KONG APIM Engineer

We’re supporting a high-visibility API platform transformation for a leading retail client who is migrating from Apigee to KONG. While they have the Apigee expertise in place, they’re looking for a hands-on Platform Engineer with deep experience managing the KONG platform to lead the implementation and migration alongside internal engineering teams and KONG’s professional services partner. This isn’t a developer role—it's a true platform engineering position. The ideal candidate will be responsible for setting up and managing the KONG platform, including pipeline creation, security controls, observability, scalability, and production readiness. You’ll be enabling developers to onboard proxies, not building them yourself. Length: Through end of 2026 Associate Vendors: We are accepting applications from candidates who are currently authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship. Required Qualifications • 4+ years of most recent experience managing the KONG platform • Experience directing the implementation and migration of KONG by working with internal teams and eternal vendors. • Experience guiding, challenging, and engaging a team without being directed. • Deep expertise in managing and optimizing API gateways, specifically KONG, and play a key role in implementing, configuring, and maintaining API management solutions for our organization. • Performance, reliability, and scalability of KONG API Gateway, while also driving integration with other systems and troubleshooting any issues that arise. • Experience with Kubernetes, Redis cache and any other AWS infra components needed to support Kong in AWS. • Create scalable, optimized and secure Kubernetes-based infrastructure. Experience to apply KONG patches to Kubernetes cluster • Experience with Observability tool (OTEL framework) with deep skills in Datadog and Splunk for metrics and logs respectively. • LUA Experience and ideally experience in writing with writing Kong plugins in LUA. About Proliance: Proliance Consulting is a Seattle-based staffing firm specializing in IT and digital marketing roles. We connect top-tier talent with leading companies across the United States, offering contract, contract-to-hire, and direct placement opportunities. Our approach emphasizes building authentic relationships, ensuring transparent communication, and delivering tailored solutions that align with both candidate aspirations and client needs. Committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, we prioritize continuous learning and cultural awareness to support diverse professionals in thriving environments. Why Work for Us? At Proliance Consulting, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our consultants, which is reflected in our strong reputation and 5-star reviews on Google. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and vision coverage through Regence, with Proliance covering 50% of employee premiums and 25% for dependents. We also provide dental insurance through Delta Dental, a competitive 401(k) with matching options, and direct deposit for convenience. Our team members enjoy paid safe and sick time, paperless pay statements, and the opportunity to earn referral bonuses through our Employee Referral Program. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally—because when you thrive, we thrive. Proliance Consulting provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Proliance Consulting complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.