API Platform Engineer

Turn a Monolith into a Platform Others Can Build On

Our long-term goal isn't just to modernise Softsure. It's to turn Softsure into a platform that other business units can build on. That means APIs. Lots of them. Consistent, documented, secure, versioned APIs that make integration easy rather than painful. We need someone who can define what "good" looks like and then make it happen.

About This Role

Softsure is moving to an API-first architecture as part of a broader modernisation effort. We're implementing Azure API Management, establishing OpenAPI standards, and building the developer portal that will make our APIs discoverable and usable. This role is about creating the API layer that enables the strangler fig migration and future integrations.

What You'll Do

• Define API design standards aligned with OpenAPI 3.1 that actually get followed

• Architect and manage Azure API Management (APIM) for all external and internal APIs

• Create a versioning strategy that lets us evolve APIs without breaking existing consumers

• Build API templates and code generators that make it easy to create consistent APIs

• Implement API security: OAuth 2.0, JWT validation, rate limiting, IP restrictions

• Set up contract testing so we catch breaking changes before they reach production

• Build and maintain the API documentation portal. If it's not documented, it doesn't exist

• Review every new API before it goes live. You're the quality gate

• Create mock services so frontend teams can develop against APIs that don't exist yet

• Define integration patterns for Group system connectivity

What You Bring

• You've built and maintained API platforms at scale. You know what separates a good API from a bad one

• 5+ years in API development or API platform roles

• Deep understanding of REST principles and pragmatic application of them

• Azure API Management experience (or similar gateway experience)

• You can write an OpenAPI spec from scratch and explain why every decision matters

• Strong security background: OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, JWT, API threat modelling

• C# and ASP.NET Core Web API proficiency

• Experience with API testing tools: Postman, Bruno, Newman, contract testing frameworks

Education

• Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Relevant certificates in cloud platforms, API management, or platform engineering (Azure preferred) will be advantageous.

• Equivalent practical experience building and maintaining production APIs and distributed systems will also be considered.

Nice to Have

• GraphQL or gRPC experience

• Event-driven API patterns (webhooks, AsyncAPI)

• Experience with Backstage or similar developer portals

• Insurance integration experience (ACORD standards awareness)

• You've evangelised API standards to resistant teams before

Why Join Us

• Define the API strategy for an entire platform, not just maintain existing endpoints

• Azure APIM with proper budget for the features we need

• Visible impact as APIs become the integration layer for the Group

• Work with a team that understands APIs are products, not afterthoughts

• Competitive salary and ownership of a critical platform capability

Location & Work Arrangement

This is an in-office role based in South Africa. We believe the collaboration and mentorship required for a transformation of this scale happens best when the team is together.

Education

• Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Relevant cloud, API, or platform engineering certifications (Azure preferred) will be advantageous.

• Equivalent practical experience building and maintaining production APIs and distributed systems will also be considered.