Senior Staff Forward Deployed Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Collaborate directly with enterprise clients to conceptualize, develop, and deploy Kong-based solutions across cloud, hybrid, and on-premise settings.

• Spearhead hands-on implementation initiatives for API gateways, AI gateways, service mesh, developer portals, and associated connectivity technologies.

• Create automation frameworks, migration tools, custom integrations, and reusable accelerators.

• Facilitate transitions from legacy API management systems to Kong.

• Engage with customer developers, platform teams, architects, security teams, and executives to address intricate technical and operational challenges.

• Produce production-quality code, scripts, plugins, CI/CD integrations, Kubernetes automation, and infrastructure tools.

• Partner with Kong Product and Engineering teams to shape roadmap priorities informed by customer insights and implementation experiences.

• Develop reusable best practices, technical assets, reference architectures, documentation, and design patterns.

• Assist with strategic customer initiatives related to AI connectivity, governance, platform modernization, and cloud-native transformation.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 8 years of experience in customer-facing engineering, platform engineering, professional services, site reliability engineering, or software engineering roles.

• Strong practical experience in software engineering and implementation.

• Familiarity with API gateways, API management, integrations, or distributed systems platforms.

• In-depth knowledge of Kubernetes and cloud-native infrastructure.

• Experience in developing automation frameworks, deployment tools, CI/CD pipelines, or migration tools.

• Proficient in Linux, networking, cloud infrastructure, and DevOps methodologies.

• Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP.

• Programming skills in Python, Go, Java, JavaScript, or Lua.

• Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and automation tools like Terraform, Helm, Ansible, or GitOps frameworks.

• Previous experience in API Management, Open Source, Middleware, SaaS, or Infrastructure software companies is strongly preferred.

• Capability to resolve complex technical issues with minimal supervision.

• Ability to navigate ambiguous, fast-paced enterprise environments.

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities with both technical and executive stakeholders.

• Strong skills in prioritization and execution.

• Enthusiasm for innovation, modern infrastructure, APIs, AI, and cloud-native technologies.

• Legally authorized to work in the country where the position will be based.

• LinkedIn URL is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equity.

• Bonus.

• Healthcare benefits.

• 401(k) plan.

• Short and long-term disability benefits.

• Basic life and AD&D insurance.

• Exposure to leading-edge cloud-native technologies, distributed systems, AI connectivity, automation frameworks, and large-scale enterprise architectures.

• Opportunity to impact Kong’s product direction and roadmap.

• Global opportunities for customer and professional growth.