KONG API Architect

Required Skills

• KONG API
• AWS

The KONG Feasibility Assessment Consultant will lead the technical evaluation of KONG API Gateway as a potential platform for the client's API modernization initiative. This role involves assessing architectural fit, integration complexity, security alignment, operational readiness, and overall feasibility of adopting KONG within the client's ecosystem.

• Conduct a detailed feasibility study of KONG (OSS or Enterprise) for API management and gateway modernization.
• Analyze current-state architecture, including existing gateways, integrations, security models, and deployment environments.
• Evaluate compatibility of KONG with the client's technology stack (cloud/on prem, CI/CD, Dev Ops, monitoring, logging, etc.).
• Assess functional and non-functional requirements, including performance, scalability, security, governance, and observability.
• Identify integration patterns for upstream services, authentication providers, plugins, and developer portal needs.
• Review KONG plugins (native and custom) and determine suitability for required use cases.
• Estimate effort, timeline, and resource needs for a full KONG implementation or migration.
• Identify risks, gaps, and dependencies associated with adopting KONG.
• Prepare feasibility assessment documentation, including recommendations, architecture options, and decision criteria.
• Collaborate with client architects and SMEs to validate assumptions and align on technical direction.
• Present findings to technical and leadership teams.

• Strong experience with KONG API Gateway (Enterprise preferred), including configuration, plugins, routing, and policies.
• Deep understanding of API management and integration architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with API security (OAuth2, JWT, mTLS).
• Familiarity with Dev Ops pipelines, CI/CD, and container platforms (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and hybrid deployments.
• Knowledge of logging, monitoring, and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, etc.).
• Ability to conduct architectural assessments and produce clear technical recommendations.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder discussions and technical presentations.

• Experience with other API gateways (Apigee, AWS API Gateway, etc.) for comparison.
• Background in modernization or migration programs.
• Understanding of enterprise security and compliance requirements.