API Strategy Architect
The Intersect Group is looking for an API Strategic Architect to join our customers growing API Development team. This will be a contract to hire opportunity. In this role, you will be responsible for working directly with peer architects from the data and web application teams to strategize on the delivery of a cutting edge digital ecommerce platform. Your main objective will be the strategy and architecture of bring the API Services to fruition.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead API Integration Strategy: Manage the integration of diverse systems (e.g., invoices, customer data, pricing, inventory, and database) into our enterprise microservices platform. This includes overseeing the design, implementation, and management of robust, scalable, and RESTful APIs that serve internal and external stakeholders. The architect should have hands-on experience with exposing APIs to third parties.
- Strong focus on API security and authentication, as well as the ability to manage APIs not just internally, but also exposed to third parties.
- Microservices Architecture: Understand and provide direction on microservices architecture, leveraging Azure's cloud capabilities, Databricks as the data lake, and integrating with external applications and third-party systems. Ensure that APIs are agnostic and adaptable to multiple downstream applications.
- Stakeholder Management: Partner with cross-functional teams, executives, and external stakeholders to align on API integration strategies, timelines, and goals. Communicate technical concepts clearly and ensure stakeholders are consistently informed of progress and challenges.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with product managers, data engineers, IT teams, and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of APIs into broader enterprise systems and workflows. Provide direction on API design and troubleshooting.
- Visionary Leadership: Set a clear vision for the API Integration team, aligning with the company’s overall technology strategy. Ensure the team remains adaptable, forward-thinking, and well-equipped to handle evolving technical needs.
- The architect is expected to be a strong strategic leader, capable of making and justifying key decisions on the tech stack, especially in a context where the company is working with a new VP and defining the future direction.
Must-Have Qualifications:
- API Expertise: 10+ years of experience designing, architecting, building, and managing RESTful APIs in an enterprise environment. Deep understanding of API lifecycle management, including integration, security, and performance optimization with Azure environment.
- Azure: If the candidate lacks experience in Azure, they are not suitable for the role, emphasizing the importance of deep Azure expertise. Specific expertise required in Azure functions, Logic Apps, Web Services, and API Management (APIM).
- Microservices Architecture: Solid experience in microservices architecture, particularly in building scalable and secure cloud-native applications on Microsoft Azure.
- 3rd Party Integrations: Extensive Architecture Integration experience with 3rd party applications and products.
- Experience with Redis Cache
- Experience with Azure API Management(APIM)
- Experience utilizing Medallion Architecture for Data Design
- Must have experience with Agile/Scrum Methodology
- Experience with Azure Logic Apps
Nice to Have:
- Platform Agnosticism: The candidate should have the ability to recommend the right approach, understanding not just the technical implementation but also the cost-effectiveness of different platforms (Azure vs. AWS, for instance).