Lead Enterprise API & Platform Engineer

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Lead Enterprise API & Platform Engineer for a direct placement assignment with one of our premier Insurance clients. Locations: NYC Hudson Yards, Holmdel, NJ or Bethlehem, NJ. Onsite 3x weekly.

This is a hands-on Senior/SME engineering role (not an architect) embedded within the client's API Center of Excellence (COE). The Lead Engineer will drive enterprise API design and implementation, modernization, emerging protocol adoption (MCP, A2A, ACP), reusable standards/templates, and POCs. The role requires someone who can think strategically while remaining deeply technical and execution-focused. This is a high-visibility position -that will influence platform direction, guide engineering teams, and advance the enterprise API strategy.
Responsibilities API Strategy, Standards & COE Leadership

• Serve as the hands-on technical advisor for enterprise API design, build, and modernization- this is not an architect role .
• Develop enterprise API standards, reusable templates, reference implementations, and design patterns for developers across the company (e.g., Spring Boot, Python, .NET).
• Lead POCs, pilots, and evaluations of new API technologies and patterns to keep the enterprise aligned with industry evolution.
• Contribute to and evolve the API Hub Services and modernization roadmaps in partnership with the API COE and enterprise architects.

Modernization & AI-Native Enablement

• Modernize APIs and platforms to support AI-first, AI-native capabilities, including agent-to-agent (A2A) communication, MCP, and ACP protocol enablement.
• Transform legacy systems into cloud-native, API-centric architectures.
• Build enabling components and development templates that improve consistency and developer experience.

Platform & Cloud Engineering

• Design and implement secure, cloud-native platforms using microservices, service mesh technologies (Istio, AWS Lattice), and container orchestration (Kubernetes).
• Play a key role in upcoming initiatives involving AWS API Gateway and enterprise API platform modernization.
• Build and maintain API observability: monitoring, tracing, usage analytics, performance, and health indicators.

Lifecycle Governance & API Evaluation

• Drive API lifecycle governance including versioning, deprecation, sunsetting, and migration strategies.
• Establish processes and criteria for evaluating whether APIs should remain active or be retired.

Enterprise Collaboration & Strategic Influence

• Partner with product managers, engineering leaders, and architects to define standards and make key architectural decisions.
• Influence platform strategy with hands-on engineering insight.
• Guide and mentor engineers, elevating development practices and fostering cross-team alignment.

Tools, Platforms & Emerging Technologies

• Evaluate and operationalize platforms and tools supporting API development, security, and scalability.
• Track emerging technologies, frameworks, and protocols-providing input into long-term innovation strategy.
• Contribute to audit readiness, risk assessments, and compliance requirements.

Required Skills
Hands-on engineer required - not seeking an architect or flowchart-only profile.

• 15+ years of experience in software engineering, API development, and enterprise solution delivery.
• MUST HAVE: Experience with at least 2 of the 3 emerging protocols ? MCP, A2A, ACP.
• Strong modernization background, preferably from a large enterprise with legacy technologies.
• Expertise in at least one major development stack: Java/Spring Boot, Python, or .NET/C#.
• Deep proficiency in cloud-native architectures: microservices, event-driven systems, and composable architecture (MASA).
• Strong experience building APIs using REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and async patterns with expertise in DDD and integration/enterprise patterns.
• Proven experience designing scalable platforms using service mesh (Istio, AWS Lattice), Docker, Kubernetes, and API gateway platforms- AWS API Gateway strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Kafka, Apache Camel, or similar integration/messaging systems.
• Strong database proficiency across SQL and NoSQL systems.
• Solid understanding of DevOps/IaC tools: Terraform, Jenkins, GitHub/GitLab CI/CD, and automation.
• Advanced API security knowledge: OAuth 2.0/2.1, JWT, mTLS, RBAC/ABAC, Zero Trust, rate limiting, and OWASP API Top 10.
• Experience with observability tools: OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, Grafana, OpenSearch.
• Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience supporting technology audits, compliance requirements, and risk mitigation.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.
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