IBM DataPower & API) Integration Lead/Architect - Cloud & Middleware

We are looking for a seasoned API Integration Lead/Architect with extensive experience in enterprise integration, API platform management, and cloud-native solutions. The successful candidate will have a strong background in IBM integration tools (such as IBM API Connect, DataPower, and related middleware), as well as cloud and container ecosystems. This person will play a dual role as a hands-on developer and technical lead, driving high-quality integration and API solutions across the full lifecycle., Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-grade APIs and integration services using IBM integration suite (API Connect, DataPower, MQ, etc.).

• Architect API solutions in cloud and container environments (AWS, Kubernetes).
• Lead all stages-from requirements gathering, solution design, development, to deployment and ongoing support.
• Define and enforce API and integration best practices, including versioning, governance, and security protocols (OAuth2.0, JWT, etc.).
• Mentor and provide hands-on leadership to other developers and integration engineers.
• Collaborate with business partners, architects, and cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, efficient, and secure integration solutions.
• Participate in DevOps/CI-CD pipelines for automated deployment and quality assurance.
• Support production systems, troubleshoot incidents, and optimize API/integration performance.
• Maintain documentation and contribute to standards and reusable assets for the API platform., Condenses duplicate qualification listings.
• Broadens some technology requirements (to include "equivalent" tools).
• Provides more concise and action-oriented bullet points for responsibilities.
• Shifts from "Developer" to "Architect" to open up the seniority and focus to include both hands-on work and higher-level design/vision.

10+ years' experience in integration architecture, API development, or middleware engineering.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with IBM API Connect and DataPower (or equivalent API gateway/middleware technologies).
• Strong background working with AWS and Kubernetes for cloud-based integration patterns.
• Fluent in REST, SOAP, JSON, XML, and experience implementing reusable APIs.
• Proficient in API security standards (OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, JWT, TLS).
• Track record of technical leadership and effective team collaboration.
• Experience converting business requirements into robust, scalable integration solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with IBM App Connect Enterprise (ACE), IBM MQ, ITX, Red Hat OpenShift.
• Knowledge of CI/CD automation, DevOps culture, and modern software delivery practices.
• Experience designing and running microservices architectures.
• Prior exposure to large enterprise integration projects or regulated industries (finance, healthcare, etc.).
• Relevant IBM or cloud certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Solution Developer, AWS Certified)., Explicitly mentions experience in regulated or enterprise environments as an added value.
• Mentions certification as a preferred qualification, not required.
• Adopts a slightly less "IBM-only" stance to attract talent from similar environments.