Senior Python Engineer - Applications Development Sr Programmer Analyst - C12 - RUTHERFORD

Citi; Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 121,200 - 181,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k)

Paid time off packages

Job summary

Citi is seeking a highly skilled Principal Engineer to join their Retail and Wealth Risk Engineering team in Rutherford, New Jersey. The ideal candidate will work on building scalable data pipelines and AI applications, crucial for the firm's growth and business engagement.

The position requires 8+ years in application development, particularly in Python and PySpark, along with strong skills in data architecture and AI integrations. Citi offers a full-time role with a competitive salary range of $121,200 - $181,800, plus various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of overall experience in large-scale application development.
• 5+ years of experience in a Python and PySpark engineering lead role.
• Hands-on experience with AI development and integrations via advanced prompt engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable AI agents and data pipelines.
• Build and deploy GEN AI Agents to support application automation.
• Ensure data quality and security throughout the data lifecycle.

Skills

Python

PySpark

SQL

Microservices

Data Mesh architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Databricks

Google ADK

Kubernetes

Docker

Job description

Principal Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Engineer to join our Retail and Wealth Risk Engineering team under the Enterprise Risk Technology platform. This is an intermediate-level position responsible for designing, building, and maintaining robust, scalable data pipelines and solutions that leverage cutting‑edge mandatory platform for the secure and scalable deployment of AI agents, Big Data, Databricks and AI technologies. The ideal candidate is a high‑impact individual with a passion for data, analytics, and problem‑solving. You will play a key role in driving business engagement and growth by building the next generation of data and analytics platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, enterprise‑grade AI agents, supporting ELT/ETL processes to handle large data volumes using Python, FAST API, Microservices, PySpark, Kafka and the Databricks ecosystem.
• Build and deploy GEN AI Agents using Google ADK and Google Flash 2.5+ LLMs to support application automation and deep insights, workflow support with HIL – Human in loop architecture.
• Build and maintain data federation layers for lambda and Data Mesh architectures using tools like Starburst, with a strategy for adopting AI‑based use cases (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, NLP) to drive efficiency.
• Develop, deploy, and automate microservice integrations to support data‑intensive applications, ensuring scalability, resilience, and maintainability using cloud‑native infrastructure and OpenShift or Kubernetes architecture, including CI/CD pipelines.
• Integrate and leverage agentic AI tools (e.g., Devin.AI, GitHub Copilot) and platforms (e.g., MCP) through advanced prompt engineering to enhance development and operational efficiency.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security throughout the entire data lifecycle.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of data engineering processes, standards, and best practices within the team.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating consideration for the firm’s reputation and safeguarding Citi, its clients, and assets by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Adhere to Policy, apply sound ethical judgment, and elevate, manage, and report control issues with transparency.

Qualifications

Required

• 8+ years of overall experience in large-scale application development with recent mandatory platform for the secure and scalable deployment of AI agents into application contexts.
• Minimum of 5+ years of proven experience in a Python and PySpark engineering lead role focused on building enterprise‑grade, high-volume ELT/ETL processes using the PySpark and Databricks ecosystem.
• Hands‑on experience with agentic AI development using YAML, JSON, FAST API or Spring Boot, Google ADK, LLM integrations, including Devin.AI or GitHub Copilot, and integrating models via platforms like MCP using advanced prompt engineering.
• Proven experience developing and automating microservice integrations to support data‑intensive applications.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used for data analytics and engineering, such as Python or Scala.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with various relational databases.
• Deep understanding of data modeling, data warehousing concepts, Data Mesh architecture, and data federation.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience with cloud-based Big Data platforms (e.g., Cloudera, Databricks, AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience with frontend technologies such as Angular or React JS for building data‑driven application interfaces.
• Practical experience applying AI/ML techniques to solve real‑world business problems.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience in data engineering within the banking retail products domain (e.g., Cards, Mortgage, Deposits, Wealth Management).
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, Azure Data Engineer Associate).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus.

Job Details

• Job Family Group: Technology
• Job Family: Applications Development
• Time Type: Full time
• Primary Location: Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
• Salary Range: $121,200.00 - $181,800.00 (plus potential discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards)

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.