KONG API Architect | Enterprise API Architect (KONG & AWS)

Pacer Group; Waukegan (IL); Hybrid; USD 91,527 - 93,249; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Job summary

Pacer Group is looking for a senior-level KONG API Architect for a hybrid engagement based in Waukegan, IL. The successful candidate will lead a comprehensive technical evaluation of the KONG API Gateway platform for a major API modernization initiative, including risk assessment and architectural recommendations.

This position requires strong expertise in API architecture, KONG API Gateway, and AWS cloud solutions, while offering benefits like medical, dental, and 401(k).

Qualifications

• 13+ years of enterprise IT experience focusing on API Architecture.
• Deep expertise with KONG API Gateway including configuration and traffic policies.
• Experience with AWS cloud platforms and hybrid cloud models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct architectural feasibility studies for KONG API Gateway.
• Analyze current architecture and identify risks and technical gaps.
• Evaluate KONG plugin ecosystems against enterprise use cases.

Skills

API Architecture and Integration

KONG API Gateway

AWS cloud platforms

API security patterns

DevOps pipelines

CI/CD automation

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Pay Range: $66.44/hr. to $67.69/hr. on W2 | $78.57/hr. to $88.00/hr. on C2C

Domain: Technology | API Management & Cloud Architecture

SKILLS REQUIRED

• 13+ years of enterprise IT experience with a focus on API Architecture and Integration
• Deep technical expertise with KONG API Gateway (Enterprise preferred), including configuration, plugins, routing, and traffic policies
• Strong hands‑on experience with AWS cloud platforms and hybrid cloud deployment models
• Proven experience conducting architectural feasibility assessments and producing clear, structured technical recommendations
• Solid command of API security patterns, including OAuth2, JWT, and mTLS

Secondary (Good to Have)

• Hands‑on familiarity with DevOps pipelines, CI/CD automation, and container platforms like Docker and Kubernetes
• Knowledge of logging, monitoring, and observability stacks such as Prometheus and Grafana
• Comparative experience with other API gateways like Apigee or AWS API Gateway
• Prior background leading technical evaluations for enterprise‑wide application modernization or migration initiatives

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an elite, senior‑level KONG API Architect for a high‑impact, hybrid engagement based out of Waukegan, IL. Serving as a KONG Feasibility Assessment Consultant, the successful candidate will lead the comprehensive technical evaluation of the KONG API Gateway platform for a major API modernization initiative. This strategic role is responsible for analyzing current‑state architecture, evaluating technology stack compatibility, assessing both functional and non‑functional requirements, and presenting definitive architectural recommendations to technical and executive leadership teams.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct a rigorous architectural feasibility study of KONG (OSS or Enterprise) to evaluate its fit, integration complexity, security alignment, and operational readiness within the ecosystem.
• Analyze current‑state architecture—including existing legacy gateways, integrations, security models, and deployment environments—to identify risks, technical gaps, and dependencies.
• Evaluate KONG plugin ecosystems (both native and custom) against complex enterprise use cases, defining integration patterns for upstream services, authentication providers, and developer portals.
• Formulate detailed effort estimations, migration timelines, resource requirements, and architecture options for a full‑scale KONG implementation.
• Partner closely with client enterprise architects and SMEs to validate technical assumptions, prepare formal assessment documentation, and present findings to technical and leadership stakeholders.

BENEFITS

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)

EEOC Compliance

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

DISCLAIMER

AI Usage Policy: Pacer Group uses AI to assist in screening applications. Final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters based on qualifications and experience.