Integration & API Architect

Level: Senior/PrincipalDepartment: Enterprise ArchitectureReports To: Director, Enterprise ArchitectureRole PurposeDefine enterprise integration and API standards, create reusable integration patterns and templates, and establish the frameworks that enable consistent, scalable system connectivity across the organization. This role focuses on creating enterprise-wide patterns and standards rather than designing individual integrations.What Makes This Role UniquePattern creator, not implementer: You'll design the integration blueprints that others use, not build individual integrationsEnterprise-wide impact: Your patterns will shape how the entire organization connects systemsStrategic influence: Drive integration strategy and modernization across the technology portfolioCollaborative model: Work closely with App Dev, Data Platform, Infrastructure, and InfoSec teams as partnersKey ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Standards & Patterns (45%)Develop enterprise API design standards (REST, GraphQL, gRPC style guides, naming conventions, versioning strategy)Create integration pattern library (synchronous/async, event-driven, batch, hybrid) as reusable templatesDefine API lifecycle management framework (design, publish, version, deprecate, retire)Establish service mesh and microservices communication standardsDocument integration reference architectures with selection criteria and decision treesCreate API gateway patterns and standards for enterprise useDefine event-driven architecture blueprints and event schema standardsFrameworks & Templates (30%)Build integration templates for common use cases (system-to-system, app-to-API, event streaming)Define API contract templates (OpenAPI, AsyncAPI specifications)Create integration testing framework and standardsEstablish integration error handling and retry patternsDocument integration NFRs (latency, throughput, availability by pattern type)Roadmap & Strategy (15%)Develop enterprise integration modernization roadmapRationalize integration platforms (consolidation opportunities)Define event streaming platform strategyAssess integration technology trends and recommendationsEnablement & Governance (10%)Train solution architects on integration patterns and templatesReview solution architectures for integration pattern complianceMaintain integration pattern catalog and documentationParticipate in architecture governanceRequired QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fieldExperience:10+ years in enterprise architecture, integration architecture, or API development5+ years creating enterprise standards, patterns, and frameworksProven track record designing integration solutions across multiple platforms and technologiesExperience with API management platforms and event streaming platformsExperience establishing API governance and lifecycle management processesCertifications (Preferred):TOGAF certificationCloud architecture certification (AWS/Azure/GCP)API management platform certification (Apigee, MuleSoft, Kong, or similar)Required Technical SkillsSkill CategoryRequired SkillsProficiency LevelAPI StandardsAPI design principles, REST, GraphQL, gRPCExpertAPI StandardsAPI governance and lifecycle managementExpertAPI StandardsOpenAPI/AsyncAPI specificationExpertIntegration PatternsEnterprise integration patterns (sync/async, event-driven, batch)ExpertIntegration PatternsEvent-driven architectureExpertIntegration PatternsService mesh patternsAdvancedPlatform KnowledgeAPI management platforms (Apigee, MuleSoft, Kong, AWS API Gateway)AdvancedPlatform KnowledgeEvent streaming platforms (Kafka, Pulsar, AWS Kinesis, Azure Event Hubs)AdvancedPlatform KnowledgeIntegration platforms (MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, Informatica)IntermediateStandards DevelopmentEnterprise standards creationExpertPattern CreationTemplate and framework developmentExpertPreferred QualificationsExperience in healthcare, financial services, or highly regulated industriesExperience with microservices architectures at enterprise scaleTrack record of successful integration platform modernization initiativesExperience facilitating architecture reviews and governance processesSuccess Metrics (First 12 Months)Publish 10-15 integration patterns in pattern catalogAchieve 70%+ API standard adoption rate across new projectsDeliver 4+ pattern training sessions to solution architectsEstablish API lifecycle management process with 80%+ complianceContribute to 50+ architecture reviews with integration pattern guidanceWhat You'll DeliverEnterprise API design standards and style guideIntegration pattern catalog with templatesEvent-driven architecture frameworkAPI lifecycle management processIntegration NFR standardsIntegration reference architecturesWorking RelationshipsKey Partnerships:Solution architects (enable with patterns)Data Platform Enablement team (integration with data flows)Infrastructure team (API gateway infrastructure)InfoSec team (API security patterns)Governance Participation:Architecture Review Board (bi-weekly)Pattern Review Sessions (bi-weekly)Cross-Domain Architecture Sync (monthly)Company Culture & ValuesOur Enterprise Architecture team operates on principles of collaboration, excellence, and innovation:Pattern-first mindset: We create reusable blueprints that enable consistency and qualityPartnership model: We work alongside operational teams (App Dev, Data Platform, Infrastructure, InfoSec) as strategic partnersContinuous improvement: Patterns evolve based on feedback from implementationEnablement focus: Success means solution architects effectively apply our patternsExecutive backing: Strong leadership support for architecture governance and standards