Principal API Developer

Title: Principal API Developer Location: The resource may sit in either Charlotte or Detroit. This is a hybrid position (3 days/week in office) Interview Process: Phone/zoom screen followed by a Zoom technical interview and in-person interview We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal API Developer to lead our API development team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of API design and architecture, strong leadership skills, and a passion for creating scalable and efficient solutions. As a Principal API Developer, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our API strategy, ensuring seamless integration and communication between various software systems. Key Responsibilities: • Lead the design, development, and deployment of high-quality APIs that meet business requirements and technical standards. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, architects, and developers, to define API specifications and requirements. • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the API development team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. • Ensure APIs are secure, scalable, and maintainable, adhering to best practices and industry standards. • Monitor and optimize API performance, implementing improvements as necessary. • Stay up to date with emerging technologies and trends in API development, incorporating relevant advancements into our strategy. • Drive the adoption of API-first principles across the organization. • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to API integration and functionality. • Document API designs, processes, and usage guidelines for internal and external stakeholders. Required Skills: • Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. • Proven experience as an API Developer, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role. • Strong proficiency in API design and development using REST, GraphQL, or similar technologies. • Expertise in programming languages such as Node.js, TypeScript or similar. • Experience with API management platforms and tools (e.g., Kong, Apigee, AWS API Gateway, etc.). • Solid understanding of security protocols and best practices in API development. • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. • Experience with cloud services and infrastructure (e.g., Terraform, AWS, GitLab, Apigee) is a plus. Soft Skills: • Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide teams, set clear goals, and motivate team members to achieve them • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate effectively with team members • Time Management: Efficiently managing time and resources to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results Hard Skills: • Proficiency in multiple programing languages such as NodeJS and Typescript • System Architecture: Ability to design, implement, and understand complex software architectures and systems • DevOps/Cloud Computing: Understanding or ability to use tools and platforms such as Terraform, CI/CD pipelines, automation, Kong, AWS, and APIGEE