Java UI Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Java UI Developer Company: Citi Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Pune, Maharashtra, India Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Applications Development / Technology Date Posted: 2025-09-25T00:00:00 Experience Level: Intermediate (4+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the development and implementation of new and revised application systems within Citi's technology framework, requiring a strong foundation in programming languages and system analysis.
• The position involves close collaboration with technology teams and end-users to define and implement system enhancements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the security and efficiency of applications.
• Candidates will leverage intermediate-level experience in applications development, with a primary focus on Java, Spring Boot, and database technologies.
• The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to act as a subject matter expert (SME) for more junior team members and senior stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Java UI Developer," the core responsibilities and required skills lean heavily towards backend Java development with database interaction (Spring Boot, PL/SQL, DB Design) rather than front-end UI development. The "Good to have" skill of Angular suggests some UI involvement, but the emphasis is clearly on the Java stack. This role should be categorized under Applications Development with a strong backend focus.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Participate in the establishment and implementation of new or revised application systems and programs, coordinating with the broader Technology team.
• Analyze existing applications to identify vulnerabilities and security issues, conducting thorough testing and debugging to ensure system integrity.
• Consult with end-users, clients, and other technology groups to understand requirements, troubleshoot application issues, and recommend effective programming solutions.
• Apply strong programming skills in Java, Spring Boot 3.0, and PL/SQL (Oracle 19c) for application design and development, ensuring adherence to technical specifications.
• Contribute to database design and optimization efforts, leveraging expertise in SQL and database performance tuning.
• Serve as an advisor or coach to new or lower-level analysts, sharing technical knowledge and best practices in applications development.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve application-related problems by making evaluative judgments and recommending implementable solutions.
• Ensure appropriate risk assessment is performed during business decision-making, with a strong emphasis on compliance, policy adherence, and ethical conduct.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core development, analysis, and advisory duties. The emphasis on "system enhancements," "vulnerabilities," and "security issues" suggests a focus on maintaining and improving existing systems, rather than purely greenfield development. The advisory role implies a need for strong technical leadership and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, University degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering.

Experience:

• 4+ years of relevant experience in the Financial Services industry, demonstrating a solid understanding of industry-specific challenges and regulations.
• Intermediate level experience in an Applications Development role, with a proven track record of contributing to software development lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Strong Programming skills in Java and Spring Boot 3.0, essential for backend development and microservices architecture.
• Proficiency in PL/SQL (Oracle 19c) for database interaction, querying, and stored procedure development.
• Solid understanding of DB Design and Optimization principles, including schema design, indexing, and performance tuning.
• Excellent Problem-Solving abilities and a keen Attention to Detail to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Proactive working attitude, Quick Learning Ability, and a strong sense of Ownership and Responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a Team Spirit environment.
• Clear and concise written and verbal Communication skills for stakeholder interaction and documentation.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines or unexpected changes in requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Angular 14+ for front-end development, providing UI capabilities.
• Proficiency in JavaScript for front-end scripting and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mandatory" skills list is comprehensive and clearly prioritizes backend Java and database expertise. The "Good to have" skills indicate that while UI development is a bonus, it's not the primary focus. The emphasis on financial services experience and compliance underscores the regulated nature of Citi's operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects demonstrating robust Java and Spring Boot application development, highlighting backend architecture and API design.
• Include examples of PL/SQL development, database schema design, and performance optimization techniques applied to Oracle databases.
• Present case studies that illustrate effective problem-solving and debugging methodologies applied to complex software issues.
• Demonstrate experience in system analysis, including identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities or application weaknesses.
• Provide evidence of contributions to application lifecycle management, from design and development through testing and deployment.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of clear and concise technical documentation for applications developed, including design specifications and API documentation.
• Documentation of testing procedures, debugging logs, and performance tuning efforts.
• Flowcharts or diagrams illustrating application workflows and data processing logic.
• Evidence of adherence to coding standards, version control practices (e.g., Git), and deployment processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio for this role would need to demonstrate practical application of the core technologies. For operations professionals, this means showcasing how their development work directly contributed to system stability, efficiency, and security, aligning with the broader operational goals. Demonstrating an understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and CI/CD principles would be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for intermediate Java Developers with 4+ years of experience in India, especially within the financial services sector in Tier 1 cities like Chennai and Pune, a competitive salary range is estimated between ₹10,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific skills, interview performance, and exact location within India.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., Provident Fund contributions).
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications in relevant technologies.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Access to Citi's global network and resources.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• May require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, engage in critical issue resolution, or participate in global team meetings across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on data from reputable Indian job boards and salary comparison websites for similar roles in Chennai and Pune, factoring in the financial services industry premium. Benefits are typical for large multinational corporations like Citi.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking and Financial Technology) Company Size: Large (Over 100,000 employees globally) Founded: 1812 (Citibank) / 1998 (Citigroup Inc.) Company Description: Citi is a leading global financial services company with operations in over 160 countries. It provides consumers, corporations, governments, and institutional clients with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, trade finance, and insurance.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within the Applications Development department, which is a core part of Citi's global Technology division.
• The immediate team would consist of other Java developers, potentially UI developers, QA engineers, business analysts, and a team lead or manager.
• Reporting structure would likely involve a direct reporting line to a Technology Lead or Manager, with potential for matrixed reporting to project managers or product owners.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various business units, IT infrastructure teams, cybersecurity, and potentially compliance and risk management departments.

