Senior Data Architect - Vice President

Citi is looking for a Senior Data Architect with specialized knowledge of Java based solution to lead the design development, and implementation of robust, scalable, and secure enterprise-level Java applications. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership, mentor development teams, and drive best practices in software architecture. We are seeking a visionary and highly technical Java Architect to spearhead the design, construction, and optimization of our data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the technical architecture and roadmap for Citi's enterprise data lake and analytics platform, ensuring alignment with cloud-native and hybrid-cloud strategies in partnership with enterprise architects.
• Design and develop high-performance, scalable, and secure microservices using Java handling high volume data processing
• Design and develop high-performance, scalable, and secure microservices using Java and Spring Boot, translating complex business requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of data engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and agile delivery.
• Build and maintain high-scale batch and real-time streaming data pipelines using technologies such as Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, Apache Iceberg, Starburst, and Startree/Apache Pinot.
• Optimize data storage and query performance across enterprise data lakes and lakehouses, including Delta Lake, Apache Iceberg, Snowflake, and Databricks environments.
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, AI Researchers, Product Managers, and business leaders to translate analytical requirements into scalable data platform capabilities.
• Evaluate and prototype emerging data technologies and frameworks to keep the platform at the forefront of industry innovation.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in Java, including deep knowledge of the Spring Framework (Spring Boot, Spring Cloud) and microservices architecture design patterns.
• Hands-on experience building and scaling high-volume distributed data lakes, including modern data orchestration, ingestion, processing, and distribution.
• Deep expertise in big data frameworks including Apache Iceberg, Startree/Apache Pinot, and Hive/HDFS, with a strong grasp of distributed computing principles.
• Practical experience with real-time data streaming technologies, specifically Apache Kafka and Apache Flink, applied in production environments.
• Proficiency in SQL, with experience across cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
• 6+ more years of professional experience in data engineering, software engineering, or data platform development, including at least 3 years in a technical leadership or lead engineering capacity.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related quantitative discipline.

Beneficial Skills & Qualifications

• Programming Languages: Expert-level proficiency in SQL (must have) and Java , Pyspark (good to have). Additional expertise in Python is appreciated.
• Additional proficiency in Python to complement Java-based development workflows.
• Working knowledge of Databricks for large-scale data processing and analytics workloads.
• Experience building data infrastructure specifically designed to support machine learning, advanced analytics, or AI applications in production.

What We Offer

At Citi, you will work on some of the most complex and consequential data engineering challenges in global financial services. Joining as a Senior Java Architect, you will have the ownership, scope, and team to make a genuine impact — shaping platform decisions that power data-driven operations across the entire organization.

• Strategic influence over enterprise-scale data platform architecture, with visibility across business functions and senior stakeholders.
• A hybrid working model offering 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, supporting both collaboration and flexibility.
• Access to continuous learning and professional development opportunities to deepen technical expertise and grow leadership capability.
• Opportunities to work alongside Data Scientists, AI Researchers, and Enterprise Architects on cutting-edge data and analytics initiatives.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, financial benefits, and a work-life balance framework designed for senior professionals.
• Global scale and reach, with the resources and infrastructure of one of the world's leading financial institutions.

Build the data infrastructure that powers intelligent financial services at global scale — apply now to join Citi as a Senior Java Architect.

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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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Automated Processing and AI

We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.

Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.

Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right

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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.