Lead API/Platform Engineer

IDC is building the next generation of AI-powered intelligence platforms that transform how technology decisions get made. They are seeking a Senior API/Platform Engineer to lead the Channel & Integration Pod, responsible for making IDC's intelligence accessible through various platforms while being hands-on with coding.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a cross-functional pod of 4-8 engineers, setting technical direction while staying hands-on
• Design and build a stateless API gateway that enables external AI assistants to query IDC's intelligence platform
• Architect multi-platform channel adapters for email, Slack, and Teams delivery
• Build shared infrastructure: authentication, identity linking, rate limiting, thread mapping, and audit logging
• Define interfaces and contracts with adjacent teams (AI Orchestration, Search & Data Services)
• Write production code. This role is coding more than 50% of the time

Requirements:

• 7+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in API design, gateway architecture, and platform services
• Player-coach track record leading teams of 4-8 engineers while remaining a significant code contributor
• Strong background in API gateway design, protocol implementation, and integration platform development
• Experience building authentication systems (OAuth 2.0, OIDC)
• Hands-on experience with at least one of: MCP protocol, webhook architectures, email delivery infrastructure, Slack Bolt, or Teams Bot Framework
• Proficiency in Python
• Track record of standing up new teams from zero