Principal Engineer - Vice President

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Job Overview

Principal Engineer, Cloud-Native Applications

As a Principal Engineer, AI & Cloud-Native Applications, you will serve as a hands-on technical leader, spearheading the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge application systems. You will drive innovation across data migrations and hybrid cloud environments (on-premise, AWS, GCP), leveraging your deep expertise in Java and Python, and engaging with emerging AI technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, and deployment of complex application systems and data solutions, with a strong emphasis on hands-on coding in Java and Python.
• Architect and implement robust data migration strategies, ensuring seamless and efficient transfer of data between diverse systems, including on-premise and public cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).
• Design, build, and optimize high-performance data pipelines and integration solutions spanning on-premise infrastructure, AWS, and GCP.
• Drive technical excellence in application development, embracing cloud-native principles and best practices for scalability, reliability, and security.
• Act as a subject matter expert in core technologies, providing technical guidance and mentorship to development teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define technical requirements, architectural patterns, and innovative solutions.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging AI technologies into application landscapes, contributing to the firm's AI strategy.
• Ensure solutions adhere to architectural blueprints, industry standards, and regulatory compliance, proactively managing technical risks.

Core Skills:

Java, Python, RESTful APIs, KAFKA, Kubernetes, AWS (S3, and broader services for cloud infrastructure), GCP (BigQuery, and broader services for cloud infrastructure)

Desirable Skills:

• Foundational Models: Gemini, OpenAI, Claude, Llama, Local Models
• Generation: PostgreSQL, Vector DBs, Python, FastAPI, Async Programming
• Deployment: Docker, Production APIs, Monitoring
• Applied Methodology: Prompt Engineering

Qualifications:

• Minimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in software development, with a significant focus on backend systems, data engineering, or cloud-native applications.
• Demonstrated expert-level proficiency in Java and Python.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing large-scale data migrations and building robust data pipelines across hybrid cloud environments (on-premise, AWS, GCP).
• Strong understanding of cloud infrastructure and services (AWS, GCP).
• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with foundational AI models (Gemini, OpenAI, Claude, Llama) and prompt engineering concepts.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a track record of delivering innovative technical solutions.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide engineering teams.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree (or equivalent experience).

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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:

$142,320.00 - $213,480.00

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:

Jun 18, 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.

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