Applications Development Tech Lead

Applications Development Tech LeadCiti is looking for a Lead Software Engineer to take technical ownership of large-scale enterprise application development within our Technology function. In this senior individual contributor role, you will design and deliver complex, full-stack solutions using modern technologies — including Java, React, Kafka, and Oracle — while guiding mid-level engineers and collaborating across product, DevOps, and business teams. This is an opportunity to shape architecture decisions and drive meaningful technology outcomes at one of the world's leading financial services organizations.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain large-scale enterprise applications across the full stack, applying hands-on expertise in Java, React, Kafka, PL/SQL, and RESTful API development.Architect and implement robust data exchange and messaging solutions using Kafka, ensuring scalable and reliable integration across distributed systems.Define and enforce engineering standards for coding, testing, debugging, and deployment to maintain high quality and consistency across the codebase.Collaborate with product owners, business stakeholders, DevOps teams, and program managers to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions.Partner with architecture and infrastructure teams to ensure application designs align with the broader technology blueprint and long-term platform strategy.Identify and lead the resolution of high-impact technical and business process challenges, applying deep analytical skills to develop effective and innovative solutions.Coach and mentor mid-level developers and analysts, providing technical guidance and allocating work to support team delivery and professional growth.Assess technical and business risk in engineering decisions, ensuring solutions meet compliance, security, and quality standards.Top 4 Core SkillsTo successfully execute this role, the candidate must excel in the following four multi-disciplinary skill areas:Skill 1: Scalable Enterprise Architecture & Full-Stack Design (Java, UI, PL-SQL)Description: The ability to design, build, and maintain highly scalable, resilient, and secure enterprise applications. This spans the entire stack: high-performance database design in PL-SQL, robust business logic in Java/J2EE (Spring Boot, Microservices), and modular, responsive frontends in Angular and React.Key Competencies:Designing microservices architectures that handle high throughput and low latency.Optimizing complex PL-SQL queries, stored procedures, and database schemas for performance and data integrity.Implementing state management and reusable component libraries in both Angular and React.Applying design patterns (e.g., CQRS, Event Sourcing, Dependency Injection) to ensure system maintainability.Skill 2: AI Engineering & Agentic AI OrchestrationDescription: Moving beyond simple API calls to LLMs, the candidate must understand how to design and implement autonomous, agentic AI workflows. This includes prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and multi-agent orchestration frameworks.Key Competencies:Integrating GenAI models (via gateways like R2D2 or direct APIs) into enterprise application workflows.Designing "Agentic" systems where AI agents can plan, use tools (APIs, databases), and collaborate to solve complex business problems.Implementing guardrails, semantic caching, and evaluation metrics to ensure AI safety, accuracy, and cost-efficiency.Familiarity with AI orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI, or internal equivalents like Agentflow).Skill 3: Enterprise Integration & API Ecosystem DesignDescription: Enterprise applications do not exist in a vacuum. The candidate must be an expert in designing secure, reliable, and scalable integration patterns to interface with numerous internal and external applications.Key Competencies:Designing and documenting RESTful APIs, gRPC services, and GraphQL endpoints.Implementing asynchronous, event-driven integration patterns using message brokers (e.g., Kafka, Solace, RabbitMQ).Ensuring robust security protocols (OAuth2, OIDC, mTLS, API Gateways) across all integration points.Designing for fault tolerance, circuit breaking, rate limiting, and graceful degradation.Skill 4: Strategic Stakeholder Collaboration & Agile LeadershipDescription: This is a bridge builder. The candidate must translate complex technical architectures into business value and coordinate delivery across a highly matrixed stakeholder landscape.Key Competencies:Collaborating with Business Partners and Product Owners to refine requirements and define technical roadmaps.Coordinating with horizontal technology teams (Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, DBA, DevOps) to ensure seamless deployment and compliance.Partnering with Project Managers (PMs) and Scrum Masters (SMs) to manage sprint planning, mitigate technical risks, and unblock development teams.Mentoring junior engineers, conducting code reviews, and championing engineering excellence.Recommended Qualifications:6-10 years of relevant experience in Apps Development or systems analysis roleExtensive experience system analysis and in programming of software applicationsExperience in managing and implementing successful projectsSubject Matter Expert (SME) in at least one area of Applications DevelopmentAbility to adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictateDemonstrated leadership and project management skillsConsistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communicationEducation:Bachelor's degree/University degree or equivalent experienceMaster's degree preferredWhat We OfferJoining Citi means working on technically complex, high-impact engineering challenges within a global technology organization. You will have the opportunity to work across a modern, diverse technology stack — including Java, React, Kafka, and Oracle — while collaborating with talented teams across product, DevOps, and infrastructure. We invest in your long-term growth and offer an environment where senior engineers have real ownership, strategic influence, and the space to do their best work.Hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, giving you flexibility and structure.Hands-on engagement with enterprise-scale systems across Java, React, Kafka, CI/CD pipelines, and relational databases.Cross-functional collaboration with product owners, DevOps teams, architects, and business stakeholders on high-visibility projects.A performance-driven culture that rewards technical excellence, delivery ownership, and leadership at the senior level.Access to learning and development programmes to deepen technical expertise and advance your career within a global technology organization.Competitive compensation and financial wellbeing benefit reflective of a senior engineering role at a leading global financial institution.Wellbeing support and work-life balance initiatives designed to sustain long-term performance and personal effectiveness.Build enterprise-scale technology that matters — apply today and bring your engineering leadership to Citi's global platform. Citigroup Inc