastAPI

Job description

For additional information, please review .* Lead the end-to-end development of highly complex AI solutions, infrastructure, and architecture.* Lead and guide a team of engineers and data scientists, reviewing designs and code to uphold the highest levels of engineering standards.* Translate ambiguous product or business problems into clear technical direction, defining success metrics for engineering and data science teams.* Design robust model architectures, retrieval strategies, prompting/orchestration layers, and evaluation frameworks that meet product, reliability, and scalability requirements.* Engage with data-science, technical, and business stakeholders to define and architect solutions for key use-cases across our lines of business.* Actively contribute to software development, both as a hands-on coder and as a reviewer.* Build and maintain core Python-based Generative AI components, including RAG pipelines, model wrappers, orchestration logic, and data loaders using FastAPI, ADK, and internal libraries.* Ensure robust error handling, observability, and test coverage across all codebases.* Manage executive stakeholder relationships in technology, acting as a partner and trusted advisor.* Manage multiple concurrent initiatives and projects of varying sizes and complexity.* 6+ years' experience in the software industry, with proven success in a senior position such as Principal Engineer or Architect.* 3+ years' experience serving as a people manager.* Highly experienced in delivering complex technical solutions to production, preferably within the Python and AI/ML ecosystem.* Proficiency in programming languages such as Python.* Passion for and proven hands-on experience integrating with AI/ML technologies.* Experience with cloud architectures and public cloud offerings.* A strong and diverse technical background, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies and influence highly skilled engineering teams.* Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational abilities.* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically.* Experience in the financial industry is a major advantage.* Bachelor's degree/University degree or equivalent experience is required.* Master's degree is preferred.