Kong API Consultant - Manager - 68484001

About the role

As a KONG API Consultant, you will make an impact by leading the technical evaluation of KONG API Gateway as part of an enterprise API modernization initiative. You will be a valued member of the API and Integration Architecture team and work collaboratively with client architects, engineering teams, security teams, and platform stakeholders to assess feasibility, risks, and adoption readiness.

In this role, you will

• Lead a comprehensive feasibility assessment of KONG API Gateway (OSS and/or Enterprise) for API management and modernization initiatives.

• Analyze current-state architectures, including existing API gateways, integrations, security models, and deployment environments.

• Evaluate KONG's alignment with functional and non-functional requirements such as performance, scalability, security, governance, and observability.

• Assess integration patterns, plugin usage (native and custom), authentication mechanisms, and developer portal needs.

• Develop and present assessment findings, recommendations, architecture options, risks, and adoption considerations to technical and leadership teams.

What you need to have to be considered

• Strong hands-on experience with KONG API Gateway, including configuration, routing, plugins, and policies (Enterprise preferred).

• Deep understanding of API management, API-led connectivity, and integration architecture patterns.

• Hands-on experience implementing API security using OAuth2, JWT, and mutual TLS (mTLS).

• Experience with container platforms and DevOps pipelines, including Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD architectures.

• Proven ability to conduct architectural assessments and translate findings into clear, actionable technical recommendations.

These will help you stand out

• Experience with alternative API gateways such as Apigee, AWS API Gateway, or similar platforms for comparative assessments.

• Background in large-scale modernization or application migration programs.

• Experience with hybrid cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, or GCP environments.

• Familiarity with observability tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, and centralized logging platforms.

• Understanding of enterprise security, compliance, and governance requirements.

Work model: Hybrid

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3+ days per week onsite at the customer office in Waukegan, IL. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.

Additional Information

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits:

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer:

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.