Azure DevOps Lead (Azure APIM & API Development) - Chicago, IL - Onsite

[Praveen Jayathi]

Title: Azure DevOps Lead (Azure APIM & API Development)

Location: Chicago, IL - Onsite

Type: Contract.

 Please share only Chicago local candidates.

Job Title: Azure DevOps Lead (Azure APIM & API Development)

Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite / Hybrid preferred)

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Azure DevOps Lead who can drive the setup, configuration, and management of the Azure API Management (APIM) platform, along with hands-on experience in API development and DevOps practices. This role requires strong technical leadership and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment to meet immediate delivery needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, setup, and implementation of Azure API Management (APIM) platform
• Define and implement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps
• Develop, publish, and manage APIs using Azure services
• Configure API gateways, policies, security, throttling, and monitoring in APIM
• Work closely with API consumers for onboarding, alignment, and support in consuming APIs
• Handle API endpoint updates, versioning, and lifecycle management
• Configure and manage authentication and authorization mechanisms (OAuth2, JWT, certificates, etc.)
• Collaborate with development teams to ensure best practices in API design and deployment
• Automate infrastructure provisioning using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) (Terraform)
• Ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of APIs
• Implement logging, monitoring, and alerting using Azure tools
• Integrate DevOps and API workflows with tools like ServiceNow, Jira, and Confluence
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the team
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in DevOps pipelines and API platforms

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of IT experience with strong DevOps background
• Hands-on expertise with Azure DevOps (Repos, Pipelines, Boards, Artifacts)
• Strong experience in Azure API Management (APIM) setup and configuration
• Experience in API development (RESTful APIs, Microservices architecture)
• Experience working with API consumers and managing API onboarding and changes
• Proficiency in scripting (PowerShell / Bash)
• Experience with CI/CD pipeline design and automation
• Knowledge of Azure services (App Services, Functions, Logic Apps, Key Vault, etc.)
• Experience in Infrastructure as Code (ARM, Bicep, Terraform)
• Strong understanding of API security (OAuth2, JWT, certificates)
• Experience with integration platforms and middleware technologies
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes is a plus)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in enterprise-scale environments
• Exposure to API governance and lifecycle management
• Experience integrating with enterprise tools like ServiceNow, Jira, and Confluence
• Azure certifications (e.g., AZ-400, AZ-204) preferred
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Experience with multi-region deployments
• Knowledge of DevSecOps practices
• Exposure to enterprise integration patterns and middleware architecture

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management
• Ability to work under tight timelines 
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills