Kong API Gateway Specialist

Company Overview:

Over the past 15 years, eTel has delivered essential solutions for the federal government by securing and managing data, providing scalable identity access, modernizing legacy systems, and building high-performance platforms. By integrating new technologies and ensuring reliable operations we help agencies stay prepared for future challenges As a premier technology solutions and services company to the US federal government, eTel possesses longstanding relationships across the federal civilian marketplace. Other customers include the broader Treasury Department, Commerce Department, and State Department.

eTel offers integrated CMMI Level 3 processes, tools, and techniques with innovative, cost-efficient, and secure solutions to address complex challenges. eTel also holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certifications, and offers dedicated subject matter experts (SMEs) and thought leaders that possess a deep understanding of customers’ environments and challenges.

Security Clearance: Active security clearance (Mandatory). Candidates without an active security clearance will not be considered.

Citizenship: US Citizen (MUST)

Position Summary:

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.

Required 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.

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.