API Solutions Architect

540 is seeking an API Solutions Architect to support a mission-critical technology modernization effort for the Department of War. You will design and govern secure, scalable APIs that enable internal platform components and external mission systems to exchange data while aligning with DoW policies, reference architectures, and enterprise integration standards.Working with software engineers, systems architects, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders, you will develop API specifications, governance processes, and reusable standards using Apigee, Gravitee, and related technologies. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex integration challenges and creating practical standards that help engineering teams deliver secure, interoperable, and reliable services.Location: Arlington, VACitizenship & Clearance Requirement: Per client requirements, candidates must be U.S. Citizens with an active DoW Secret (or higher) clearanceEducation Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered540 Internal Thrive Level: Solutions Architect II or IIIWHY 540?540 is a forward-thinking company that the government turns to in order to #getshitdone. We don't just talk about innovation – we deliver it. We break down barriers, build impactful technology, and solve mission-critical problems.HOW YOU'LL DRIVE IMPACTDesign and maintain the API architecture, standards, and integration patterns supporting WDPDesign, document, and publish RESTful APIs using OpenAPI, JSON Schema, and related standardsConfigure and manage APIs, policies, gateways, developer portals, and lifecycle processes using Apigee and GraviteeDevelop API governance processes covering design, review, versioning, publishing, monitoring, and retirementCreate reusable API patterns, templates, and reference implementations that promote consistency across engineering teamsDefine versioning and change-management strategies that support backward compatibility and platform evolutionDevelop API documentation, integration guides, and onboarding resources for developers and mission partnersCollaborate with engineers and stakeholders to ensure APIs meet functional, performance, scalability, and usability requirementsPartner with cybersecurity teams to implement authentication, authorization, encryption, rate limiting, threat protection, and other API security controlsMonitor API usage, performance, availability, and adoption through Apigee, Gravitee, or related observability toolsEnsure API designs align with DoW reference architectures, enterprise integration standards, and mission objectivesParticipate in architecture reviews and troubleshoot complex API integration, gateway, and interoperability issuesREQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE4+ years of relevant API architecture, integration, or software engineering experienceExperience designing and implementing APIs for enterprise-scale distributed systemsHands-on experience with Apigee, Gravitee, or a comparable API management platformStrong knowledge of RESTful API design, API lifecycle management, and interface governanceExperience developing API specifications using OpenAPI, Swagger, JSON Schema, or similar frameworksExperience configuring API gateways, policies, routing, rate limits, security controls, and monitoringExperience implementing API versioning, backward compatibility, and change-management strategiesExperience with authentication and authorization technologies such as OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, JWT, or PKIExperience integrating APIs across cloud-native, microservices, or service-oriented architecturesStrong understanding of API security and secure software development practicesExperience with cloud platforms and containerized applicationsAbility to analyze integration challenges and develop scalable, maintainable API solutionsStrong communication and documentation skills, including the ability to explain architecture decisions to technical and nontechnical audiencesNICE TO HAVEExperience administering or supporting Apigee and Gravitee in production environmentsExperience supporting DoW, federal, Advana, or other enterprise data platformsFamiliarity with DoW architecture frameworks, reference designs, and interoperability standardsExperience with event-driven architectures, asynchronous messaging, and related integration patternsExperience automating API governance through linting, contract testing, and CI/CD validationExperience with Kubernetes, Docker, service mesh technologies, or cloud-native architecturesFamiliarity with zero trust and secure API design in classified, regulated, or mission-critical environmentsCurrently holds, or is willing to obtain within 30 days of employment, an approved certification such as SecurityX, CCSP, Cloud+, CSSLP, FITSP-D, GDSA, or GSECBENEFITS & PERKSFlexible PTO + all Federal holidays offHealth, dental and vision insurance plansFlexible Spending Account (FSA)401k with employer matchCompany-sponsored life insurance, short- and long-term disability Professional development (training, certifications, conferences)Paid cloud developer accountsReferral bonusesHQ office perks (parking / metro reimbursement, nitro coffee & lunches) Annual social events (540 Week, hackathon, charity golf tournament, etc.)Access to 540's Washington Capitals & Nationals ticketsEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)540's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.