Job Title: KONG API Architect
Location: Waukegan, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 3 months
Pay Range: $66.44/hr. to $67.69/hr. on W2 | $78.57/hr. to $88.00/hr. on C2C
Domain: Technology | API Management & Cloud Architecture
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Primary (Must-Have):
• 13+ years of enterprise IT experience with a focus on API Architecture and Integration
• Deep technical expertise with KONG API Gateway (Enterprise preferred), including configuration, plugins, routing, and traffic policies
• Strong hands-on experience with AWS cloud platforms and hybrid cloud deployment models
• Proven experience conducting architectural feasibility assessments and producing clear, structured technical recommendations
• Solid command of API security patterns, including OAuth2, JWT, and mTLS
Secondary (Good to Have):
• Hands-on familiarity with DevOps pipelines, CI/CD automation, and container platforms like Docker and Kubernetes
• Knowledge of logging, monitoring, and observability stacks such as Prometheus and Grafana
• Comparative experience with other API gateways like Apigee or AWS API Gateway
• Prior background leading technical evaluations for enterprise-wide application modernization or migration initiatives
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking an elite, senior-level KONG API Architect for a high-impact, hybrid engagement based out of Waukegan, IL. Serving as a KONG Feasibility Assessment Consultant, the successful candidate will lead the comprehensive technical evaluation of the KONG API Gateway platform for a major API modernization initiative. This strategic role is responsible for analyzing current-state architecture, evaluating technology stack compatibility, assessing both functional and non-functional requirements, and presenting definitive architectural recommendations to technical and executive leadership teams.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conduct a rigorous architectural feasibility study of KONG (OSS or Enterprise) to evaluate its fit, integration complexity, security alignment, and operational readiness within the ecosystem.
• Analyze current-state architecture—including existing legacy gateways, integrations, security models, and deployment environments—to identify risks, technical gaps, and dependencies.
• Evaluate KONG plugin ecosystems (both native and custom) against complex enterprise use cases, defining integration patterns for upstream services, authentication providers, and developer portals.
• Formulate detailed effort estimations, migration timelines, resource requirements, and architecture options for a full-scale KONG implementation.
• Partner closely with client enterprise architects and SMEs to validate technical assumptions, prepare formal assessment documentation, and present findings to technical and leadership stakeholders.
BENEFITS
Medical | Dental | Vision | 401(k)
EEOC Compliance
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
DISCLAIMER
AI Usage Policy: Pacer Group uses AI to assist in screening applications. Final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters based on qualifications and experience.