Forward Deployed Engineer - Director

Director
- Forward Deployed Engineer is a Senior strategic technical leader who will shape the future of AI-powered solutions for Citi Payment Express. This role sits at the nexus of cutting-edge applied AI, modern software engineering, and high-impact client engagement — demanding both technical depth and the ability to translate complex business challenges into transformative production systems. We're seeking an exceptional engineer-leader who thrives in ambiguity, operates with urgency, and brings the rare combination of hands‑on technical excellence and proven people leadership.

In this role, you will drive the build-out and delivery of CPX in multiple markets, working directly with stakeholders and deliver measurable business value. You'll lead cross-functional initiatives that span platform engineering, security, full-stack development, and AI tooling usage — ensuring every solution is production‑grade, scalable, and aligned with enterprise standards. As both a builder and a leader, you'll mentor a high‑performing engineering team while remaining deeply involved in architecture, code, and delivery.

Your work will directly influence how Citi leverages AI to serve clients, streamline operations, and maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving landscape.

• Own the technical strategy, architecture, and delivery roadmap for CPX in key markets
• Drive rapid, reliable deployment of solutions into production environments.
• Ensure engineering execution aligns with business objectives and client needs.

• Work directly with clients, stakeholders, and end users to understand workflows and challenges.
• Identify high-value opportunities where AI and engineering can drive measurable impact.
• Deliver end-to-end solutions from concept through to production deployment.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Balance strategic leadership with hands‑on technical contribution.

• Design and build leveraging:
  • Google Agent Development Kit (ADK)
  • Model Context Protocol (MCP) Servers

• Develop scalable APIs and backend services using Python and Java.
• Contribute across the full software development lifecycle.

• Deploy, operate, and maintain services on Kubernetes/AWS.
• Apply strong networking and cloud‑native architecture principles.
• Drive platform reliability, scalability, and operational excellence.

• Champion best-in-class AI Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC) practices.
• Drive continuous improvement through DORA metrics and engineering KPIs.

• Lead migration and integration initiatives across strategic internal platforms including:
  • ARC
  • Agent Flow
• Ensure alignment with organizational standards and technology strategy.

• Partner with senior leaders across Services and Technology.
• Communicate delivery progress, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Align technical execution with business priorities.

• 15+ years of experience as a Senior Engineering Leader
  , Engineering Manager
  , or Technical Architect with a track record of building, leading, and scaling high‑performing engineering teams.
• Proven ability to lead
  , coach
  , and mentor engineers across all levels, fostering technical growth, career development, and succession planning within the team.
• Experience establishing engineering culture
  , defining team values
  , and driving accountability
  , innovation
  , and technical excellence across the organization.
• Strong leadership in PDLC best practices
  , CI/CD pipelines
  , automat…