Sr. DevOps Engineer, KONG Platform

Job Description Job Title: Sr. DevOps Engineer, KONG Platform Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting Sr. DevOps Engineer, KONG Platform contract opportunity with our client located in Seattle, WA. Job Description: • We're looking for a Sr. DevOps Engineer, KONG specialist / APIM Platform, to be a key player on our team. • This role is for a true expert in KONG API Gateway, someone who can lead the charge in optimizing, configuring, and maintaining our platform for peak performance, reliability, and scalability. • You'll partner with Product Managers and other cross-functional teams to build flexible, secure, and resilient platform products that drive our company's success. Job Responsibilities • Platform Leadership: Take ownership of the APIM platform with a specialization in KONG, ensuring its performance, reliability, and scalability. • Product Roadmap: Shape and influence the APIM product roadmap, including standards, new capabilities, integrations, and self-service features. • API Security: Implement and manage robust API security policies using industry standards like OAuth, JWT, and rate limiting. • Custom Plugin Development: Design and build custom KONG plugins using Lua to meet specific business needs, such as advanced authentication and logging. • Observability: Implement custom logging, monitoring, and distributed tracing capabilities to provide end-to-end visibility. Utilize tools like Datadog for metrics, Splunk for logs, and OpenTelemetry for tracing. • CI/CD & Automation: Develop and implement our CI/CD pipelines using GitLab to automate deployments and streamline workflows. • Collaboration: Partner closely with cross-functional teams to define API requirements and standards. • Mentorship: Mentor and develop the skills of junior team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. Job Qualification: • 3-5 years of experience in APIM management with deep expertise in KONG. • Proven experience managing and optimizing API gateways, specifically for performance and reliability. • Experience with Kubernetes, Redis, and AWS infrastructure components that support the APIM platform. • Proficiency with observability tools, specifically the OpenTelemetry framework, with strong skills in Datadog and Splunk. • Experience with Lua scripting and a proven ability to write custom KONG plugins. • Expert-level knowledge of DevSecOps tools and processes, including Git, JFrog Artifactory, Jenkins, and HashiCorp products. • Ability to work effectively in an agile environment and communicate with all levels of the organization. Preferred Job Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent work experience). • Experience or desire to mentor other engineers. Job Details: • Job Type: Contract • Pay Rate: $65-$85/hr. • Location: Seattle, WA. Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO), and an administered 401k plan. About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.