Location: Brussels, Belgium (Hybrid: 2-3 days remote per week)
Type: Freelance Contract
Experience Level: Senior / Expert (10+ years of experience)
Languages: French or Dutch (Professional working proficiency, min. 3/4) OR English (Professional working proficiency, min. 3/4)
Passionate about tech, digital, and innovation? Join the 1,800 employees at Smile, the European leader in open-source integration, spread across 20 agencies in 9 countries.
Collaborative spirit and knowledge sharing are at the heart of our DNA. Our experts push the boundaries of open source every day to build a smarter, more efficient, and more responsible digital world. Here, we don't just follow trends, we create them! Join Smile in Brussels and take part in projects that truly matter!
On behalf of our client—a major player in their sector based in Brussels—we are looking for an outstanding Senior API Developer & Gateway Administrator on a freelance basis.
In this role, you will act as a key technical expert, driving the development, configuration, and secure deployment of critical API gateways. You will play a vital role in building modern, scalable, and highly secure integration architectures in a collaborative, Agile environment.
API Gateway Development & Configuration: Design, build, and deploy secure API Gateways, specializing in Axway (or equivalent enterprise suites like Apigee/WSO2).
API Design: Define and implement robust OpenAPI specifications, promoting modern SOA/REST architectural patterns.
API Security & Identity: Implement and enforce industry-standard security protocols, including OAuth2, JWT, PKI, and secure web services.
Vulnerability & Testing: Proactively manage API security posture utilizing tools like Snyk and conduct comprehensive web service testing.
Modern Lifecycle & Automation: Integrate your developments within public cloud infrastructures and CI/CD pipelines, utilizing Git for version control.
Agile Collaboration: Participate actively in Agile ceremonies, using Jira and Confluence for progress tracking and high-quality technical documentation.
Experience: Senior profile with 10+ years of hands-on experience in IT integration, with a strong focus on API gateway development and security.
Core Technical Expertise:
Solid experience with API Gateway platforms (specifically Axway, or alternatively Apigee or WSO2).
Mastery of API standards, SOA/REST architecture, and data formats (XML/JSON).
Strong command of API security frameworks and tools (JWT, OAuth2, PKI, Snyk).
Hands-on experience with Public Cloud environments, CI/CD automation pipelines, and Git.
Experience in automated web services testing.
Methodology: Proven experience working within an Agile framework utilizing Jira and Confluence.
Languages: Professional working proficiency (3/4) in either Dutch, French, or English.
Proximity Management: Our proximity management by peers fosters dialogue and the implementation of a tailored career path.
Continuous Growth: Because the digital sector is in constant motion, Smile is committed to making you an expert in your field, thanks to a comprehensive training offer: access to an e-learning platform, financing of certifications, and dedicated knowledge-sharing tools.
Vibrant Community: Your year will be animated by group and agency events: annual convention, participation in trade fairs, summer party, and both formal & informal afterworks.
First Contact: A phone call to discuss your aspirations and what we can offer you.
Meeting: An opportunity to get to know each other and explore your professional background.
Business Interview: A discussion with one of our experts to assess your skills and define your goals.
