Lead Enterprise API & Platform Engineer

Location: New York, United States

Why Join Guardian Life?

At Guardian Life, we're more than an insurance company—we're a purpose-driven organization committed to protecting the well-being of American families, individuals, and businesses for over 160 years. As a mutual company, our decisions prioritize policyholders and employees, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Join our dynamic technology team in New York and play a pivotal role in transforming our enterprise platforms with cutting-edge API-first architecture and AI-native solutions. Enjoy a hybrid work environment, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive, inclusive workplace. Be part of a team that's modernizing insurance technology, driving digital transformation, and making a real impact on millions of lives.

Role Description

As Lead Enterprise API & Platform Engineer at Guardian Life, you will spearhead the design and delivery of enterprise technology platforms emphasizing API-first architecture, AI-native enablement, and modernization. You'll develop and execute core components of our API Hub Services, ensuring seamless alignment with Guardian's API-centric modernization strategy. Collaborating with principals and senior leaders, you'll drive enterprise business and technology alignment while guiding engineering teams to elevate practices and outcomes. We're seeking a results-oriented technical leader passionate about scalable solutions, new technologies, and exceptional developer experiences. If you thrive in self-driven environments with a focus on process, quality, and innovation, this role in New York is your opportunity to lead API engineering excellence at a Fortune 500 company.

Detailed Responsibilities

Lead API and Platform Strategy

Serve as the technical advisor for API standards, architecture patterns, orchestration, gateways, mediation, and observability platforms, driving cohesive design and scalable integration.

Modernize for AI Enablement

Design strategies, patterns, and reusable templates to modernize APIs and platforms for AI-native capabilities, including agent-to-agent communication and intelligent system integration.

Architect Scalable Platforms

Design and implement secure, cloud-native platforms using microservices, service mesh, and container orchestration, emphasizing API & Agent Gateway, monitoring, and observability.

Drive Lifecycle Governance

Innovate in API lifecycle management, governance, versioning, deprecation, migration strategies, and platform observability.

Collaborate on Enterprise Standards

Partner with enterprise architects and leaders to define standards, evaluate technologies, and publish roadmaps balancing short-term execution with long-term vision.

Mentor and Scale Engineering Excellence

Guide teams in best practices for API design, platform engineering, and AI integration, fostering innovation, operational excellence, and continuous learning.

Operationalize Tools and Platforms

Lead identification, evaluation, and adoption of platforms and tools supporting enterprise architecture, security, and scalability.

Influence Strategic Decisions

Partner with product managers and leaders on architectural decisions ensuring feasibility, scalability, and business alignment.

Track Emerging Trends

Monitor technologies and assess impacts on the tech stack, contributing to strategic planning and innovation.

Ensure Compliance and Best Practices

Enforce standards, design patterns, data privacy, and best practices across systems.

Required Skills

Deep proficiency in cloud-native architectures, microservices, event-driven systems, and MASA. Full-stack experience with Java, Python, .NET/C#, React, Node.js, TypeScript. Expertise in REST, GraphQL, gRPC, Domain-Driven Design, and Enterprise Integration Patterns. Hands-on with service mesh (Istio, AWS Lattice), Kubernetes, Docker, API Gateways (AWS), Apache Camel, Kafka, SQL/NoSQL databases, Terraform, Jenkins, GitHub CI/CD, OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, Grafana. Strong secure programming, cloud security, and compliance knowledge.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years in software development, architecture, and enterprise delivery.
• Proven track record in scalable API services and platform engineering.

Compensation Overview

Competitive base salary reflective of experience, plus performance bonuses, equity opportunities, and total rewards package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO and paid parental leave
• Professional development stipend and tuition reimbursement
• Hybrid work model in New York
• Wellness programs and employee assistance
• Volunteer time off and community involvement

Guardian Life is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Apply now to lead API platform innovation at Guardian!