Kong Architect

Job Description:

Experience: 5–12 Years

Notice Period:- 30 days

Budget: Up to 25 Lpa

Location: Chennai / PAN India

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Kong API Architect to design, implement, and manage scalable API Gateway solutions using Kong (Enterprise/OSS). The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in API management, microservices architecture, and cloud-native technologies, and will play a key role in defining API strategy and governance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, architect, and implement API Gateway solutions using Kong Gateway (Enterprise/OSS)
• Define API management standards, best practices, and governance frameworks
• Architect and manage microservices-based API ecosystems
• Configure and optimize Kong plugins (rate limiting, authentication, logging, security policies)
• Implement OAuth2, JWT, API key, and mTLS-based security mechanisms
• Collaborate with DevOps teams to integrate Kong within Kubernetes/Docker environments
• Set up and manage Kong Konnect (if applicable) for hybrid/cloud deployments
• Ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of API infrastructure
• Work closely with development teams to define API specifications (REST/GraphQL)
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve API Gateway performance and reliability issues
• Drive API versioning, lifecycle management, and documentation standards
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams on API best practices

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in API Management / Integration Architecture
• Strong hands-on experience with Kong API Gateway (Enterprise or OSS)
• Solid understanding of Microservices Architecture and API-first design
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and container orchestration
• Proficiency in REST, GraphQL, and API security protocols (OAuth2, JWT, mTLS)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Familiarity with Service Mesh (Istio/Linkerd) is a plus
• Strong scripting/programming skills (Lua, Python, or Go preferred)
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Prior experience in API Gateway migration (e.g., from Apigee/MuleSoft to Kong) is a plus