Backend Java Developer

Position Overview

The Applications Development Intermediate Programmer Analyst (C11) will participate in the design, development, and modernization of high-performance enterprise applications. This role requires a strong engineering background with 4-9 years of software development experience, specializing in modern Java (hands-on with recent Java versions like 17/21), Microservices Architecture, Docker containerization, Python scripting/development, and extensive Oracle PL/SQL programming.

The ideal candidate possesses an appetite for tackling complex architectural and business challenges, demonstrates proactive collaboration and communication across distributed teams, and actively leverages Generative AI tools and automation practices to optimize output, accelerate development cycles, and ensure engineering excellence.

Role Summary

• Job Title: Applications Development Intmd Programmer Analyst

• Grade / Level: C11

• Domain: Global Technology / Applications Development

• Core Technology Stack: Java 17/21+, Spring Boot, Microservices Architecture, Docker / Container Images, Python, Oracle Database & PL/SQL, REST APIs, CI/CD, GenAI Dev & Automation Tools

Key Responsibilities

1. Application Design, Microservices & Core Engineering

• Architect, build, and deploy resilient, scalable Microservices and distributed backend components using modern Java (Java 17/21+) and the Spring framework ecosystem (Spring Boot, Spring Cloud).

• Build, optimize, and manage Docker container images, container runtimes, and local/orchestrated build pipelines.

• Develop and maintain automation scripts, utilities, or data processing components using Python.

• Perform comprehensive unit and integration testing (JUnit 5, Mockito, Testcontainers) and maintain rigorous code quality and security standards.

2. Database Engineering & PL/SQL Programming

• Design, optimize, and maintain complex relational database structures in Oracle.

• Write, refactor, and fine-tune complex PL/SQL packages, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views.

• Perform SQL query optimization, execution plan analysis, index strategy implementation, and database performance tuning for high-throughput, low-latency transaction processing.

3. AI-Driven Productivity, Automation & Optimization

• Actively utilize Generative AI tooling (e.g., coding assistants, automated test generators, prompt engineering, AI refactoring tools) to maximize engineering velocity and optimize application code and processes.

• Implement automated test pipelines, code generation utilities, and build-automation scripts across Python/Java toolchains to eliminate manual engineering overhead.

• Champion automation-first approaches in local development loops, deployment pipelines, and operational monitoring.

4. Agile Delivery, Problem Solving & Teamwork

• Collaborate actively within an Agile/Scrum team structure with Product Owners, Architects, Business Analysts, and Quality Engineers.

• Take ownership of challenging technical problems, root-cause investigations, and critical incident resolutions with a solution-oriented mindset.

• Conduct constructive peer code reviews, contribute to architectural reviews, and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, OpenAPI/Swagger specifications, and system diagrams.

Technical Qualifications & Competencies

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Total Experience: 5-9 years of hands-on professional software engineering and backend systems development.

• Modern Java Expertise: Extensive, hands-on experience with modern Java versions (Java 17 / 21+), including modern language features (records, pattern matching, virtual threads/Project Loom, modern streams/lambdas, concurrency, memory management).

• Microservices Architecture: Proven track record in designing, building, and operating production-grade Microservices (Spring Boot, service discovery, circuit breaking, API gateways, event-driven integrations).

• Docker & Containerization: Practical hands-on experience creating, packaging, and optimizing Docker images/Dockerfiles, multi-stage container builds, and container configurations.

• Oracle & PL/SQL: High proficiency in Oracle Database concepts and hands-on PL/SQL programming (stored procedures, packages, bulk operations, cursors, indexing strategies, execution plan tuning).

• Python Exposure: Working knowledge and hands-on exposure to Python for application development, scripting, data manipulation, or automation tooling.

• RESTful APIs & Integration: Strong background in building and consuming enterprise RESTful APIs, JSON data structures, and contract-first API design.

• AI & Automation Enthusiasm: Demonstrated capability and enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools (e.g., code generation, code review, debugging, test automation) to drive engineering efficiency and automate repetitive tasks.

Preferred / Additional Skills

• Experience with Kubernetes / OpenShift container orchestration.

• Exposure to enterprise messaging and streaming platforms (Apache Kafka, IBM MQ).

• Familiarity with modern CI/CD pipelines (Git, Maven/Gradle, Jenkins, Tekton, Artifactory, SonarQube).

• Working knowledge of cloud native concepts and distributed caching (Redis, Hazelcast).

Behavioral & Soft Skills

• Passion for New Challenges: Inquisitive and eager to take on technically demanding problems and unfamiliar domains.

• Strong Communication: Able to clearly present technical concepts, architectural choices, and project status to both technical peers and business partners.

• Collaborative Team Player: Dedicated to team goals, inclusive collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer mentorship.

• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Methodical approach to troubleshooting, system performance analysis, and risk mitigation.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Qualifications:

• 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in the Financial Service industry
• Intermediate level experience in Applications Development role
• Consistently demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines or unexpected changes in expectations or requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree or equivalent experience

This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.

------------------------------------------------------

Job Family Group:

------------------------------------------------------

Job Family:

------------------------------------------------------

Time Type:

------------------------------------------------------

Most Relevant Skills

------------------------------------------------------

Other Relevant Skills

------------------------------------------------------

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.