Senior Systems Engineer - API Subject Matter Expert

Senior Systems Engineer – API Subject Matter ExpertLocation: Chantilly, VA 20151Clearance: Active TS/SCI with CI Poly (FS Poly may satisfy where accepted by the customer)Certifications: Required; Security+ CE at minimum where applicable, or other certification aligned to the assigned DoD 8140 work rolePosition SummaryThe SME Systems Engineer - API will design, integrate, deploy, and sustain secure API gateway and API management capabilities within a cloud-based enterprise environment. The role requires strong API architecture, security, software integration, cloud, containerization, testing, and troubleshooting expertise.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, configure, deploy, integrate, and sustain enterprise API gateway and API management capabilities in secure cloud environments.Engineer secure APIs and integration patterns using REST, GraphQL, event-driven architectures, and industry-standard protocols.Develop or support integration components using Java, Python, C#, and related technologies.Implement API security, authentication, authorization, policy enforcement, traffic management, and lifecycle governance.Integrate complex systems using APIs, message queues, streaming platforms, ETL pipelines, and cloud-native services.Troubleshoot gateway, application, network, security, and integration issues using logs and platform telemetry.Develop system test plans, validate interfaces and releases, and document architectures, configurations, and operating procedures.Work within Agile and DevSecOps practices while applying disciplined systems engineering and configuration management.Required Qualifications16+ years of relevant professional experience.Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline.Current DoD 8140 qualification/certification appropriate to the assigned DCWF work role and proficiency level. Acceptable examples for this position may include: CompTIA Security+ CE, ISC2 CISSP, ISC2 CCSP, ISC2 CSSLP, CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+), CompTIA CySA+. Final acceptability is subject to the current DoD 8140 Qualification Matrix and prime contractor/customer work-role requirements.Current and active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph. Mandatory at time of submission.Expertise working with Windows platforms and COTS applications in cloud environments.Strong understanding of API design principles, security best practices, and industry-standard protocols.Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C#.Experience with cloud-based technologies, including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.Familiarity with containerization (e.g., Docker) and orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).Excellent communication and collaboration skills.Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.Ability to work in an Agile development environment.Solid engineering rigor.Expert troubleshooting and solutioning skills, including investigating log files to client root-cause for challenges.Experience with Cloud architecture and system design.Demonstrated experience with system testing and validation.Strong documentation skills.Preferred QualificationsAdvanced STEM degree or role-relevant technical certifications.API-related certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, Azure API Management Certified).Experience with API management platforms (e.g., MuleSoft, Apigee).Broadcom API gateway technologies experience.Experience with service mesh technologies (e.g., Istio, Linkerd).Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).Experience with Cloud solution optimization.Experience with ServiceNow.Familiarity with customer system security requirements and processes.Other Cloud experience (Azure, Google, Oracle, IBM).Integration of virtualized applications and application streaming or layering techniques.Assist with leading and overseeing a total system perspective including technical understanding of relationships, dependencies and requirements of cloud services, infrastructure and security domains.Experience designing APIs such as REST or GraphQL and event-driven systems.Experience with API Gateways, catalogs.Experience integrating complex systems using APIs, message queues, streaming platforms, and ETL pipelines.Core CompetenciesAPI architecture and securitySystems integrationCloud-native engineeringTroubleshooting and observabilityAgile technical leadershipWork EnvironmentWork is performed in support of a secure U.S. Government program and may require on-site access to controlled facilities, customer systems, and classified environments. The successful candidate must maintain all required clearance, access, cybersecurity certification, and program eligibility requirements throughout the assignment.