Cloud Engineering Lead – Public Cloud Observability

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Cloud Engineering Lead – Public Cloud Observability
• Company: Citi
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Job Type: Hybrid (2 days working at home per week)
• Category: Systems & Engineering
• Date Posted: 2025-08-08
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the Public Cloud Foundations – Observability strategy and its execution, enabling secure and enterprise-scale adoption of public cloud.
• Build and inspire a team of cloud specialists and software developers while driving innovation and automation initiatives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the broader Citi technology landscape to align with business growth initiatives and priorities.
• Define measurable success criteria and routinely assess service availability and reliability.
• Champion compliance with applicable standards, policies, and regulations, always assessing risk with Citi’s reputation, clients, and assets in mind.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Leadership: Own the Public Cloud Foundabilities – Observability strategy and its execution, providing technical authority for all foundational services.
• Team Building: Lead and grow a team of deeply technical cloud specialists and full-stack software developers, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Innovation: Drive client satisfaction and business value by identifying and developing process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Partnership: Establish partnerships across the broader Citi technology landscape to align with business growth initiatives and priorities.
• Engineering Excellence: Define measurable success criteria and routinely assess service availability and reliability.
• Compliance: Champion compliance with applicable standards, policies, and regulations, always assessing risk with Citi’s reputation, clients, and assets in mind.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.

Experience: Proven track record of engineering leadership with a deep expertise in public cloud services adoption at scale.

Required Skills:

• Cloud Engineering Expertise:

  • Expert-level understanding of AWS/GCP Observability across:
    • Proficiency in working with cloud-native APIs from AWS (e.g., AWS Config, CloudWatch) and GCP (e.g., Cloud Asset Inventory, Cloud Monitoring)
    • Experience with Python to automate API integrations and data workflows
    • Experience working with structured data pipelines (e.g., JSON ingestion, normalization, tagging, enrichment)
    • Experience with container technologies (Docker) and Kubernetes platforms (e.g., EKS, GKE, OpenShift)
    • Experience integrating inventory data with CMDB platforms
    • Familiarity with NoSQL databases

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Hands On Expertise:

  • Programming Languages: Python and Go
  • CI/CD: Terraform, Harness, Tekton, Jenkins, etc.
  • Testing Automation: Terratest, Cucumber, PytestBD, AWS Fault Injection Simulator (FIS), Chaos Mesh, etc.
  • Experience deploying and operating infrastructure on at least one major cloud platform (AWS, GCP)

• Agile and DevOps Mindset:

  • Familiarity with Agile Development, DevOps, and SRE practices
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Leadership Experience:

  • Proven track record of managing a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing Engineering team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with GenAI and its integration with enterprise systems
• Familiarity with payments solutions and their integration with cloud infrastructure
• Knowledge of high-performance computing (HPC) platforms and their deployment on public cloud

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of public cloud services, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs through relevant projects and case studies.
  • Showcase your leadership skills and ability to build and manage high-performing teams through team project presentations or testimonials.
  • Highlight your experience with automation initiatives, process improvement, and driving business value through innovation.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide detailed documentation of your cloud engineering projects, including architecture diagrams, API integrations, and data workflows.
  • Include code samples and explain your design decisions, showcasing your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of compliance and risk management by addressing relevant standards, policies, and regulations in your project documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive base salary (annually reviewed) – research shows that the average salary for a Cloud Engineering Lead in London is around £120,000 - £150,000 per year.

Benefits:

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Discretional annual performance-related bonus
• Private Medical Care & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pension Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Special discounts for employees, family, and friends
• Access to an array of learning and development resources

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

• Industry: Financial Services
• Company Size: Large (global presence)
• Founded: 1812 (with a rich history and established brand)

Team Structure:

• The Cloud Technology Services (CTS) team is responsible for transforming Citi technology leveraging game-changing Cloud capabilities to drive agility, efficiency, and innovation.
• The team consists of cloud specialists, full-stack software developers, and other technical professionals working collaboratively to deliver enterprise-scale cloud solutions.

Development Methodology:

• The team follows Agile Development methodologies, with a focus on continuous integration, continuous delivery, and DevOps best practices.
• They emphasize collaboration, innovation, and a customer-centric approach to deliver high-quality cloud solutions that meet business needs.

Company Website: Citi

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi is committed to ensuring its workplace is where everyone feels comfortable coming to work as their whole self, every day. They strive to create an inclusive environment that fosters innovation and empowers employees to thrive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Cloud Engineering Lead – Public Cloud Observability role is a senior-level position, requiring a deep understanding of public cloud services, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs. This role offers significant technical impact and the opportunity to shape Citi’s public cloud strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Cloud Engineering Lead reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Cloud Technology Services, working closely with other senior leaders within the technology organization.

Technical Impact: The role involves defining and executing the Public Cloud Foundations – Observability strategy, enabling secure and enterprise-scale adoption of public cloud. This includes establishing partnerships with other teams and stakeholders to align with business growth initiatives and priorities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Growth: The role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in public cloud services, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs. It also provides exposure to emerging technologies and trends in the financial services industry.
• Leadership Development: As a senior-level role, this position offers opportunities to develop leadership skills, including team management, strategic decision-making, and stakeholder communication.
• Architecture Decisions: The Cloud Engineering Lead has the opportunity to influence and make critical architecture decisions that impact Citi’s public cloud strategy and enterprise-scale adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi’s global presence and commitment to innovation provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (2 days working at home per week), with a modern, collaborative workspace in Citi’s London office.

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom

Workspace Context:

• The Citi London office is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
• The office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet, video conferencing facilities, and comfortable workstations.
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, enabling employees to balance their work-life responsibilities while maintaining productivity and collaboration.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. The hybrid work arrangement allows for some flexibility in working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi’s commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being is reflected in its flexible work arrangements and supportive work environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief call to discuss your qualifications, experience, and career goals.
2. Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on your cloud engineering expertise, infrastructure as code proficiency, and leadership skills. This may include:
   • Architecture design and decision-making exercises
   • Coding challenges and system design questions
   • API integration and data workflow discussions
3. Behavioral and Cultural Fit: An interview focused on assessing your cultural fit, leadership style, and problem-solving approach. This may include:
   • Scenario-based questions to evaluate your decision-making skills
   • Behavioral questions to understand your leadership style and cultural fit
4. Final Round: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss your career aspirations, the role’s expectations, and next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your cloud engineering projects that demonstrate your expertise in public cloud services, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs.
• Showcase your leadership skills and team management experiences through project case studies and testimonials.
• Include detailed documentation of your projects, explaining your design decisions, architecture choices, and problem-solving approaches.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your cloud engineering knowledge, focusing on AWS and GCP services, infrastructure as code tools, and cloud-native APIs.
• Practice system design exercises and architecture decision-making scenarios to prepare for the technical deep dive.
• Familiarize yourself with Citi’s cloud technology stack, including relevant tools, platforms, and services.

ATS Keywords: [Detailed list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi’s interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough, ensuring that the right candidate is found for the Cloud Engineering Lead – Public Cloud Observability role. Preparation and research are key to success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Cloud Platforms: AWS and GCP
• Cloud-Native APIs: AWS (e.g., AWS Config, CloudWatch) and GCP (e.g., Cloud Asset Inventory, Cloud Monitoring)
• Container Technologies: Docker, Kubernetes (EKS, GKE, OpenShift)
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools: Terraform, Harness, Tekton, Jenkins
• Testing Automation Tools: Terratest, Cucumber, PytestBD, AWS Fault Injection Simulator (FIS), Chaos Mesh
• NoSQL Databases: Not specified, but relevant experience is preferred

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Programming Languages: Python, Go
• CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins, Harness, Tekton
• Monitoring Tools: AWS CloudWatch, GCP Cloud Monitoring
• CMDB Platforms: Not specified, but relevant experience is preferred