Methodology:

• Citi likely employs a mix of agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for software development, emphasizing iterative delivery and continuous improvement.
• Data analysis and insights are crucial for identifying application performance bottlenecks, security risks, and areas for enhancement.
• Workflow planning and optimization strategies would focus on streamlining development processes, improving code quality, and ensuring efficient delivery of features.
• Automation practices are likely integrated into testing, deployment (CI/CD pipelines), and monitoring to enhance efficiency and reduce manual errors.

Company Website: https://www.citigroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's scale and global presence mean the technology teams are highly structured and adhere to rigorous processes. The emphasis on compliance and risk management is paramount in the financial services industry, which heavily influences development practices and priorities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intermediate Applications Developer. This level signifies an individual contributor role with significant technical responsibilities, requiring independent problem-solving and the ability to guide less experienced team members. The focus is on executing development tasks effectively and contributing to project success.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Technology Lead or Manager within the Applications Development group. Collaboration will extend across various teams, including project management, business analysis, quality assurance, and other development teams, both onshore and offshore.

Operations Impact: As a Java UI Developer, the impact is primarily on the reliability, performance, and security of the applications that support Citi's core business operations. Well-designed and efficiently coded applications directly contribute to customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation. Contributions to optimizing database performance and enhancing application security have a direct impact on operational stability and cost-efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Oracle databases, and potentially cloud technologies (AWS, Azure) for specialized development roles.
• Lead Developer/Architect: Progress to roles involving technical leadership, solution design, and architectural decision-making for complex applications.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles like Business Analyst, QA Lead, or Project Manager, leveraging technical understanding within different operational facets.
• Management Track: Develop leadership skills to manage teams of developers, moving into Team Lead or Engineering Manager positions.
• Global Mobility: Citi's global presence offers opportunities for international assignments or collaborations with teams in different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within a large organization like Citi is typically well-defined but also offers flexibility. For an operations-minded developer, growth can involve not just technical advancement but also moving into roles that have a broader impact on operational processes and strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment, likely located within a dedicated IT building or a large corporate campus, reflecting Citi's status as a major financial institution.

Office Location(s):

• Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: Ramanujan IT SEZ (Special Economic Zone) is a prominent IT hub, suggesting a modern office infrastructure with good connectivity and amenities.
• Pune, Maharashtra, India: Likely situated in a well-established business district or IT park, offering a professional workspace.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with open-plan seating arrangements or dedicated team areas to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing among developers and project teams.
• Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, development workstations, and necessary software licenses, will be provided.
• Opportunities for interaction with operations teams, business stakeholders, and other IT support functions are integral to the role, fostering a holistic understanding of business processes.

Work Schedule:

