Backend Engineering Lead(Java, Microservices & DevOps) - Assistant Vice President

Citi; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi is seeking a Senior Applications Development professional in Chennai to contribute to backend systems, build scalable Java/Spring Boot services, and lead modern engineering practices. The role emphasizes CI/CD, observability, and AI-enabled development.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor juniors, and ensure high availability and security in backend solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on software development experience.
• Proficiency in Java/Spring Boot mandatory.
• Experience delivering projects and applying project management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage CI/CD pipelines for deployments.
• Monitor and improve application performance with observability tools.
• Design and maintain scalable backend services and microservices (Java/Spring Boot).
• Develop RESTful APIs and reliable, secure distributed systems.
• Lead code reviews and promote best practices within the team.
• Collaborate with frontend, QA, DevOps, and product teams.

Skills

Java / Spring Boot

CI/CD pipelines

Observability tools

AI/ML integration

Mentoring juniors

Backend engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CI/CD tools

Java ecosystem tools

Job description

The Applications Development Senior Programmer Analyst is an intermediate level position responsible for participation in the establishment and implementation of new or revised application systems and programs in coordination with the Technology team. The overall objective of this role is to contribute to applications systems analysis and programming activities with hands‑on experience on both Java programming and DevOps tools and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage CI/CD pipelines, ensuring smooth and reliable deployments.
• Monitor applications using modern observability tools and apply intelligent monitoring or anomaly detection techniques.
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, high-performance backend services and microservices using Java and Spring Boot.
• Build and enhance RESTful APIs and enterprise‑grade distributed systems with a focus on reliability, security, and scalability.
• Lead development efforts in system design, code reviews, and best practices enforcement.
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities or third‑party AI services into backend applications where applicable (e.g., intelligent workflows, automation, analytics).
• Leverage AI‑assisted development tools to accelerate coding, improve testing coverage, and enhance debugging efficiency.
• Develop and maintain robust automated testing frameworks, incorporating AI‑driven testing techniques such as self‑healing tests or predictive defect detection where applicable.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including frontend developers, QA, DevOps, and product managers.
• Optimize database queries, improve application performance, and ensure high availability and resiliency.
• Ensure adherence to coding standards, security guidelines, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Conduct root cause analysis, performance tuning, and production support.
• Mentor and guide junior developers; promote adoption of modern engineering practices including AI‑enabled development.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies in backend engineering, cloud, and AI‑driven software development.
• Assess risks appropriately in technical decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational standards, policies, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands‑on experience in software development, with a proven track record in building and designing robust backend systems.
• Experience in Java / Spring Boot framework is mandatory
• Experience in managing and implementing successful projects
• Working knowledge of consulting/project management techniques/methods
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines or unexpected changes in expectations or requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience

This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job‑related duties may be assigned as required.

Job Family Group

Technology

Job Family

Applications Development

Time Type

Full time

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

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

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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