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on cloud engineering, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs. Experience with the specified tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Innovation: Citi values innovation and encourages its employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
• Customer Focus: Citi prioritizes the customer experience and expects its employees to understand and address customer needs.
• Collaboration: Citi fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on collective success and shared goals.
• Expertise: Citi values technical expertise and expects its employees to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Citi encourages collaboration between different teams and functions, with a focus on collective success and shared goals.
• Code Review Culture: Citi values code reviews and pair programming as essential aspects of its software development process.
• Knowledge Sharing: Citi fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with regular training and development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi’s team culture is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a strong focus on customer needs. The company values technical expertise and encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Cloud Engineering: Stay current with the latest developments in public cloud services, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs.
• Architecture Design: Continuously improve your architecture design skills to meet the evolving needs of Citi’s business and technology landscape.
• Data Management: Enhance your understanding of data management, including structured data pipelines, normalization, tagging, and enrichment.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in the financial services industry, and explore how they can be applied to Citi’s cloud infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Citi offers opportunities for technical skill development through training, workshops, and online learning platforms.
• Leadership Development: Citi provides leadership development programs, mentoring, and coaching to help employees grow in their careers.
• Architecture Decision-Making: The Cloud Engineering Lead role offers the opportunity to make critical architecture decisions that impact Citi’s public cloud strategy and enterprise-scale adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi’s commitment to employee growth and development is reflected in its comprehensive learning and development opportunities, as well as its focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Cloud Engineering Expertise:

  • Can you describe your experience with cloud-native APIs from AWS and GCP? How have you used them to automate API integrations and data workflows?
  • How have you worked with structured data pipelines, including JSON ingestion, normalization, tagging, and enrichment?
  • Can you explain your experience with container technologies (Docker) and Kubernetes platforms (e.g., EKS, GKE, OpenShift)?
  • How have you integrated inventory data with CMDB platforms in your previous roles?
  • Can you discuss your familiarity with NoSQL databases and their application in cloud engineering projects?

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Hands On Expertise:

  • Can you describe your experience with programming languages, specifically Python and Go, in the context of infrastructure as code?
  • How have you used CI/CD pipelines, such as Terraform, Harness, Tekton, and Jenkins, to automate infrastructure deployment and management?
  • Can you explain your experience with testing automation tools, such as Terratest, Cucumber, PytestBD, AWS Fault Injection Simulator (FIS), and Chaos Mesh?
  • How have you deployed and operated infrastructure on at least one major cloud platform (AWS, GCP)?

• Agile and DevOps Mindset:

  • Can you discuss your familiarity with Agile Development, DevOps, and SRE practices? How have you applied them in your previous roles?
  • How have you demonstrated your ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements?
  • Can you provide an example of your excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and how you have effectively communicated technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences?

• Leadership Experience:

  • Can you describe your proven track record of managing a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing Engineering team?
  • How have you driven innovation and automation initiatives in your previous roles, and what were the outcomes?
  • Can you provide an example of your strategic thinking and how you have evaluated complex requirements and rationalized them into a consistent service offering?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Technical Architecture: How do you approach designing and implementing technical architecture for large-scale, mission-critical systems in a financial services environment?
• Cloud Security: Can you discuss your understanding of cloud security best practices and how you have applied them in your previous roles?
• Risk Management: How do you assess and manage risk in cloud engineering projects, ensuring the security and integrity of Citi’s systems and data?
• Stakeholder Management: How have you managed relationships with stakeholders, including business users, other technology teams, and external partners, to drive successful cloud engineering projects?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Cloud Engineering Projects: Highlight your cloud engineering projects that demonstrate your expertise in public cloud services, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native APIs.
• Leadership Skills: Showcase your leadership skills and team management experiences through project case studies and testimonials.
• Architecture Decisions: Explain your architecture decisions, design trade-offs, and problem-solving approaches in your cloud engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi’s interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Preparation and research are key to success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Cloud Engineering Lead – Public Cloud Observability position at Citi:

1. Submit Your Application: Click on the application link provided in the job listing.
2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio with live demos and responsive examples, highlighting your cloud engineering projects and leadership experiences.
3. Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your relevant cloud engineering skills, infrastructure as code experience, and leadership accomplishments.
4. Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your cloud engineering knowledge, focusing on AWS and GCP services, infrastructure as code tools, and cloud-native APIs. Practice system design exercises and architecture decision-making scenarios.
5. Research Citi: Familiarize yourself with Citi’s cloud technology stack, company culture, and business priorities to demonstrate your understanding and alignment with the organization’s goals and values.

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