API Platform Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client in NYC is seeking an experienced API Platform Engineer to lead and execute the migration of enterprise API gateways from Apigee to Kong. This role will be responsible for designing, implementing, and validating API gateway configurations while leveraging AI-assisted tooling (Claude) to accelerate analysis, transformation, documentation, and testing throughout the migration lifecycle. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience with API gateways, strong scripting and automation skills, and the ability to safely apply generative AI tools in a secure, regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the end-to-end migration of APIs, policies, and traffic management from Apigee to Kong
* Analyze existing Apigee configurations (proxies, policies, flows, security, rate limiting, analytics)
* Translate Apigee constructs into Kong equivalents (plugins, services, routes, consumers)
* Design and implement Kong configurations using declarative config, Admin API, or Infrastructure as Code

Configure and manage Kong plugins including:
* Authentication & Authorization (OAuth2, JWT, mTLS, API Keys)
* Rate limiting, throttling, caching
* Logging, monitoring, and observability integrations
* Support Kong deployments across cloud, hybrid, or containerized (Kubernetes) environments
AI-Assisted Migration (Claude)

Leverage Claude to:
* Analyze Apigee proxy configurations and policies
* Assist with translation of policies into Kong plugins
* Generate migration documentation, runbooks, and validation checklists
* Support test case creation and migration impact analysis

Automation & DevOps:
* Develop automation scripts and pipelines for gateway configuration deployment
* Integrate Kong with CI/CD pipelines (Git-based workflows, promotion across environments)
* Use Infrastructure as Code tools where applicable (Terraform, YAML, Helm)
* Support blue/green or canary cutovers to minimize migration risk
Testing, Validation & Governance

REQUIREMENTS:
* 5+ years of experience in API development or API platform engineering
* Hands-on experience with Apigee (Edge or X)
* Hands-on experience with Kong Gateway (OSS or Enterprise)

Strong understanding of:
* RESTful APIs and API lifecycle management
* OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, JWT, mTLS
* Rate limiting, traffic shaping, and API security patterns

Proficiency in one or more scripting/programming languages:
* JavaScript, Python, or Bash
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines and Git-based workflows
* Experience working in regulated or enterprise environments

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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