Citigroup, Inc

Director Applied Artificial Intelligence Engineering

Citigroup, Inc • $170K — $300K *
Jersey City, NJ 07305Hybrid
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 5+ years in a senior or lead Applied AI/ML engineering role in financial services.
  • Successful track record of building and deploying AI applications in the financial sector, especially in Investment Banking products.
  • Proven experience in leading technical implementations and mentoring senior engineers, along with direct client engagement.
  • Deep expertise in ML, NLP, LLMs, and modern MLOps practices.
  • Strong skills working with structured financial datasets and unstructured data within regulated environments.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, AI, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and implementation of AI/ML solutions tailored to Investment Banking client workflows.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, promoting best practices in AI development.
  • Design cloud-ready architectures ensuring optimal performance and security of AI solutions in compliance environments.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable AI strategies.
  • Define advanced data requirements alongside data engineers for effective solution deployment.
  • Oversee deployment, monitoring, and optimization of AI solutions to ensure system efficacy.
  • Drive the strategic vision for AI in Investment Banking, advocating for innovative technologies and methodologies.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental & vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Life, accident, and disability insurance
  • Wellness programs
  • Paid time off packages including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Full Job Description
Spearhead AI-driven Transformation in Investment Banking

We are seeking an exceptionally experienced and highly proficient Director of Applied AI Engineering to join our Investment Banking technology leadership team. This is a critical, C15-level role demanding deep technical expertise, a strategic mindset, and a strong client-facing orientation. The successful candidate will be a pioneer in integrating cutting-edge AI/ML solutions directly into client workflows across Equity Capital Markets (ECM), Debt Capital Markets (DCM), and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A).

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will solve complex, high-impact problems, set technical direction, and champion an AI-first approach within a dynamic, client-centric environment. You will be instrumental in translating intricate business challenges in the financial domain into robust, scalable, and high-performance AI systems that deliver tangible value and competitive advantage to our clients and internal stakeholders. This role requires a techno-functional leader who can bridge the gap between advanced AI capabilities and critical business outcomes, fostering direct engagement with clients and business leads.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic AI/ML Solution Design & Implementation (Client-Focused): Lead the end-to-end design, architecture, and hands-on implementation of advanced AI/ML solutions and platforms directly supporting and enhancing Investment Banking client workflows in ECM, DCM, and M&A. This includes leveraging and adapting existing models, and pioneering new AI-driven approaches to meet specific client needs and strategic business objectives. Engage directly with clients to gather requirements, present solutions, and ensure successful adoption.
  • Principal AI/ML Engineering & Technical Leadership: Act as a primary subject matter expert and thought leader in advanced AI/ML engineering, especially within the context of Investment Banking products. Provide overarching technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to engineering teams and business stakeholders, fostering best practices in AI-augmented development, scalable system design, code reviews, and collaborative problem-solving. Champion a culture of quality through disciplined application of Spec-Driven Development (SDD), Test-Driven Development (TDD) / Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), and promote AI-driven test case generation and quality automation.
  • Architect for Scalability, Resilience & Security: Provide deep expertise in modern application architecture, designing for cloud readiness by applying 12-Factor App principles and microservice patterns. Ensure AI solutions are built for optimal performance, scalability, resilience, and security within high-compliance environments (on-premise, hybrid cloud, or private cloud).
  • Techno-Functional Partnership & Domain Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of Investment Banking products (ECM, DCM, M&A), collaborating closely with business stakeholders and external clients to identify critical business needs and high-impact AI opportunities. Act as a strategic partner, translating complex financial requirements into technical specifications and delivering AI solutions that directly address client pain points.
  • Data Strategy & Engineering Leadership: Work closely with data engineers and data scientists to define advanced data requirements, ensure exceptional data quality, and optimize complex data pipelines for robust AI solution integration and deployment. Drive strategies for utilizing both structured financial datasets and unstructured data sources (filings, call transcripts, research) effectively.
  • Model Deployment, Monitoring & Optimization: Oversee the deployment, scaling, monitoring, and continuous maintenance of AI/ML solutions in production environments. Implement advanced performance optimizations for AI solutions and underlying infrastructure to ensure efficient resource utilization, rapid inference, and proactive issue resolution.
  • Strategic Vision, Innovation & Advocacy: Contribute significantly to the strategic vision for AI in Investment Banking by researching, evaluating, and advocating for new AI technologies, methodologies, and tools (e.g., LLMs, prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation - RAG, MCP, A2A). Drive adoption of AI-powered tools (Devin, GitHub Copilot, Claude, Codex) to accelerate development, automate complex tasks, and validate architectural patterns across the SDLC. Embrace an agile, iterative mindset that avoids "Big Up-Front Design" (BUFD).
  • Full-Stack Problem Solving & Database Mastery: Mastermind complex database interactions across Oracle, SQL, and MongoDB, employing AI to analyze query performance and recommend optimizations. Resolve high-impact problems across the entire stack through in-depth evaluation of business and system processes.
Qualifications & Experience:
  • 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 5+ years in a senior or lead Applied AI/ML engineering role specifically delivering complex, enterprise-grade, client-facing applications in financial services.
  • Demonstrated success in building and deploying innovative AI applications within financial services, banking, or capital markets domains, with significant exposure to Investment Banking products (ECM, DCM, M&A).
  • Proven experience leading technical implementations, mentoring other senior engineers, and directly engaging with clients in a principal capacity.
  • Deep expertise in ML, NLP, LLMs, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), embeddings, and modern MLOps practices.
  • Strong experience working with both structured financial datasets and unstructured data sources (e.g., SEC filings, call transcripts, research) within a regulated environment.
  • Familiarity with front-office workflows in ECM, DCM, M&A, and investment research is essential.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and business concepts to diverse audiences, including senior executives and external clients.
  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D. preferred) in Computer Science, AI, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
Must-Have Engineering & Technical Acumen:
  • Engineering Principles: Deep, practical knowledge of designing for cloud readiness, including microservice architecture, 12-Factor App principles, and modern design patterns.
  • Development Methodologies: Proven experience championing and advocating for SDD (Spec Driven Development), TDD (Test Driven Development), and DDD (Domain Driven Design) within an agile environment.
  • Core Backend Stack: Mastery of modern Java (JDK 17/21) and the core Spring Framework (Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Data JPA, Spring Cloud).
  • Frontend Technologies: Hands-on experience with modern UI frameworks like Angular, using TypeScript/JavaScript to build intuitive, client-facing user interfaces.
  • Databases: Strong, hands-on experience with both relational (Oracle, SQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB) databases, with an emphasis on AI-driven optimization.
  • DevOps & CI/CD: Proficiency with modern CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Harness, Jenkins), containerization with Docker, and container orchestration platforms (OpenShift, Kubernetes).
AI-First Expertise:
  • Practical Application: Demonstrable, hands-on experience using and integrating AI development tools (e.g., Devin, GitHub Copilot, Claude, Codex) throughout the software development lifecycle for code generation, debugging, documentation, and automated quality assurance.
  • Strategic Mindset: Strong understanding of the concepts underpinning modern AI tools (LLMs, prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation - RAG, MCP, A2A) and a clear vision for leveraging them to transform engineering productivity, quality, and client value.
What Success Looks Like:
  • Seamless integration of AI tools into daily workflows of Investment Banking clients and analysts, demonstrably enhancing their productivity and decision-making.
  • Significant reduction in manual effort across critical client-facing activities such as targeting, pitch preparation, and market monitoring.
  • AI-driven data assets and ML models fully aligned with enterprise governance, architecture, and client-specific requirements.
  • A scalable AI platform that rapidly evolves to meet changing business needs and client demands, consistently delivering innovative solutions.

