Lead API/Platform Engineer at IDC in Remote, CA

Overview

About the Role & Team

IDC is building the next generation of AI-powered intelligence platforms that transform how technology decisions get made. Our platform re-imagines the way decision-makers discover and interact with trusted research and data, and is foundational to IDC's future.

We are looking for a Lead API/Platform Engineer to serve as the player-coach dev lead for the new Channel & Integration Pod. This pod is responsible for making IDC's intelligence accessible wherever users already work: through AI assistant protocols, email, Slack, and Teams. You will be the first hire and will set the technical direction for the team.

This is a leadership role where you code more than 50% of the time. You will design the API gateway that connects external AI assistants to IDC's intelligence, architect the channel adapters that deliver responses through multiple platforms, and build the shared infrastructure that ties it all together. You will grow the pod to 4-8 engineers and set the standards they build on.

What You’ll Do

• 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

What You Bring

• 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

Why This Role Stands Out At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

What We Offer

• 15 vacation days per year (increases with tenure; carryover allowed)
• 10 paid sick days per year
• 1 week paid new parenting leave
• Flexible work options (remote, part-time, flexible hours)
• Health, dental, vision, and paramedical coverage for you and your family
• Annual healthcare spending account
• Employee Assistance Program for counseling and support
• Best Doctors medical second opinions
• Life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match (up to 4% of salary)
• $75/month technology allowance for home office or phone expenses
• Company-paid cell phone plan

Compensation Transparency

At IDC, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. Employees are compensated equitably for their work, aligned with their skills and experience. Salary and incentive structures are determined through a rigorous process that considers experience, education, certifications, role-specific requirements, internal equity, and verified Canada market data from an independent third-party partner.The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between 125,000 CAD – 185,000 CAD, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify. #LI-JF1#LI-Remote