API Architect

Position: API Architect
Location: Dalla TX or Baskin Ridge NJ (Onsite)

Highly experienced and innovative API Architect to join our team and lead the design and evolution of Network APIs for a large US telecommunications provider. This pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping the future of our network services, enabling seamless integration, efficient operations, and innovative new product offerings. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of telecommunications networks, API design principles, and modern API management strategies.

10+ years of experience in software architecture and design, with at least 5 years focused on API architecture.
Proven experience in designing and implementing APIs for large-scale enterprise systems, preferably within the telecommunications industry.
Strong understanding of telecommunications network architectures (e.g., 5G, SDN/NFV,BSS/OSS).
Expertise in API design principles (REST, GraphQL, gRPC) and best practices.
Proficiency in defining API contracts using OpenAPI/Swagger or similar specifications.
Experience with API Gateway and API Management platforms (e.g., Apigee, Kong, AWS API Gateway, Azure API Management).
Familiarity with various authentication and authorization mechanisms (OAuth2, JWT, OpenID Connect).
Solid understanding of security best practices for API design and implementation.
Experience with cloud-native architectures and microservices.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities
Collaborate with product owners, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to gather and document comprehensive non-functional requirements for Network APIs, including performance, scalability, security, reliability, and maintainability.
Lead the high-level API design and capability definition for various network services, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical feasibility.
Develop detailed API designs, specifying endpoints, request/response payloads, authentication mechanisms, error handling strategies, and versioning approaches.
Define and enforce API contracts using industry-standard specifications such as OpenAPI/Swagger, ensuring clear and consistent communication between API providers and consumers.
Evaluate, select, and define the strategy for API Gateway and API Management platforms, optimizing for performance, security, and developer experience.
Participate in code reviews to ensure adherence to API design standards, best practices,and architectural guidelines.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to development teams on API design and implementation.
Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in API design, network automation,and telecommunications.