Senior (IBM DataPower & API) Integration Lead/Architect – Cloud & Middleware (Only G.C / U.S.C)
12+Months
Lansing, MI (Onsite)
**Overview:**
We are looking for a seasoned API Integration Lead/Architect with extensive experience in enterprise integration, API platform management, and cloud-native solutions. The successful candidate will have a strong background in IBM integration tools (such as IBM API Connect, DataPower, and related middleware), as well as cloud and container ecosystems. This person will play a dual role as a hands-on developer and technical lead, driving high-quality integration and API solutions across the full lifecycle.
**Key Responsibilities:**
- Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-grade APIs and integration services using IBM integration suite (API Connect, DataPower, MQ, etc.).
- Architect API solutions in cloud and container environments (AWS, Kubernetes).
- Lead all stages—from requirements gathering, solution design, development, to deployment and ongoing support.
- Define and enforce API and integration best practices, including versioning, governance, and security protocols (OAuth2.0, JWT, etc.).
- Mentor and provide hands-on leadership to other developers and integration engineers.
- Collaborate with business partners, architects, and cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, efficient, and secure integration solutions.
- Participate in DevOps/CI-CD pipelines for automated deployment and quality assurance.
- Support production systems, troubleshoot incidents, and optimize API/integration performance.
- Maintain documentation and contribute to standards and reusable assets for the API platform.
**Required Qualifications:**
- 10+ years’ experience in integration architecture, API development, or middleware engineering.
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience with IBM API Connect and DataPower (or equivalent API gateway/middleware technologies).
- Strong background working with AWS and Kubernetes for cloud-based integration patterns.
- Fluent in REST, SOAP, JSON, XML, and experience implementing reusable APIs.
- Proficient in API security standards (OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, JWT, TLS).
- Track record of technical leadership and effective team collaboration.
- Experience converting business requirements into robust, scalable integration solutions.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and communication abilities.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
- Familiarity with IBM App Connect Enterprise (ACE), IBM MQ, ITX, Red Hat OpenShift.
- Knowledge of CI/CD automation, DevOps culture, and modern software delivery practices.
- Experience designing and running microservices architectures.
- Prior exposure to large enterprise integration projects or regulated industries (finance, healthcare, etc.).
- Relevant IBM or cloud certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Solution Developer, AWS Certified).
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**Key Differences/Highlights in the Alternate:**
- Condenses duplicate qualification listings.
- Broadens some technology requirements (to include “equivalent” tools).
- Provides more concise and action-oriented bullet points for responsibilities.
- Shifts from “Developer” to “Architect” to open up the seniority and focus to include both hands-on work and higher-level design/vision.
- Explicitly mentions experience in regulated or enterprise environments as an added value.
- Mentions certification as a preferred qualification, not required.
- Adopts a slightly less “IBM-only” stance to attract talent from similar environments.
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