Lead Software Engineer

Citi; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi Futures Technology is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive architecture, design and implementation of a low-latency data service for post-trade orders and executions. This hands-on role emphasizes high throughput, scalable Java microservices and strong leadership across teams.

You will work with Kafka, Docker, and OpenShift, mentor developers, and own the full development lifecycle from architecture to production.

Qualifications

• Requires 8+ years of hands-on software architecture, design and development experience.
• Deep knowledge of server-side Java, multithreading, performance tuning and scalable apps.
• Experience architecting distributed cloud microservices and modern CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, build, and maintain Java-based microservices in a high-performance environment.
• Address concurrency and low-latency data processing in distributed systems.
• Collaborate with traders, product managers and stakeholders to deliver robust tech solutions.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Kafka

CI/CD

Concurrency

Distributed systems

Code quality

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Git

Jenkins

Maven/Gradle

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

TeamCity

Tekton

uDeploy/Harness

Job description

Lead Software Engineer

Job Overview

Join the Citi Futures Technology team, a dynamic and fast‑paced group at the heart of a growing global business. We are seeking a Senior Java Engineer to drive the architecture, design, and implementation of our Futures Data as a Service post‑trade orders & executions application. This is a hands‑on role where you will tackle complex technical challenges in a low‑latency, high‑throughput environment. You will play a key role in building resilient and high‑performing scalable solutions that directly impact our trade consumption, enrichment and reporting.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

• Architect, design, build, and maintain high‑performance, scalable, and reliable Java‑based microservices.
• Tackle challenging technical problems related to concurrency, low‑latency messaging, and large‑scale data processing in a distributed environment.
• Work within a global Agile team to analyze complex business requirements, collaborating with traders, product managers and other key business stakeholders to deliver elegant and effective technical solutions.
• Uphold and contribute to our high standards for code quality, automated testing (unit, integration and regression), code reviews, and CI/CD practices.
• Drive the evolution of our platform by leveraging modern technologies such as Kafka, Docker, and OpenShift, and contribute to strategic transformation of our architecture.
• Serve as a technical advisor and coach to mid‑level and senior developers and analysts, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Take ownership of the full development lifecycle, from architecture, design and implementation to deployment and operational support, ensuring the stability and integrity of our production environment.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating consideration for the firm’s reputation and safeguarding Citi, its clients and assets; drive compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, apply sound ethical judgment, and communicate escalated control issues with transparency.

Our Tech Stack

• Server OS: Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• Backend: Java (17+), Spring Boot, REST APIs, microservices
• Messaging: Apache Kafka, Solace, Tibco
• Databases: Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB
• DevOps & CI/CD: Git, Jenkins, TeamCity, Tekton, uDeploy, Harness, Maven/Gradle
• Container & Cloud: Docker, Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift

What We’re Looking For (Qualifications)

• 8+ years of professional experience in a hands‑on software architecture, design and development role.
• Deep, demonstrable knowledge of server‑side Java, including multi‑threading, performance tuning, and building robust, scalable applications.
• Proven experience architecting, designing and implementing complex, distributed systems and cloud microservices.
• Strong expertise with relational databases, data modeling, query optimization and performance tuning.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑throughput messaging platforms, specifically Kafka and Solace.
• Solid experience with modern CI/CD pipelines and tools (Git, Jenkins, Maven/Gradle).
• A strong thought‑leader, communicator and collaborator with a proven track record of success in an Agile delivery environment.

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Subject‑matter expertise in financial markets, particularly in exchange‑traded derivatives and futures trading.
• Experience developing and deploying applications on container platforms such as Docker, Kubernetes or OpenShift.
• Familiarity with NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.
• Experience with FIX Protocol and leveraging AI tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering or related field; Master’s degree is a plus.

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. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by individuals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accessibility

We provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities who may need assistance using our search tools or applying for a career opportunity.

EEO Policy and Know Your Rights

View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.