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