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, NJ to design, develop, and deliver scalable, high-availability applications for quantitative risk and market risk domains. You will drive architecture, coding, and cross-functional collaboration with Risk, Quants, FO, DevOps, and Production Support.

The role requires 10+ years of hands-on Python experience, expertise in FastAPI/Django/Flask, and solid cloud/CI/CD skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on application development experience with Python.
• Expert-level Python 3.x for scalable, high-performance apps.
• In-depth knowledge of FastAPI, Django, Flask and design patterns.
• Strong distributed systems and microservices experience.
• Relational and NoSQL database proficiency with advanced SQL.
• RESTful API design and secure integration patterns.
• CI/CD tooling and automated deployment experience.
• Proficiency with Unix/Linux operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of Python-based frameworks for scalable, resilient applications.
• Develop solutions following architectural standards and best practices.
• Enforce SDLC best practices and participate in code reviews.

Skills

Python

FastAPI

Django

Flask

Microservices

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

NoSQL

CI/CD

Unix/Linux

Distributed Systems

Cloud (AWS)

Kubernetes

Git

Testing (Pytest)

Agile/Scrum

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

Redis

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 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.

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.