Head of API Engineering, Platforms & Modernization (L9)Role Summary Guardian is transforming how we deliver digital and data-driven experiences. This role leads the strategy and execution of our enterprise API ecosystem-enabling secure, scalable, and reusable services that power customer, product, and AI capabilities across the organization.
You will modernize our API landscape, establish engineering standards, and lead teams delivering high-quality integration solutions across the enterprise.
You Will - Lead the design and delivery of scalable, reliable API platforms across the enterprise
- Establish and enforce API standards across security, performance, and lifecycle management
- Modernize legacy integrations into reusable, well-governed APIs
- Drive adoption and reuse of APIs across product and engineering teams
- Partner with architecture, cybersecurity, and platform teams to align on integration patterns
- Improve developer experience through tooling, automation, and self-service capabilities
- Build and lead high-performing engineering teams across platform and delivery
- Reduce duplication and improve efficiency across enterprise integrations
- Influence technology direction through strong cross-functional partnerships
You Have - Experience leading API, platform, or integration engineering in large-scale environments
- Strong expertise in API design, microservices, and modern integration patterns
- Proven ability to establish standards and drive adoption across teams
- Experience modernizing legacy systems into scalable services
- Strong understanding of security (authentication, authorization, zero-trust)
- Experience leading and developing engineering teams
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive enterprise outcomes
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in software engineering, API development, or platform engineering
- 5+ years of experience leading engineering teams and delivering at enterprise scale
- Proven experience designing and implementing API strategies and integration architectures
- Experience modernizing legacy systems into scalable, service-based architectures
- Strong understanding of API security, governance, and lifecycle management
- Experience operating in complex, cross-functional environments with multiple stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive enterprise-wide initiatives
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with cloud-native architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure)
- Familiarity with event-driven architectures and distributed systems
- Exposure to data and AI integration patterns
- Experience implementing developer platforms or API marketplaces
- Background in financial services or regulated industries
Success Measures - High platform reliability, performance, and developer experience
- Increased API adoption and reuse across teams
- Reduction in redundant integrations and services
- Strong compliance with security and engineering standards
- Improved delivery speed and predictability
- Reduction in API-related incidents
Salary Range:$178,690.00 - $293,560.00
The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
Our PromiseAt Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
Inspire Well-BeingAs part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.