• Predominantly Monday to Friday, with standard business hours.
• The dynamic nature of financial services may occasionally require flexibility for urgent production support, system maintenance during off-peak hours, or participation in global project meetings that span multiple time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in a financial institution implies a professional and structured environment. The IT SEZ location in Chennai indicates a modern, purpose-built workspace designed for technology companies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Assessment: Candidates may undergo a technical test or coding challenge focusing on Java, Spring Boot, and SQL, either online or during an interview.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into technical skills, project experience, problem-solving approaches, and alignment with team goals.
• Team/Panel Interview: Interviews with potential team members or senior developers to evaluate technical depth, collaboration skills, and ability to contribute to team dynamics.
• Final Round (if applicable): May involve a senior stakeholder or HR for final assessment and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the business problem you addressed and the impact of your solution. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced processing time by 15%," "improved application stability by resolving X critical bugs").
• Showcase Technical Depth: For Java/Spring Boot projects, detail the architecture, design patterns used, API integrations, and performance considerations. For PL/SQL, showcase complex queries, stored procedures, triggers, and optimization strategies.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Select projects where you encountered significant technical challenges and clearly explain how you identified, analyzed, and resolved them.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by technology stack or project type. Use clear descriptions, screenshots (if applicable and permissible), and code snippets (if appropriate) to illustrate your work.
• Focus on Operations Relevance: Emphasize how your development work contributed to operational efficiency, system reliability, security, or cost savings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on algorithms, data structures, and Java-specific challenges. Be prepared to explain your thought process and complexity analysis.
• System Design: For intermediate roles, you might be asked to discuss designing a simple application or feature, focusing on scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Database Scenarios: Prepare for questions on SQL query optimization, database normalization, indexing strategies, and common Oracle performance issues.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions about teamwork, problem-solving, handling pressure, and dealing with difficult stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at Citi, demonstrating an understanding of financial services constraints, such as regulatory compliance, security protocols, and the need for high availability, will be crucial during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Java: Core programming language. Proficiency with Java 8+ features is expected.
• Spring Boot 3.0: Framework for building microservices and applications, emphasizing convention over configuration.
• PL/SQL: Procedural language extension for Oracle databases, used for stored procedures, functions, triggers, and complex queries.
• Oracle Database 19c: The primary relational database management system. Familiarity with its features and administration is beneficial.
• Git: Version control system for code management and collaboration.
• Maven/Gradle: Build automation tools for Java projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SQL Developer/Toad: Tools for interacting with Oracle databases, writing queries, and analyzing data.
• JIRA/Confluence: Project management and documentation tools, commonly used in agile environments.
• Monitoring Tools (e.g., Dynatrace, Splunk): For application performance monitoring, logging, and troubleshooting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not the primary focus, understanding how applications integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or utilize automation tools for CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins) would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on enterprise-level backend development within a structured financial services environment. Proficiency in these specific tools is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions, crucial in the financial sector.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering high-quality solutions that meet business requirements.
• Excellence: Striving for continuous improvement in code quality, application performance, and development processes.
• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues across different functions and geographies to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to solve problems and enhance application capabilities.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing data and analytics to inform development choices, identify issues, and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where developers work closely with business analysts, testers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to ensure alignment and drive continuous improvement in development practices.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, requiring effective communication and coordination with teams responsible for infrastructure, security, and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's culture emphasizes professionalism, strong ethical conduct, and a commitment to delivering reliable financial services. Developers are expected to be team players who can communicate effectively and contribute to a high-performance culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Integration: Working with and enhancing existing systems that may have complex architectures or require integration with newer technologies.
• High Performance & Reliability Demands: Meeting the stringent requirements for uptime, performance, and data integrity inherent in financial services applications.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to strict industry regulations and internal policies, which can influence development timelines and methodologies.
• Global Team Coordination: Effectively collaborating with teams across different time zones and cultural backgrounds, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in Java, Spring Boot, and related technologies to maintain system relevance and efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Java & Spring Boot Training: Access to internal and external training programs to deepen expertise in the core technologies.
• Cloud Computing Certifications: Opportunities to gain knowledge and certifications in cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, increasingly relevant for modern application development.
• Financial Services Domain Knowledge: Building expertise in specific areas of banking and finance through project work and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced developers and architects who can provide guidance on technical challenges and career development.
• Exposure to Enterprise Architecture: Gaining insights into large-scale system design and enterprise-level technology strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for large financial institutions, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. These challenges also present significant opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach debugging a performance issue in a Spring Boot application or optimize a slow-running SQL query. Focus on a systematic, data-driven approach.
• System Design: You might be asked to design a component of a banking application, such as a transaction processing module or an account management service. Discuss scalability, security, and fault tolerance.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have collaborated with team members, resolved technical disagreements, or communicated complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Financial Services Context: Articulate your understanding of the importance of security, compliance, and reliability in financial applications and how your development practices align with these requirements.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Citi's Values: Research Citi's core values (Integrity, Client Focus, Excellence, Teamwork, Innovation) and prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate how you embody these values.
• Team Dynamics: Be ready to discuss your preferred working style within a team and how you contribute to a positive and productive team environment.
• Adaptability: Discuss how you handle change, learn new technologies, and adapt to evolving project requirements.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: Structure your portfolio project explanations using the STAR method to clearly articulate the situation, your task, the action you took, and the result achieved.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., performance improvements, reduction in errors, efficiency gains).
• Focus on Process: Explain not just what you built, but how you built it – your development process, the tools you used, and how you ensured quality and reliability.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects concisely, focusing on the most relevant aspects for the role. Have more detailed information ready if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, interviewers will be looking for candidates who not only possess strong technical skills but also demonstrate an understanding of the unique demands and responsibilities of working in the financial services industry.

---

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Citi careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and any supplementary portfolio materials to prominently feature your experience with Java, Spring Boot, PL/SQL, and database optimization, specifically highlighting projects within the financial services sector if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 4+ years of experience, emphasizing key achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description, using relevant keywords like "Java," "Spring Boot," "PL/SQL," "DB Design," "Optimization," and "Financial Services."
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering technical questions, behavioral questions (using the STAR method), and be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on problem-solving and impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Citi's business, its values, and its position in the financial services industry to demonstrate your understanding and interest during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.