About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Lead AI Engineer focused on creating and implementing AI solutions in the banking sector. You'll be hands-on with technology, leading projects that utilize large language models and agent-based systems while collaborating with various teams. It's a senior-level position that combines technical leadership with architectural responsibilities.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in AI and software engineering, particularly with Python and Java, and a strong understanding of banking operations. A proactive, collaborative working style and the ability to mentor others will help you thrive in this role.

Worth noting

The position emphasizes a hybrid work model and offers a significant salary range, reflecting the seniority and expertise required. The focus on rapid value delivery and experimentation may appeal to those who enjoy a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Lead AI Engineer, Banking Technology – C14 (SVP Level) (Hybrid)

Role Overview

We are seeking an AI‑first Lead AI Engineer to define, architect, and deliver enterprise‑scale AI solutions for Investment, Corporate, and Commercial Banking.

This role combines deep hands‑on technical leadership with architectural ownership, driving the adoption of LLMs, agentic workflows, and generative AI platforms to improve efficiency, automation, simplification, and risk reduction. The Lead AI Engineer will shape both technical delivery and AI-first engineering culture, partnering closely with multiple technology and business teams.

Key Responsibilities

End‑to‑End AI Leadership: Lead the design, hands‑on implementation, and deployment of scalable agentic AI and generative AI solutions for high‑impact business use cases.

Agentic Architecture: Architect advanced agent‑based systems (perception, reasoning, planning, execution), integrating multiple LLM providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google).

Full‑Stack AI Engineering: Build and deliver production‑grade, full‑stack AI applications using modern ML/LLM platforms and AI coding tools (e.g., Devin, GitHub Copilot).

Rapid Value Delivery: Champion MVP‑driven delivery, rapid iteration, hypothesis testing, and experimentation (A/B testing) to achieve fast time‑to‑value.

Evaluation & Optimization: Define rigorous evaluation frameworks and metrics for AI and agent performance, ensuring continuous optimization and alignment with business goals.

Technology Foresight: Proactively evaluate and integrate emerging AI technologies, particularly in agent‑based and autonomous AI systems, while acting as a thought leader and coach.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide front‑line technical leadership, guide architectural decisions, and mentor engineers across AI, data, and application teams to build an AI‑first engineering culture.

Strategic Domain Alignment: Ensure all AI solutions are grounded in deep banking domain understanding and clearly articulate business and risk impact beyond pure technical implementation.

Qualifications

Programming: Expert‑level proficiency in Python and/or Java (Spring Boot); solid experience with JavaScript/TypeScript (Angular, Node.js).

AI/ML Expertise:

Deep knowledge of AI fundamentals (knowledge representation, automated planning, decision‑making under uncertainty, multi‑agent systems).

Extensive hands‑on experience with LLM platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google), RAG pipelines, MCPs, and agent frameworks (Google ADK).

Demonstrated effectiveness with AI coding tools (Devin, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Antigravity).

Strong experience with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and data science libraries.

Proven ability to design and expose robust, scalable APIs for AI services.

Engineering Excellence: Deep expertise in software engineering best practices, including system design, CI/CD, testing strategies, resiliency, security, and operational stability for AI‑driven platforms.

Architecture & Data: Strong experience designing API‑first, microservices‑based, and event‑driven systems, including AI‑focused data pipelines and lifecycle management.

Platforms: Hands‑on experience with Docker and Kubernetes.

Leadership & Communication: Exceptional ability to articulate complex technical concepts, influence senior stakeholders, and lead high‑impact technical discussions.

Domain Expertise: Strong understanding of banking and regulated financial environments, with the ability to connect AI capabilities to measurable business outcomes.

Nice to Have

Advanced data science expertise (statistical modeling, experimentation).

Demonstrated experience mentoring and scaling AI‑first engineering talent in rapidly evolving toolchains.

Experience:

10+ years of progressive software engineering experience with sustained hands‑on contributions.

3+ years of dedicated experience in AI, LLM‑based systems, and agentic architectures.

Proven success architecting and delivering multiple enterprise‑scale AI solutions into production.

Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, AI, Robotics, or a related quantitative discipline.

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Job Family Group:

Technology

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Job Family:

Applications Development

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

Jersey City New Jersey United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$176,720.00 - $265,080.00

In addition to salary, 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.

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Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

Apr 23, 2026

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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.

Skills & Tags

Aplyr's read

Citigroup is a global financial services leader offering diverse roles, attracting professionals in finance, technology, and operations seeking international exposure and advancement.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Citigroup's global presence offers employees opportunities for international career advancement.
•The company invests heavily in technology, providing roles for tech-savvy professionals.
•Citigroup's diverse services allow for career growth across multiple financial sectors.

What to watch

•Citigroup has faced regulatory challenges impacting its operations and reputation.
•The company's size can lead to bureaucratic processes that slow decision-making.
•Citigroup's restructuring efforts may create uncertainty in job stability.

Why Citigroup

•Citigroup's extensive global network differentiates it from many competitors.
•The firm's commitment to innovation is evident in its technology-driven roles.
•Citigroup offers specialized roles requiring language skills, such as Japanese-speaking positions.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Citigroup

Citigroup

citi.com

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Citi, also known as Citigroup Inc., is a global financial services corporation that provides a wide range of financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions.