Senior API Solutions Architect

540 is seeking a Senior API Solutions Architect to support a mission-critical technology modernization effort for the Department of War. You will lead the architecture and governance of 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 engineers, architects, cybersecurity teams, and mission stakeholders, you will define API strategy, technical standards, and governance processes using Apigee, Gravitee, and related technologies. You will guide technical delivery, lead architecture decisions, and establish reusable patterns that enable engineering teams to deliver secure, interoperable, and reliable services across distributed systems. Location : Arlington, VA Citizenship & Clearance Requirement : Per client requirements, candidates must be U.S. Citizens with an active DoW Secret (or higher) clearance Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered 540 Internal Thrive Level: Senior Solutions Architect WHY 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 IMPACT Lead the architecture and evolution of APIs, integration patterns, and technical standards supporting WDP Translate mission and technical requirements into scalable API architectures and implementation strategies Establish enterprise API governance across design, review, versioning, publishing, monitoring, and retirement Define standards and reusable patterns for RESTful APIs, OpenAPI specifications, JSON schemas, and data exchange Guide the configuration and operation of API gateways, policies, developer portals, and lifecycle processes using Apigee and Gravitee Establish versioning and change-management strategies that support backward compatibility and platform evolution Define security patterns for authentication, authorization, encryption, rate limiting, threat protection, and auditing Lead architecture reviews and ensure API designs align with DoW standards, security requirements, and mission objectives Establish API monitoring and operational standards covering performance, availability, reliability, adoption, and capacity Guide integration across cloud-native, microservices, event-driven, and service-oriented architectures Resolve complex API, gateway, interoperability, and cross-system architecture challenges Communicate architecture decisions, risks, and tradeoffs while mentoring engineers on API design and governance REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 9+ years of relevant API architecture, integration, or software engineering experience Experience leading the design and implementation of enterprise API architectures for large-scale distributed systems Advanced knowledge of RESTful API design, API lifecycle management, interface governance, and integration patterns Hands-on experience with Apigee, Gravitee, or comparable enterprise API management platforms Experience defining API gateway architecture and configuring policies, routing, rate limits, security controls, monitoring, and developer portals Experience developing API specifications using OpenAPI, Swagger, JSON Schema, or similar frameworks Experience establishing API governance, standards, and reusable patterns across multiple engineering teams Experience implementing versioning, backward compatibility, and change-management strategies Experience implementing OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, JWT, PKI, or similar authentication and authorization technologies Strong understanding of API security, zero trust principles, and secure software development practices Experience integrating APIs across cloud-native, microservices, event-driven, or service-oriented architectures Experience with cloud platforms, containerized applications, CI/CD, and automated testing Experience leading architecture reviews, mentoring engineers, and influencing technical direction Strong communication and documentation skills, including the ability to explain architecture decisions to technical and nontechnical audiences NICE TO HAVE Experience leading Apigee or Gravitee implementations, migrations, or modernization initiatives Experience supporting DoW, federal, Advana, or other enterprise data platforms Familiarity with DoW architecture frameworks, reference designs, and interoperability standards Experience automating API governance through linting, contract testing, and CI/CD validation Experience with asynchronous messaging, event-driven architectures, and streaming integration patterns Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, Istio, Linkerd, or other cloud-native and service mesh technologies Experience designing secure APIs for classified, regulated, or mission-critical environments Currently holds, or is willing to obtain within 30 days of employment, an approved certification such as SecurityX, CCSP, Cloud+, CSSLP, FITSP-D, GDSA, or GSEC BENEFITS & PERKS Flexible PTO + all Federal holidays off Health, dental and vision insurance plans Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 401k with employer match Company-sponsored life insurance, short- and long-term disability Professional development (training, certifications, conferences) Paid cloud developer accounts Referral bonuses HQ 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 tickets EQUAL 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.