API Expert / Gateway Administrator

Location: Brussels, Belgium (Hybrid: 2-3 days remote per week)

Type: Freelance Contract

Languages: French or Dutch (Professional working proficiency, min. 3/4) OR English (Professional working proficiency, min. 3/4)

About Smile 🌟

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! 🏆

The Opportunity

On behalf of one of our key clients based in Brussels, we are looking for a highly skilled Senior API Expert / Gateway Administrator on a freelance basis. In this role, you will be the cornerstone of our API infrastructure, driving the configuration, deployment, and security of modern API gateways. You will collaborate closely with development and infrastructure teams to ensure seamless, secure, and high-performing integrations.

Your Responsibilities

• API Gateway Management: Lead the configuration, deployment, and development of robust API Gateways.

• Standards & Design: Define and implement OpenAPI specifications, ensuring compliance with modern SOA/REST architecture principles.

• Security & Compliance: Enforce top-tier security standards, including JWT, OAuth2, SOAP security, PKI, and vulnerability scanning (e.g., Snyk).

• Data Transformation: Manage complex XML/JSON payload transformations and ensure efficient data routing.

• CI/CD & Automation: Integrate API deployment pipelines into CI/CD workflows using Git and automation tools.

• Collaboration: Work within an Agile environment, utilizing Jira and Confluence for documentation, tracking, and knowledge sharing.

Your Profile

• Experience: A solid track record of 10+ years in IT, with a strong specialization in API management and gateway administration.

• Core Technology Expertise: * Deep hands-on experience with API Gateway suites such as Axway, Apigee, or WSO2.

  • Strong mastery of API standards, web services, and security protocols (OAuth2, JWT, PKI, SOAP).

  • Proficiency in modern security tooling (e.g., Snyk).

  • Solid understanding of Public Cloud environments and infrastructure.

• Methodology & Tools: Proven experience with CI/CD pipelines, version control (Git), and collaboration tools (Jira/Confluence).

• Communication: Excellent communication skills with the ability to work in a multilingual environment (English, French, or Dutch).

Why Smile? 😊

• Peer-to-Peer Management: Our proximity management by peers fosters dialogue and the implementation of a tailored professional path.

• Continuous Learning: Because the digital sector is in constant motion, Smile is committed to supporting your expertise. You will have access to our e-learning platform, financing for 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.

The Next Steps 🚀

1. First Contact: A quick phone call to discuss your aspirations, the mission details, and what we can offer you.

2. Meeting: An opportunity to get to know each other and explore your professional background.

3. Business Interview: A deep-dive discussion with one of our technical experts to assess your skills and align on your goals.