Java Backend Development Lead - AI-Powered Applications

Citigroup Inc.; Chennai District; Hybrid; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi in Chennai, India, is seeking an experienced Java Backend Development Lead to spearhead the design, development, and deployment of AI-powered platforms. You will lead a team of engineers, architect scalable backend systems, and collaborate with data scientists to integrate machine learning models that deliver significant value to users.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, architecture design with Java, Spring Boot, and microservices, and end-to-end delivery from requirements through

Qualifications

• 12+ years backend software development experience with Java.
• 8+ years in technical leadership or lead developer roles.
• Experience with Spring Boot and microservices architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor backend developers in an Agile environment.
• Architect scalable backend services and APIs using Java, Spring Boot, and microservices.
• Collaborate with data scientists to integrate AI/ML models.
• Oversee full lifecycle from requirements to deployment and maintenance.
• Ensure code quality with CI/CD and robust testing.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices

Docker

Kubernetes

REST APIs

PostgreSQL/MySQL

Kafka/RabbitMQ

Agile methodologies

Education

Master's degree in CS or related field

Tools

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)

Job description

Citi is looking for an experienced and visionary Java Backend Development Lead to spearhead the design, development, and deployment of our AI-powered platforms. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a strong background in Java and a passion for artificial intelligence. You will lead a team of skilled engineers, architect scalable and resilient backend systems, and work closely with data scientists to integrate machine learning models that deliver unparalleled value to our users.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, manage, and mentor a team of backend developers in a fast-paced, Agile environment. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Architectural Design: Architect and design robust, scalable, and high-performance backend services and APIs using Java, Spring Boot, and microservices principles. Ensure systems are secure, reliable, and ready for future growth.
• AI Integration: Collaborate with data scientists and machine learning engineers to seamlessly integrate and deploy AI/ML models into our production environment. Design APIs and data pipelines to support real-time inferencing and model retraining.
• Full-Lifecycle Development: Oversee the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and technical design to coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Code Quality & Best Practices: Champion and enforce best practices for code quality, unit testing, integration testing, and CI/CD. Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with product managers, stakeholders, and other engineering teams to define technical requirements, set priorities, and ensure timely delivery of features.
• Innovation & Research: Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in backend development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Drive innovation by prototyping new ideas and evaluating new tools.

Required Qualifications

• 12 + years of professional experience in backend software development, with a strong command of Java.
• 8+ years of experience in a technical leadership or lead developer role, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects.
• Extensive experience with the Spring Framework, particularly Spring Boot, for building microservices.
• Solid understanding of microservices architecture, containerization (Docker), and orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Proficient in designing and building RESTful APIs and event-driven systems.
• Strong experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Experience with message brokers such as Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ.
• Strong understanding of software development principles, design patterns, and Agile methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in developing applications that consume or interact with AI/ML models.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure) and their AI/ML services.
• Basic knowledge of Python and common machine learning libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Experience with MLOps principles and tools for model deployment and monitoring.
• Knowledge of data processing frameworks like Apache Spark or Apache Flink.
• Experience with search and analytics engines like Elasticsearch.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills.
• A passion for building intelligent systems and a desire to make an impact.

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within large-scale or enterprise-grade technology environments, particularly in the financial services sector.
• Familiarity with architecture and infrastructure integration patterns that support enterprise application delivery at scale.

What We Offer

At Citi, you will work alongside skilled technologists on problems that matter at a global scale. This role offers the opportunity to own meaningful outcomes, develop your leadership capability, and grow within a high-performing technology environment that values expertise and collaboration.

• A hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days working
• remotely, supporting both collaboration and work-life balance.
• Strategic ownership and influence over technical direction, architecture decisions, and delivery outcomes at a senior level.
• Access to continuous learning and development resources, enabling you to deepen your technical expertise and leadership skills.
• Exposure to complex, large-scale technology challenges across a global organization, with real impact on business and client outcomes.
• Wellbeing support and financial benefits designed to provide long-term security and professional fulfilment.
• A collaborative, performance-driven team environment where technical excellence and accountability are recognized and rewarded.

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.

If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.