Title: Kong API Architect

Location: Jersey City, NJ/Florham Park, NJ (Remote)

Duration: 6 months Contract to Hire

Position Overview :

We are looking for a seasoned Kong Architect with extensive experience in technology modernization , and building API marketplaces. The ideal candidate will have 12+ years of experience , with at least 5 years in an architect role , specializing in Kong, AWS, and API marketplaces. This role requires hands-on expertise and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences effectively.

Key Responsibilities :

• Lead the modernization of legacy APIs to scalable, cloud-based solutions on AWS.
• Architect, implement, and manage Kong API gateways and build API marketplaces.
• Develop and maintain infrastructure as code using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Drive API migration strategies to AWS Cloud, ensuring best practices in security, performance, and scalability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with business goals.
• Provide hands-on coding and mentoring for engineering teams.
• Optimize API architectures for reusability, maintainability, and high performance.
• Identify problems, and opportunities for technology innovation with a focus on Modern application development.
• Champion operationalization for Kong API marketplace

Qualifications :

• 12+ years of experience in software engineering, with 5+ years in API architecture .
• Expertise in Kong API Gateway and AWS cloud services (e.g., API Gateway, Lambda, ECS).
• Experience with infrastructure as code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation).
• Proficiency in .Net and knowledge of modern programming frameworks.
• Strong track record of leading API modernization and migration efforts.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with both technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Ability to explain the benefits and differences between legacy vs modern applications such as monolithic vs micro apps.
• Must be an expert in Auth and MFA processes

Preferred Skills :

• Certification in AWS Architecture or similar.
• Experience with containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with DevOps and CI/CD pipelines .
• .Net Core development
• Angular development
• Experience with MFE architectures for UI applications
• Prior experience with working with ForgeRock