Lead Python Engineer-Senior Vice President

Citi; Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 177,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi is seeking a Senior Python Lead in Rutherford, New Jersey, to design, develop, and deliver scalable, high-availability applications in a quant risk setting. You will lead hands-on Python development, oversee architecture, and ensure adherence to SDLC best practices across global teams.

The role requires expert Python, FastAPI/Django/Flask experience, strong distributed systems knowledge, and significant CI/CD expertise. Hybrid collaboration with Risk and Quants teams is expected.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in application development, primarily with Python.
• Expert-level Python 3.x proficiency for scalable, resilient, and high-performance applications.
• Advanced knowledge of Python frameworks (FastAPI, Django, Flask), best practices, and design patterns (OOP).
• Strong understanding of software architecture principles and distributed system design (Microservices, Event-Driven Architecture).
• Experience with relational (PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis).
• Proven expertise in designing, developing, and securing RESTful APIs and integration patterns.
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD systems (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Bitbucket Pipelines).
• Highly experienced with Unix-based operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on implementation and architecture of Python frameworks for scalable, resilient, and performant applications.
• Develop solutions adhering to architectural standards, utilizing in-depth technical and business domain knowledge.
• Enforce industry-standard SDLC best practices and contribute to code quality through reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Risk, Quants, FO, DevOps, Production Support) for seamless delivery.
• Drive development for Stress Testing and Regulatory Risk projects in the Market Risk domain.
• Manage project technical aspects, including planning, governance, and taking ownership of initiatives.
• Deliver high-quality solutions independently within a globally matrixed environment and under tight deadlines.

Skills

Python

Async programming

Distributed systems

Agile/Scrum

System design

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

FastAPI

Django

Flask

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Job description

• Development: Python, FastAPI, Async Programming

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Python Lead with 10+ years of hands-on experience to design, develop, and deliver critical, scalable, highly available, and performant applications. This role demands deep technical expertise, a strong focus on execution, and a proven ability to deliver robust software solutions, particularly within quantitative and market risk domains.

Key Technical Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on implementation and architecture of Python frameworks for scalable, resilient, and performant applications.


• Develop solutions adhering to architectural standards, utilizing in-depth technical and business domain knowledge.


• Enforce industry-standard SDLC best practices and contribute to code quality through reviews.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Risk, Quants, FO, DevOps, Production Support) for seamless delivery.


• Drive development for Stress Testing and Regulatory Risk projects in the Market Risk domain.


• Manage project technical aspects, including planning, governance, and taking ownership of initiatives.


• Deliver high-quality solutions independently within a globally matrixed environment and under tight deadlines.

Required Technical Qualifications:

I. Core Python & System Development:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in Application Development, primarily with Python.


• Expert-level Python 3.x proficiency for scalable, resilient, and high-performance applications.


• Advanced knowledge of Python frameworks (FastAPI, Django, Flask), best practices, and design patterns (OOP).


• Strong understanding of software architecture principles and distributed system design (Microservices, Event-Driven Architecture).


• Extensive experience with relational (PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis), including advanced SQL.


• Proven expertise in designing, developing, and securing RESTful APIs and integration patterns.


• Hands-on experience with CI/CD systems (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Bitbucket Pipelines) for automated deployment.


• Highly experienced with Unix-based operating systems.

II. Cloud & DevOps:

• Strong background in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), including containerization (Docker) and contributing to Kubernetes orchestration.


• Advanced troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization for distributed systems.


• Proficiency in automated testing frameworks (Pytest, unittest) and TDD methodologies.


• Solid understanding of secure coding practices and application security principles (OWASP Top 10).


• Expertise in Git (Bitbucket, GitHub) for advanced branching and pull request workflows.

III. Quantitative & Risk Domain:

• Experience developing Quantitative/Calc-intensive Python solutions with advanced computation libraries.


• Sound understanding and exposure to various Risk Methodologies.


• Exposure to mathematical modeling/finance insights.

IV. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration (Exposure):

• Exposure to AI/ML tools and frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).


• Practical experience with AI tools (Copilot, Devin, Claude/Gemini/GPT) for development workflows.


• Experience with Agentic AI tools, including writing Agents and Skills, and contributing to Agentic frameworks.


• Understanding and practical application of Generative AI concepts in software development.

Professional Skills:

• Deep understanding and practical experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.


• Exceptional ability to manage priorities and tasks effectively.


• Strong analytical, logical, systems thinking, and critical analysis skills.


• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.


• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and collaborate effectively in global teams.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Polyglot Programming Exposure (e.g., Java).


• Big Data Technologies (Apache Spark, Hadoop, Kafka) and data warehousing.


• Frontend Development (React, Angular, Vue.js).


• Relevant Cloud or Industry Certifications.


• Experience with banking domain (pricing, risk), CFA/FRM certification.

Key Focus Areas / Desirable Skills

• Foundational Models: Gemini, OpenAI, Claude, Llama, Local Models


• Machine Learning: PyTorch, TensorFlow, Fine-tuning


• Frameworks: LangChain, LlamaIndex, Hugging Face


• Retrieval Augmented Generation: PostgreSQL, Vector DBs, Advanced Retrieval


• Orchestration: LangGraph, Multi-Agent Systems


• Development: Python, FastAPI, Async Programming


• Deployment: Docker, Production APIs, Monitoring


• Applied Methodology: Prompt Engineering, Workflow Design, GenAI Optimization

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience


• Master’s degree preferred

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

Primary Location:

Rutherford New Jersey United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$176,720.00 - $265,080.00

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:

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.

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