Lead Applied AI Engineer for Banking Technology

Citi; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 177,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi in Jersey City, NJ is seeking a Lead Applied AI Engineer to define, architect, and deliver enterprise‑scale AI solutions for Banking Technology.

The role combines hands‑on technical leadership with architectural ownership, driving adoption of LLMs, agentic workflows, and production AI platforms.

You will mentor engineers across AI, data, and applications teams to foster an AI‑first culture aligned with banking risk and business goals.

Qualifications

• Expert-level Python and/or Java (Spring Boot)
• Deep knowledge of AI fundamentals and LLMs
• Hands-on experience with OpenAI/Anthropic/Google platforms
• Experience with AI coding tools (Devin, GitHub Copilot)
• Strong CI/CD, API design, and scalable systems knowledge

Responsibilities

• Lead design and deployment of agentic AI solutions
• Architect multi-LLM integrations and pipelines
• Deliver production-grade AI applications
• Drive MVP-driven rapid value and experimentation
• Mentor engineers and foster AI-first culture
• Align AI work with banking domain and risk considerations

Skills

Python

Java

JavaScript/TypeScript

AI/ML fundamentals

LLM platforms

APIs design

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Agentic architectures

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in CS/AI

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Devin

GitHub Copilot

Claude Code

Job description

Lead Applied AI Engineer, Banking Technology – C14 (SVP Level) (Hybrid)

Role Overview

We are seeking an AI‑first Lead AI Engineer to define, architect, and deliver enterprise‑scale AI solutions for Investment, Corporate, and Commercial Banking.

This role combines deep hands‑on technical leadership with architectural ownership, driving the adoption of LLMs, agentic workflows, and generative AI platforms to improve efficiency, automation, simplification, and risk reduction. The Lead AI Engineer will shape both technical delivery and AI‑first engineering culture, partnering closely with multiple technology and business teams.

Key Responsibilities

End‑to‑End AI Leadership: Lead the design, hands‑on implementation, and deployment of scalable agentic AI and generative AI solutions for high‑impact business use cases.

Agentic Architecture: Architect advanced agent‑based systems (perception, reasoning, planning, execution), integrating multiple LLM providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google).

Full‑Stack AI Engineering: Build and deliver production‑grade, full‑stack AI applications using modern ML/LLM platforms and AI coding tools (e.g., Devin, GitHub Copilot).

Rapid Value Delivery: Champion MVP‑driven delivery, rapid iteration, hypothesis testing, and experimentation (A/B testing) to achieve fast time‑to‑value.

Evaluation & Optimization: Define rigorous evaluation frameworks and metrics for AI and agent performance, ensuring continuous optimization and alignment with business goals.

Technology Foresight: Proactively evaluate and integrate emerging AI technologies, particularly in agent‑based and autonomous AI systems, while acting as a thought leader and coach.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide front‑line technical leadership, guide architectural decisions, and mentor engineers across AI, data, and application teams to build an AI‑first engineering culture.

Strategic Domain Alignment: Ensure all AI solutions are grounded in deep banking domain understanding and clearly articulate business and risk impact beyond pure technical implementation.

Qualifications

Programming: Expert‑level proficiency in Python and/or Java (Spring Boot); solid experience with JavaScript/TypeScript (Angular, Node.js).

AI/ML Expertise: Deep knowledge of AI fundamentals (knowledge representation, automated planning, decision‑making under uncertainty, multi‑agent systems).

Extensive hands‑on experience with LLM platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google), RAG pipelines, MCPs, and agent frameworks (Google ADK).

Demonstrated effectiveness with AI coding tools (Devin, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Antigravity).

Strong experience with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and data science libraries.

Proven ability to design and expose robust, scalable APIs for AI services.

Engineering Excellence: Deep expertise in software engineering best practices, including system design, CI/CD, testing strategies, resiliency, security, and operational stability for AI‑driven platforms.

Architecture & Data: Strong experience designing API‑first, microservices‑based, and event‑driven systems, including AI‑focused data pipelines and lifecycle management.

Platforms: Hands‑on experience with Docker and Kubernetes.

Leadership & Communication: Exceptional ability to articulate complex technical concepts, influence senior stakeholders, and lead high‑impact technical discussions.

Domain Expertise: Strong understanding of banking and regulated financial environments, with the ability to connect AI capabilities to measurable business outcomes.

Nice to Have

Advanced data science expertise (statistical modeling, experimentation).

Demonstrated experience mentoring and scaling AI‑first engineering talent in rapidly evolving toolchains.

Experience

10+ years of progressive software engineering experience with sustained hands‑on contributions.

Advanced level of expertise in Python language

3+ years of dedicated experience in AI, LLM‑based systems, and agentic architectures.

Proven success architecting and delivering multiple enterprise‑scale AI solutions into production.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Robotics, or a related quantitative discipline.

Job Family Group

Technology

Job Family

Applications Development

Time Type

Full time

Primary Location

Jersey City New Jersey United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range

$176,720.00 - $265,080.00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

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

Anticipated Posting Close Date

Sep 02, 2026

Automated Processing and AI

We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.

Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.

Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right

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.