Role Description We are seeking a Kong API Gateway Specialist to support the federal government in modernizing and securing enterprise APIs across mission-critical tax systems. The candidate will design, implement, and maintain Kong solutions that align with federal compliance mandates, enable developer experience, and support high-volume API traffic during filing season. Key Responsibilities - Design, configure, and maintain Kong API Gateway (Enterprise and OSS) for enterprise services. - Implement plugins for authentication, authorization, rate limiting, caching, logging, and transformation. - Integrate Kong with IAM and Zero Trust initiatives, including support for OAuth2, OpenID Connect, and mutual TLS. - Develop automation for Kong configurations using decK, Terraform, or Ansible. - Ensure compliance with federal security standards, FISMA, FedRAMP, and NIST 800-53 controls. - Monitor and optimize API performance using Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk dashboards. - Support DevOps pipelines for API deployment across test, staging, and production environments. - Collaborate with developers, system integrators, and operations staff to ensure seamless API delivery and support code freeze requirements. - Develop documentation, standard operating procedures, and training materials for the staff. Qualifications - 5+ years in API management, integration, or middleware, with 2+ years in Kong Gateway administration. - Experience in federal environments (IRS, Treasury, DHS, etc.) strongly preferred. - Hands-on expertise with Kong Enterprise, decK, hybrid and DB-less modes. - Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift). - Strong scripting skills (Python, Lua, Shell). - Familiarity with federal-scale observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Splunk). - Proven experience in secure API deployments and Zero Trust architecture. Requirements - Active security clearance (Mandatory). Candidates without an active security clearance will not be considered. - US Citizen (MUST). Education / Certifications - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field. Location - Remote (DMV Area preferred). Commitment to Diversity eTelligent Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nations origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, and any other characteristic provided in accordance with applicable, federal, state and local laws.

• Design and implement scalable backend systems using C# and .NET • Lead technical design for REST APIs and workflow-heavy services • Drive clean architecture and maintainable backend design across distributed microservices • Break down large workflows into reusable services and components • Review code, mentor engineers, and improve engineering standards • Ensure systems are resilient, transactional, and production-ready • Work closely with product managers and frontend engineers on API and workflow design

• Build and maintain backend APIs and services using C# and .NET • Work within a clean architecture and microservices-based ecosystem using UseCases, repositories, and domain entities • Design and implement backend workflows and REST APIs • Write maintainable, testable, and production-ready code • Participate in code reviews and technical discussions • Work with SQL databases, Entity Framework, and transactional workflows • Collaborate with frontend engineers on multi-step workflows and API contracts

• Develop, evolve and maintain applications using PHP, Node.js and React. • Work on full-stack solutions, connecting backend, frontend, integrations and business rules. • Participate in technical and functional refinement sessions with the team. • Investigate issues autonomously, even in scenarios with incomplete information. • Propose technical, architectural and productivity improvements. • Use AI tools, especially Claude, to support development, code analysis, documentation and problem solving. • Support the team in delivering solutions with quality, speed and product-oriented thinking. • Collaborate with Tech Leads, Engineering, Product and business areas.