Staff Solutions Engineer

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

📋 Description

• Assist field sales in demonstrating the benefits of Kong’s API and AI connectivity platform to customers.

• Engage in discovery discussions to comprehend customer needs and align them with Kong solutions, from initial product assessments to production.

• Facilitate proofs of concept during the evaluation phase, taking ownership of technical validation and stakeholder alignment.

• Ensure satisfaction for customers within assigned accounts.

• Collaborate with support, product, and engineering teams to advocate for customer requirements.

• Develop technical documentation for DevOps, implementations, and service engagements.

• Lead and assist in evaluations related to API Management and AI Governance, covering API/AI use cases, LLM traffic management, and governance needs.

• Showcase Kong’s capabilities in API and AI governance and agentic connectivity, including MCP governance, semantic caching, prompt guardrails, and shadow AI detection.

• Conduct API and AI-focused Technical Feasibility Workshops to assess Kong’s compatibility with modern and AI/agentic architectures.

• Own the technical strategy for complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise deals from qualification to closure.

• Mentor and train junior solutions engineers on technical competencies, discovery techniques, and deal strategies.

• Write technical blogs, host webinars, and represent the organization at industry events and conferences.

• Shape product direction by converting customer feedback and market insights into actionable input for the product team.

• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of experience in software engineering and/or solutions engineering within a SaaS, open source, or enterprise software environment.

• Demonstrated success in managing complex, enterprise-level deals involving multiple technical and executive stakeholders.

• Experience in mentoring or coaching other solutions engineers or technical team members.

• Proficient in Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud-native platforms.

• Familiarity with REST and GraphQL APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and API security protocols (OAuth2, OIDC, mTLS).

• Practical experience with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, or similar is essential.

• Working knowledge of AI/LLM architectures, including model routing, rate limiting, semantic caching, and prompt governance.

• Understanding of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and agentic AI methodologies.

• Strong grasp of cloud computing trends and open source business models.

• Excellent listening and communication skills, capable of leading discussions with engineers, architects, and executives confidently.

• Passion for thriving in a high-profile, fast-paced setting at the intersection of API and AI connectivity.

• Legally eligible to work in the country where this position is based.

🏝️ Benefits

• Equity

• Commission

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Professional development opportunities

• Professional development tools