The Enterprise Data Frameworks team is seeking a Senior Data Engineer with deep expertise in building scalable, high-performance data processing systems using Java, Apache Spark, and modern data engineering tools. This role is ideal for someone passionate about designing resilient data frameworks, optimizing distributed data pipelines, and enabling enterprise-grade data onboarding and automation.

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will lead the development of core components within our data frameworks, integrating Spark-based processing with backend services and APIs. You will collaborate with architects, data engineers, and business stakeholders to deliver secure, compliant, and high-performing solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement distributed data processing pipelines using Apache Spark (Java) for large-scale data ingestion, transformation, and analytics

• Develop and maintain Java-based microservices and APIs to support data workflows and framework orchestration

• Collaborate with UI engineers to integrate backend services with frontend applications for seamless user experiences

• Translate business and technical requirements into scalable data engineering solutions

• Optimize Spark jobs for performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency across cloud and on-prem environments

• Lead code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to architectural decisions

• Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and change management standards

• Participate in Agile ceremonies and drive continuous improvement in engineering practices

• 7+ years of experience in data engineering with strong proficiency in Java and Apache Spark

• Proven experience building and optimizing Spark jobs for batch and streaming data

• Solid understanding of data lake architectures, Iceberg/Parquet, and metadata-driven frameworks

• Experience with Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, and microservices architecture

• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, Git, and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)

• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS (S3, EMR, Lambda, API Gateway) is a plus

• Experience working with data-centric applications and collaborating with frontend and platform teams

• Good to have: Experience with Generative AI tools or frameworks for developer assistance, metadata analysis, or automation

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field

• Location: Hybrid, 4 days on site from a Citizens corporate office, 1 day remote

• Schedule: Monday through Friday

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $120,000-160,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of very local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.

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Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.

Why Work for Us

At Citizens, you’ll find a customer-centric culture built around helping our customers and giving back to our local communities. When you join our team, you are part of a supportive and collaborative workforce, with access to training and tools to accelerate your potential and maximize your career growth

Background Check

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.