Kong Inc., a leading developer of API and AI connectivity technologies, is building the infrastructure that powers the agentic era. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and startups alike, Kong's unified API and AI platform, Kong Konnect, enables organizations to secure, manage, accelerate, govern, and monetize the flow of intelligence across APIs and AI models. For more information, visit www.konghq.com.

About the Position

Introduction

Are you ready to unlock intelligence? We are seeking a Staff Solutions Architect to join the growing Professional Services team at Kong, a global leader in API and AI governance. In this role, you will lead and guide customers through their technical and innovation journey with Kong, ensuring maximum value from our products. You'll serve as a technical expert and advisor to enterprise customers, assisting with the architecture, implementation, and deployment of Kong technology for long-term success. The work is instrumental in driving adoption, customer satisfaction, and retention across various sectors including technology, banking/financial services, retail, industrial, and transportation.

Responsibilities

Help customers with API and AI governance lifecycle journeys. Engagements involve remote delivery, leading virtual and in-person technical workshops for customer architects, developers, security, and operations teams.
Design and create end-to-end solution architectures, address technical challenges, and provide hands-on technical implementation across the Kong platform.
Engage with customers on projects, guiding them through the installation and implementation of Kong solutions in their chosen environment (hyperscalers, hybrid, or on-prem).
Lead customer discussions, driving outcome-based professional services and providing technical thought leadership across the customer adoption journey.
Collaborate internally with product engineering, customer success, and account teams to ensure customers are maximizing their Kong investment.
Build reusable tools, author technical documentation, white papers, reference architectures, blogs, and design patterns based on customer experiences.

Requirements

8+ years in customer-facing technical roles (professional services/product support).
Hands-on experience with API gateways/integrations.
Understanding of the API governance lifecycle.
Experience building infrastructure with VMs or Kubernetes containers.
Knowledge of DevOps, Security, and Networking fundamentals.
Proficiency in Linux, Cloud, and Development tooling.
Kubernetes proficiency.
Experience with major cloud providers (GCP, AWS, Azure).
Prior experience in Open Source, API Management, Middleware, or SaaS software companies.
Software development experience in Java, Python, or Lua.
Strong desire and proven ability to solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication skills, able to concisely explain complex technical solutions.
Passion for technology.
Team-oriented and collaborative attitude.
Self-aware with strong communication skills.
Exceptional organizational and change management skills; ability to manage competing demands.
US Citizen who can support Government/Public Sector Customers.

Nice to Have

Application development experience.

Benefits

Impact of high growth and accelerated innovation using AI-enabled connectivity.
Opportunity for career growth and equity rewards in addition to strong cash compensation and great benefits.
Contribution to an outstanding collaborative culture of COURAGE.
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and develop your career, investing in future-proofing your skills as Kong powers AI connectivity for the world.
A culture that promotes personal growth and offers flexible career pathways.

About Company

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, please apply even if you don't meet every criterion listed. Kong seeks candidates who are particularly strong in a few areas and possess interest and capabilities in others.