Lead AI Engineer - VP

Citigroup Inc.; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Citigroup Inc. is seeking a Lead AI Engineer to shape the technical direction of AI initiatives within Citi's global technology team.

You will mentor engineers and deliver scalable, AI-powered applications that leverage data and automation at scale. In this senior role, you will architect AI systems, guide RAG pipelines, and collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex requirements into robust implementations while upholding security, quality, and performance standards.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of software or application development experience with delivery of complex projects from design to production.
• Proficiency in Python for application development, data ingestion, and ETL processes.
• Experience building RAG pipelines and agent orchestration frameworks (ADK, LangGraph, LangChain).
• Advanced SQL design and optimization on large datasets.
• Strong understanding of Transformer architecture and production AI systems.
• Evidence of leading technical teams and delivering results in fast-paced environments.
• Clear communication of complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop AI-driven applications and data pipelines using Python, ensuring solutions are scalable and aligned with strategy.
• Lead design and implementation of RAG systems and agent orchestration frameworks.
• Partner with stakeholders across teams to translate requirements into robust technical implementations.
• Define and enforce coding standards, testing practices, and development processes.
• Evaluate technical challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Coach mid-level engineers and analysts, guiding work allocation and growth.
• Identify and manage technical risks, ensuring security, compliance, and platform integrity.

Skills

Python programming

SQL proficiency

Transformer models

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

ADK

LangGraph

LangChain

Llama Index

Neo4j

Job description

Citi is looking for a Lead AI Engineer to drive the design, development, and delivery of advanced AI-powered applications within a high-impact global technology team. In this senior role, you will shape the technical direction of AI initiatives, mentor engineers, and build intelligent systems that directly influence how Citi leverages data and automation at scale.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop AI-driven applications and data pipelines using Python, ensuring solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with the broader technology strategy.

• Lead the design and implementation of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems and agent orchestration frameworks to deliver intelligent, context-aware solutions.

• Partner with technology and business stakeholders across multiple teams to identify system enhancements and translate requirements into robust technical implementations.

• Define and enforce coding standards, testing practices, and implementation processes to elevate quality and consistency across the engineering team.

• Evaluate complex business and system challenges, applying deep technical expertise to develop innovative and effective solutions.

• Coach and guide mid-level engineers and analysts, providing technical direction and allocating work to support team growth and project delivery.

• Identify and manage technical risks within the development lifecycle, ensuring decisions uphold security, compliance, and platform integrity.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 6–10 years of experience in software or application development, with a track record of delivering complex technical projects from design through to production.

• Hands‑on proficiency in Python for application development, data ingestion, and ETL processes.

• Practical experience building RAG pipelines and working with agent orchestration frameworks such as ADK, LangGraph, or LangChain.

• Advanced SQL skills with the ability to design and optimize queries across large‑scale datasets.

• Solid understanding of Transformer architecture and its application within production AI systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast‑moving environment.

• Clear and effective communicator, able to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Llama Index for data ingestion and ETL workflows within Python‑based environments.

• Familiarity with graph databases such as Neo4j or equivalent, and experience applying graph‑based approaches to data modelling.

• Exposure to GraphRAG techniques for enhancing retrieval and reasoning within knowledge‑graph‑powered AI systems.

• Knowledge of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and its application in AI agent communication and integration.

• Master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or a related field.

What We Offer

At Citi, you will work at the intersection of financial services and cutting‑edge AI technology, contributing to projects that operate at genuine global scale. This is an opportunity to take technical ownership, grow your leadership capability, and make a measurable impact within a collaborative, performance‑focused engineering environment.

• Hybrid working arrangement with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, giving you flexibility while staying connected to your team.

• Access to continuous learning and development programs to keep your technical skills current and expand your leadership capabilities.

• The opportunity to work on complex, large‑scale AI systems that directly shape how one of the world's leading financial institutions operates.

• A collaborative engineering culture where senior contributors have genuine influence over technical direction and architectural decisions.

• Competitive financial wellbeing support, including compensation and benefits packages designed for experienced technology professionals.

• Wellbeing support and work‑life balance resources available to all employees globally.

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.

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