Java Backend Development Lead - AI-Powered Applications

Citi; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Global exposure

Leadership opportunities

Continuous learning resources

Competitive compensation

Wellbeing benefits

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Citi 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 ML models, delivering value to users.

The role requires hands-on leadership, extensive Java and Spring Boot expertise, and a strong background in microservices, containers, and cloud-friendly architectures.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of backend software development experience with Java.
• 8+ years in technical leadership or lead developer roles.
• Extensive experience with the Spring Framework, especially Spring Boot.
• Strong microservices architecture, Docker, and Kubernetes knowledge.
• Proficient in designing RESTful APIs and event-driven systems.
• Solid experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Experience with message brokers such as Kafka or RabbitMQ.
• Strong understanding of Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a backend team in a fast-paced Agile environment.
• Architect scalable, secure Java backend services and APIs.
• Collaborate with data scientists to integrate AI/ML models.
• Oversee full software development lifecycle from design to deployment.
• Champion code quality, testing, and CI/CD practices.
• Collaborate with product managers to define technical requirements.
• Drive innovation and evaluate new tools and technologies.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices

Docker

Kubernetes

RESTful APIs

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Kafka

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

Apache Kafka

RabbitMQ

Elasticsearch

Apache Spark

Job description

Java Backend Development Lead - AI-Powered Applications

Job Req Id:

26990123

Location(s):

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Job Type:

Hybrid

Posted:

Sep. 02, 2026

Discover your future at Citi

Working at Citi is far more than just a job. A career with us means joining a team of approximately 219,000 dedicated people from around the globe. At Citi, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, give back to your community and make a real impact.

Job Overview

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.

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