API Architect (Kong Gateway)

As a Kong API Gateway Architect, you will play a pivotal role in guiding enterprise clients through the implementation, deployment, and optimisation of Kong’s technology solutions. You will act as a trusted technical advisor, helping customers derive maximum value from their investment and setting them up for long-term success. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring seamless adoption, satisfaction, and retention of our solutions.

In this client-facing role, you will collaborate with a wide array of stakeholders, from developers to executives, and represent Kong’s culture and values. You will also work closely with cross-functional teams within Kong, including Product, Engineering, Customer Success, and more. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, expand your knowledge, and make a tangible impact on modern enterprise environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead customers through their full API lifecycle journey, including remote preparation and delivering technical workshops for architects, developers, security, and operations teams.
• Design and architect API gateway solutions and integrations in customer environments, addressing technical challenges and providing hands-on implementation support.
• Drive outcome-based professional services engagements, offering technical thought leadership throughout the customer adoption journey.
• Collaborate internally with Product, Engineering, Customer Success, and Sales teams to maximise customer value from Kong solutions.
• Develop and contribute to technical documentation, reference architecture, design patterns, blogs, and knowledge base articles based on real-world experiences.
• Create tooling, white papers, and marketing content to advance Kong’s technical capabilities and support internal teams.
• Act as a role model and mentor within the team, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Travel to customer and Kong locations as required (post-pandemic).
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by your manager.

Required Skills and Experience

• 12+ years of relevant professional services or solution architecture experience.
• Proven hands-on experience with API gateways and API integrations in enterprise environments.
• Strong practical knowledge of APIs and microservices architectures.
• Proficiency in Linux environments, including cloud and development tooling.
• Experience with Kubernetes and major cloud platforms such as Google Cloud Platform, AWS, and Azure.
• Background in application development preferred.
• Previous experience in Open Source, API Management, or Middleware/SaaS software companies is a plus.
• Demonstrated passion for technology and continuous learning.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and change management skills.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple client demands and deliver high-quality outcomes.