MUST HAVE: financial services, banking, or capital markets domains, with significant exposure to Investment Banking products (ECM, DCM, M&A).

Job Family Group:
Technology

Job Family:
Applications Development

Time Type:
Full time

Primary Location:
Jersey City New Jersey United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$170,000.00 - $300,000.00

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.

Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.

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

Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Jun 19, 2026

About Citigroup, Inc

Citigroup is a financial services holding company that provides financial products and services. The company operates through two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment offers traditional banking services to retail customers through retail banking, commercial banking, Citi-branded cards, and Citi retail services. The ICG segment offers various banking, and financial products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients. This segment provides wholesale banking products and services, including fixed-income and equity sales and trading, foreign exchange, prime brokerage, derivative services, equity and fixed-income research, corporate lending, investment banking, and advisory services, private banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. Citi is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and the company invests in initiatives that promote economic progress.

Citigroup, Inc Careers

Join the vibrant team at Citigroup, Inc, a leading global bank, and propel your career into the future. Citigroup offers a plethora of job opportunities that span across various fields and expertise, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals to thrive.

Work You’ll Do

At Citigroup, Inc, you will engage in exciting work that matters. Join our team to help innovate and drive transformation in the banking industry. With Citigroup, you can lead initiatives that redefine how banking works and how financial services can empower people globally.

Innovate and Lead

Citigroup, Inc is at the forefront of financial innovation and leadership. By joining our team, you will work alongside top professionals to develop solutions that enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. Our commitment to innovation is fundamental, and we encourage our team to push boundaries and think outside the box.

Grow Your Career

Citigroup, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow both professionally and personally. We offer robust career paths and professional development opportunities that help you reach your potential. With diverse career tracks and the support of leadership, your growth at Citigroup is limitless.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe our strength comes from the diversity of our team. Citigroup, Inc is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute their best work. Through diversity training and a culture that embraces differences, we create a welcoming environment for all employees.

Benefits and Culture

Citigroup, Inc values the well-being of its employees. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, finance, and lifestyle of our team members. Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We ensure that every team member feels valued and part of our global family.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Citigroup through our internship programs or full-time job opportunities. We are constantly hiring fresh talent and seasoned experts who bring creativity and innovation to our team. Whether you're refining your skills or ready to lead, there's a position waiting for you at Citigroup.

Networking and Professional Development

At Citigroup, Inc, networking and continuous learning are part of our DNA. We provide platforms for employees to connect with industry leaders and peers, enhancing their skills and opening up new career opportunities. Our leadership programs and professional development initiatives ensure that you are always ahead of the curve.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous positions available at Citigroup, Inc that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make an impact.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest in career opportunities and industry insights at Citigroup, Inc. Subscribe to our job alert emails and read our careers blog to stay ahead in your professional journey.

Explore Citigroup, Inc Jobs

Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Citigroup, Inc. Tailor your resume, prepare for your interview, and take the next step in your career with us.

SEARCH CITIGROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Citigroup, Inc is where your ambition meets opportunity. Join us and transform your career while making a global impact.
Learn more about Citigroup, Inc
Market Cap
$1.3 billion
Industry
Finance & Insurance
Net Income
$89.6 million
Founded
1812
5 Year Trend
+4.6%
NASDAQ
C
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Citigroup, Inc

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar Director Applied Artificial Intelligence Engineering jobs:

NationwideJersey City, NJ