Lead AI Engineer - VP

Citi; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Learning program

Global AI projects

Competitive benefits

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Citi is seeking a senior engineer to architect and deliver AI-driven applications and data pipelines in Belfast. You will lead RAG systems, agent orchestration, and cross-team collaboration, driving high-quality, scalable solutions.

The role requires 6–10 years of experience, strong Python and SQL skills, and the ability to mentor engineers while managing risks in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience delivering complex technical projects.
• Proficiency in Python for applications, data ingestion and ETL.
• Experience building RAG pipelines and agent orchestration (ADK, LangGraph, LangChain).
• Advanced SQL for large datasets and performance tuning.
• Solid understanding of Transformer architecture in production AI.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical teams and priorities.
• Clear, effective communication of complex topics.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop AI-driven applications and data pipelines in Python.
• Lead design and implementation of RAG systems and agent orchestration.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into robust tech.
• Define coding standards, testing, and implementation processes.
• Evaluate complex challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Coach mid-level engineers and analysts, guiding workload and growth.
• Identify and manage technical risks, ensuring security and compliance.

Skills

Python

RAG pipelines

ADK LangGraph LangChain

SQL

Transformer architecture

Leadership

Communication

Experience 6-10 years

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Neo4j

Llama Index

Job description

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.

Job Family Group

Technology

Job Family

Applications Development

Time Type

Full time

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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