KONG API Architect

TechDigital Group; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TechDigital Group is seeking a KONG Feasibility Assessment Consultant to lead a technical evaluation of KONG API Gateway for a client's API modernization project. The role involves assessing architectural fit and integration complexity, while collaborating with client stakeholders to present findings.

Candidates should have significant experience with KONG API Gateway, a strong understanding of API management, and familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS. Strong communication skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with KONG API Gateway, including configuration and plugins.
• Deep understanding of API management and integration architectures.
• Hands-on experience with API security (OAuth2, JWT, mTLS).
• Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, CI/CD, and container platforms.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and hybrid deployments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct feasibility study of KONG for API management.
• Analyze current architecture including existing gateways and integrations.
• Evaluate compatibility of KONG with the client’s technology stack.
• Assess performance, scalability, security, and governance requirements.
• Identify integration patterns for services and authentication providers.

Skills

KONG API

AWS

API management

API security

CI/CD

DevOps

Docker

Kubernetes

Observability tools

Job description

Required Skills

• KONG API
• AWS

Role Overview

The KONG Feasibility Assessment Consultant will lead the technical evaluation of KONG API Gateway as a potential platform for the client's API modernization initiative. This role involves assessing architectural fit, integration complexity, security alignment, operational readiness, and overall feasibility of adopting KONG within the client's ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a detailed feasibility study of KONG (OSS or Enterprise) for API management and gateway modernization.
• Analyze current-state architecture, including existing gateways, integrations, security models, and deployment environments.
• Evaluate compatibility of KONG with the client's technology stack (cloud/on prem, CI/CD, DevOps, monitoring, logging, etc.).
• Assess functional and non-functional requirements, including performance, scalability, security, governance, and observability.
• Identify integration patterns for upstream services, authentication providers, plugins, and developer portal needs.
• Review KONG plugins (native and custom) and determine suitability for required use cases.
• Estimate effort, timeline, and resource needs for a full KONG implementation or migration.
• Identify risks, gaps, and dependencies associated with adopting KONG.
• Prepare feasibility assessment documentation, including recommendations, architecture options, and decision criteria.
• Collaborate with client architects and SMEs to validate assumptions and align on technical direction.
• Present findings to technical and leadership teams.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong experience with KONG API Gateway (Enterprise preferred), including configuration, plugins, routing, and policies.
• Deep understanding of API management and integration architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with API security (OAuth2, JWT, mTLS).
• Familiarity with DevOps pipelines, CI/CD, and container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and hybrid deployments.
• Knowledge of logging, monitoring, and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, etc.).
• Ability to conduct architectural assessments and produce clear technical recommendations.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder discussions and technical presentations.

Nice‑to‑Have

• Experience with other API gateways (Apigee, AWS API Gateway, etc.) for comparison.
• Background in modernization or migration programs.
• Understanding of enterprise security and compliance requirements.