Lead Backend Developer

Citi; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 102,762 - 137,017; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Citi Dublin is seeking a Lead Backend Developer to guide a team delivering backend services powering custody, fund accounting and asset servicing. You will design, build, and deploy scalable Java applications while staying hands‑on with the tech stack.

The role emphasizes architectural leadership, real‑time data processing with Kafka, and cloud‑native practices using Docker and Kubernetes in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Applications Development or systems analysis with leadership experience.
• Proven experience with Apache Kafka for event‑driven architectures and real‑time data pipelines.
• Hands‑on experience with Docker and Kubernetes in production environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and implementation of complex, scalable applications.
• Engage in hands‑on development using Java for backend services.
• Design and enforce coding standards, testing, and deployment practices.
• Champion containerization, CI/CD, and cloud-native patterns.
• Partner with management and stakeholders to deliver reliable technical solutions.

Skills

Java

Kafka

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Apache Kafka

Job description

Lead Backend Developer

Job Req Id: 26975094

Location(s): Dublin, Leinster, Ireland

Job Type: Hybrid

Posted: Jul. 13, 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 more than 230,000 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

Are you looking for a career move that will put you at the heart of a global financial institution? Shape your career with Citi in Dublin. By joining Citi, you will become part of a global organisation whose mission is to serve as a trusted partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress.

Citi has had a presence in Ireland since 1965 and is the Citibank Europe Plc Headquarters.

Team/Role Overview

Citi's Investor Services division is seeking a visionary and experienced back-end engineering leader to join our team as a Vice President. This is more than a development role; it's a senior-level position where you will be responsible for establishing and implementing mission-critical application systems, shaping the future of our technology landscape in coordination with a global team.

As a Lead Backend Developer, you will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and deploying the next-generation applications that power our custody, fund accounting, and asset servicing clients.

You will act as a technical authority, guiding a team of talented developers while remaining hands‑on with a cutting-edge technology stack including Java, Kafka, Docker, and Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead architectural design and implementation of complex, scalable, and resilient full-stack applications; serve as a trusted advisor and coach to mid-level developers and analysts, allocating work and providing guidance, mentorship, and code reviews.
• Development: Engage in hands‑on development across the entire technology stack, utilizing Java for backend services.
• Architectural Governance: Provide deep expertise in application programming; ensure all designs adhere to the overall architecture blueprint and enforce standards for coding, testing, debugging, and implementation.
• Event-Driven Architecture: Design and implement real-time data processing solutions using Apache Kafka and related streaming technologies.
• DevOps & Cloud‑Native Excellence: Champion best practices for containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes); design, build, and maintain CI/CD pipelines.
• Strategic Partnership & Solutioning: Partner with management teams and business stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of functions; translate business goals into robust technical solutions.
• Complex Problem‑Solving: Resolve high-impact problems through evaluation of business processes, system flows, and industry standards, developing innovative solutions.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Assess risk when making decisions; safeguard Citigroup, its clients, and assets by ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experience: 7+ years in Applications Development or systems analysis, with a proven track record in a technical leadership role.
• Messaging & Streaming: Proven experience with Apache Kafka for event‑driven architectures and real‑time data pipelines.
• Containerization & Orchestration: Hands‑on experience with Docker for containerizing applications and Kubernetes for orchestration in production environments.

Leadership & Professional Qualities

• Leadership: Demonstrated project management skills and experience in implementing successful projects.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep expertise in at least one core area of applications development, and comprehensive knowledge of how business, architecture, and infrastructure integrate to achieve business goals.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust priorities quickly and thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication; able to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Financial Domain Knowledge: Prior experience in FinTech or a large financial institution preferred.
• Investor Services Experience: Domain expertise in custody, fund accounting, transfer agency, or asset servicing is a significant advantage.
• Cloud Platforms: Experience with AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Azure.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Benefits

By joining Citi Dublin, you will experience a hybrid working model (up to two days working at home per week) and receive a competitive base salary, which is reviewed annually. Additional benefits support you and your family, encouraging well‑being and financial security.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves. We want the best talent around the world to be energized to join us, motivated to stay, and empowered to thrive.

Sounds like Citi has everything you need? Then apply to discover the true extent of your capabilities.

#LI-NG4

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to 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, please review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.