Kong Architect

Role: Kong Architect/Developer

Duration: 12 month + contract STRONG PREFERENCE FOR 2 days a week in New York City, NY / Tempe, AZ / Fort Mill, SC/ Boston, MA / San Diego, CA / Austin, TX OR Remote for a rockstar candidate

Key Responsibilities: API Gateway Management: Deploy, configure, and manage Kong API Gateway instances in various environments (on-premises, cloud, hybrid).

API Development and Integration: Design, develop, and implement APIs using Kong, including custom plugins and integrations with backend services. Good knowledge on API Orchestration.

Security and Performance: Implement and enforce API security policies (e.g., OAuth2, JWT, mTLS), optimize API performance, and ensure high availability and reliability.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Implement monitoring and logging solutions (e.g., Dynatrace/ELK) to proactively identify and resolve issues, ensuring seamless API operation.

Collaboration and Documentation: Work closely with cross-functional teams (development, operations, security) to ensure seamless integration and maintain comprehensive documentation for APIs, configurations, and procedures.

Automation and Best Practices: Participate in CI/CD processes, contribute to automation and deployment pipelines, and advocate for API management best practices (versioning, documentation, access control). Terraform automations are must.

Required Qualifications: Technical Expertise: Proven experience with Kong API Gateway, including its architecture, functionalities, and plugin development.

API Design Principles: Strong understanding of RESTful API design, OpenAPI specifications, OIDC, and experience with web services and microservices architectures.

Scripting and Tools: Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) and experience with DevOps principles and tools (e.g., Git, Git Actions, CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes).

Cloud and Security: Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and API security tools (e.g., OAuth, OIDC, Auth0).

Problem-Solving and Communication: Excellent problem-solving, debugging, communication, and collaboration skills.

Desired Qualifications: Certifications in Kong or related technologies. Experience with API testing tools (e.g., Postman, JMeter, Insomnia). Experience with specific integration platforms (e.g.,IBM DataPower/Websphere MQ). Experience with confluence documentation.