API Gateway Specialist

Description:
We are seeking a Kong API Gateway Specialist to support the IRS in modernizing and securing enterprise APIs across mission-critical tax systems. This role is pivotal in ensuring scalable, secure, and compliant API infrastructure that supports high-volume traffic, especially during peak filing seasons. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Kong Gateway (Enterprise and OSS), federal compliance frameworks, and automation tools to streamline API lifecycle management.

Location: Local to DMV

Pay Rate: $60 - $65 / hr

Clearance: Must have an Active MBI Public Trust

This is a contract-to-hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a W2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our W2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Responsibilities:

• Design & Implementation:
  • Architect and maintain Kong API Gateway solutions (Enterprise and OSS) for IRS enterprise services.
  • Configure and manage Kong in hybrid and DB-less modes.
• Security & Compliance:
  • Implement plugins for authentication, authorization, rate limiting, caching, logging, and request/response transformation.
  • Integrate Kong with IRS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Zero Trust frameworks.
  • Support OAuth2, OpenID Connect, and mutual TLS configurations.
  • Ensure alignment with FISMA, FedRAMP, and NIST 800-53 security controls.
• Automation & DevOps:
  • Automate Kong configurations using tools like decK, Terraform, and Ansible.
  • Support CI/CD pipelines for API deployment across development, staging, and production environments.
• Monitoring & Optimization:
  • Monitor API performance and health using Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk.
  • Optimize throughput and latency for high-volume API traffic.
• Collaboration & Documentation:
  • Work closely with IRS developers, system integrators, and operations teams to ensure seamless API delivery.
  • Support code freeze and release management processes.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, technical documentation, and training materials for IRS staff.

Experience Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in API management, integration, or middleware.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with Kong Gateway administration.
• Proven experience in federal environments (IRS, Treasury, DHS, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in Kong Enterprise features and deployment models.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Lua, Shell).
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration platforms (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift).
• Experience with observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Splunk).
• Strong understanding of secure API design and Zero Trust principles.
• Active Public Trust clearance or higher preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with IRS-specific systems or tax-related APIs.
• Knowledge of federal IT governance and audit processes.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical workshops.

Education Requirements: Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field.

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.
Please be advised- If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please confirm that they have an Eliassen.com email address and never provide personal or financial information to anyone who is not clearly associated with Eliassen Group. If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact

About Eliassen Group:

Eliassen Group is a leading strategic consulting company for human-powered solutions. For over 30 years, Eliassen has helped thousands of companies reach further and achieve more with their technology solutions, financial, risk & compliance, and advisory solutions, and clinical solutions. With offices from coast to coast and throughout Europe, Eliassen provides a local community presence, balanced with international reach. Eliassen Group strives to positively impact the lives of their employees, clients, consultants, and the communities in which they operate.

Eliassen Group 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.

Don't miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check!