Citigroup, Inc

Lead AI Engineer

Citigroup, Inc$156K — $234K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Expertise in Python and/or Java with experience in JavaScript/TypeScript.
  • Deep understanding of AI fundamentals and multi-agent systems.
  • Hands-on experience with major LLM platforms and agent frameworks.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with AI coding tools and ML frameworks.
  • Strong background in software engineering best practices and architecture.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and deployment of scalable AI solutions for business use cases.
  • Architect advanced agent-based systems using multiple LLM providers.
  • Build full-stack AI applications utilizing modern ML/LLM tools.
  • Champion rapid MVP-driven delivery and experimentation strategies.
  • Define evaluation frameworks for AI performance optimization.
  • Integrate emerging AI technologies as a thought leader.
  • Mentor engineers and guide architectural decisions to foster an AI-first culture.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) with competitive matching options.
  • Life, accident, and disability insurance.
  • Investment in wellness programs.
  • Generous paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Full Job Description
Lead AI Engineer, SVP (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.

Job Family Group:
Technology

Job Family:
Applications Development

Time Type:
Full time

Primary Location:
Irving Texas United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$156,160.00 - $234,240.00

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:
Jul 14, 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.

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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.

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Learn more about Citigroup, Inc
Market Cap
$1.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$89.6 million
Founded
1812
5 Year Trend
+4.6%
NASDAQ

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