Senior API Engineer; Python​/AWS

Job Overview

Senior API Engineer (Python / AWS) – A key member of the Data Modernization & Integration organization responsible for designing, building, securing, and operating high‑quality, cloud‑native REST APIs that power LPL’s core business platforms and integrations.

• Design, develop, and maintain Python‑based REST APIs that support business‑critical workflows.
• Build APIs using AWS Lambda and Amazon API Gateway following API‑first and REST best practices.
• Write clean, testable, and well‑documented Python code suitable for enterprise production environments.
• Optimize API performance, reliability, scalability, and error handling; ensure proper API versioning and contract stability.
• Implement secure authentication and authorization mechanisms such as OAuth2, JWT, and IAM‑based access.
• Enforce API security controls including request validation, throttling, rate limiting, and auditing.
• Provision and manage AWS infrastructure using Terraform; create reusable Terraform modules for API Gateway, Lambda, IAM roles and policies, and logging.
• Maintain CI/CD pipelines for build, test, and deployment of Python APIs; support automated testing, packaging, versioning, and release management.
• Implement observability through logging, metrics, alerts, and tracing.
• Participate in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and production support activities.
• Collaborate closely with application teams, platform engineering, cloud, and security teams to align API design and implementation with enterprise architectural standards.
• Actively contribute to code reviews, design discussions, and technical documentation; promote best practices and a culture of engineering excellence.
• Influence API engineering standards, patterns, and best practices across the organization; contribute to architectural reviews and modernization efforts.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in software engineering, API engineering, or cloud application development.
• Hands‑on experience with Python backend and API development.
• Deep understanding of REST API design and implementation.
• Proficiency with AWS Lambda and Amazon API Gateway.
• Experience writing Infrastructure as Code with Terraform.
• Experience building and operating APIs in large‑scale, production environments.
• Knowledge of CI/CD, Git‑based workflows, automated testing, and on‑call support.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Strong understanding of authentication, authorization, and secure API design.
• Experience with OAuth providers and identity platforms; familiarity with AWS SAM or Serverless Framework is a plus.
• Exposure to event‑driven architectures (Event Bridge, SNS/SQS) and observability tools (Cloud Watch, Open Telemetry, Datadog, Dynatrace).
• Experience operating APIs in regulated or enterprise environments, particularly financial services.

• API Design Mindset – builds clean, consistent, and consumer‑friendly APIs.
• Builder Mindset – emphasizes automation, reuse, and simplicity.
• Systems Thinking – understands how APIs integrate with distributed systems.
• Collaboration – works effectively across engineering, security, and platform teams.
• Ownership & Accountability – takes responsibility for design, delivery, and reliability.

Competitive base salary $ – $ with a comprehensive total rewards package including 401K matching, health benefits, employee stock options, paid time off, volunteer time off, and more.

LPL Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer.