Hire the Top 3% of Freelance Integration Developers
Toptal is a marketplace for top Integration developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. Top companies and startups choose Toptal Integration freelancers for their mission-critical software projects.
Abilio is a software engineer leader with solid education and experience developing scalable web apps and secure infrastructure software. He has worked at IBM as an engineering manager, creating and delivering solutions for over 77 million people in Brazil. Abilio is currently at Anjuna Security in California, pioneering the field of zero-trust security with confidential computing.
Nag is a seasoned digital transformation, SAP, cloud, and techno-functional expert with 24+ years of experience across SAP business technologies. Specializing in SAP S/4 HANA and SAP supply chain management (SCM) software, he has a proven track record in delivering successful projects to well-known clients. Nag worked across multiple industries like pharmaceuticals, distribution, consumer goods, automotive, semiconductors, aerospace, high-tech, retail, distribution, oil and gas, and services.
Nirmala is a nine-time certified Salesforce application architect and integration architect with 11 years of experience in Salesforce applications development as an architect or lead developer for Salesforce projects. She has worked extensively on Salesforce development, customization and integration, Salesforce Lightning Platform, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Community Cloud, Pardot, Marketing Cloud, Financial Services Cloud, and nCino.
Senthil is a senior MuleSoft Certified Architect and Developer and a Certified Workato Consultant with 18+ years of experience in the development field. He's been working with MuleSoft solutions for 7+ years, excelling in enterprise-level integration projects using the Anypoint Platform, including customer- and MuleSoft-hosted runtimes in the CloudHub. Senthil is also experient in delivering robust apps that leverage his experience in Java-related stacks like Spring and Hibernate.
Stuart is a certified Azure developer and architect with 20+ years of experience. In recent years, he has specialized in enterprise integration and back-end projects, tackling problems of big data, scale, performance, and observability. He is passionate about mentoring, training, and technical writing, ensuring knowledge is transferred to developers and users when a project is completed. Stuart is currently ranked inside the top 0.2% of Stack Overflow.
Hamdi is an IT enthusiast with several years of experience in the integration field, mainly supporting people and processes migrating into the API world. An expert in implementing API-led connectivity and using MuleSoft, Hamdi provides best practices and knowledge training. He is a good listener, open to any suggestions, and can work well with others or entirely independently if needed.
Kyrylo has experience in business intelligence (BI), data analytics, and machine learning projects for Magento merchants. He is the author of an extension for the integration of Magento with Power BI who prefers data-related projects and offers Power BI reports and dashboards development services, such as BI reporting, forecasting, and embedded analytics. Kyrylo has a background in business management and statistics to support companies in data analytics and KPI development.
Anna is an experienced back-end engineer with over five years experience in top IT companies and a BBA in computer science from the American University of Armenia. She has extensive experience creating and maintaining RESTful microservice applications using Node.js and Nest.js and databases with mobile and web payment systems integration. Anna has developed applications that have served over 150 million monthly active users.
Mayur is a skilled senior software engineer with Java, Spring, Python, and microservices expertise. Known for managing AWS and GCP infrastructure, he builds high-performance applications for fintech, handling thousands of users with WebSockets and Java multithreading. Mayur strengthens IAM systems with LDAP, SSO, and JWT and smoothly migrates databases with Flyway. His proactive problem-solving and streamlined integrations make him an immediate asset to any team, delivering value from day one.
Santosh is an enterprise application integration specialist (EAI) with 14 years of experience designing and implementing integration solutions. He is an expert across the MuleSoft Anypoint Platform (3x MuleSoft Certified), in the Software AG Product Suite (5x SoftwareAG Certified), and in implementing integration solutions for ESB, API, EDA, B2B, and business process management. He has worked with renowned clients on multi-million dollar insurance, supply chain, and logistics projects.
With 20 years of hands-on experience in software development and integration, Eduardo has taken on roles ranging from software solutions architect to technical project and account manager. He has 15+ certifications, mainly in Microsoft technologies (Azure), as well as Java and SQL. Eduardo is a seasoned software engineer with a deep knowledge of the main cloud providers' capabilities, implementing system integrations using REST APIs and creating solutions while keeping the big picture in mind.
Integration developers are crucial for maintaining and optimizing the flow of data through the systems and services that power businesses. But with the demand for information systems specialists on the rise, it’s challenging to find the right integration developers to meet your needs. This hiring guide provides the information to help you make an informed decision when screening candidates.
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Testimonials
Tripcents wouldn't exist without Toptal. Toptal Projects enabled us to rapidly develop our foundation with a product manager, lead developer, and senior designer. In just over 60 days we went from concept to Alpha. The speed, knowledge, expertise, and flexibility is second to none. The Toptal team were as part of Tripcents as any in-house team member of Tripcents. They contributed and took ownership of the development just like everyone else. We will continue to use Toptal. As a startup, they are our secret weapon.
Brantley Pace
CEO & Co-Founder
I am more than pleased with our experience with Toptal. The professional I got to work with was on the phone with me within a couple of hours. I knew after discussing my project with him that he was the candidate I wanted. I hired him immediately and he wasted no time in getting to my project, even going the extra mile by adding some great design elements that enhanced our overall look.
Paul Fenley
Director
The developers I was paired with were incredible -- smart, driven, and responsive. It used to be hard to find quality engineers and consultants. Now it isn't.
Ryan Rockefeller
CEO
Toptal understood our project needs immediately. We were matched with an exceptional freelancer from Argentina who, from Day 1, immersed himself in our industry, blended seamlessly with our team, understood our vision, and produced top-notch results. Toptal makes connecting with superior developers and programmers very easy.
Jason Kulik
Co-founder
As a small company with limited resources we can't afford to make expensive mistakes. Toptal provided us with an experienced programmer who was able to hit the ground running and begin contributing immediately. It has been a great experience and one we'd repeat again in a heartbeat.
Stuart Pocknee
Principal
How to Hire Integration Developers Through Toptal
1
Talk to One of Our Client Advisors
A Toptal client advisor will work with you to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics.
2
Work With Hand-selected Talent
Within days, we'll introduce you to the right Integration developer for your project. Average time to match is under 24 hours.
3
The Right Fit, Guaranteed
Work with your new Integration developer for a trial period (pay only if satisfied), ensuring they're the right fit before starting the engagement.
Capabilities of Integration Developers
Integration developers are crucial in connecting software systems for seamless operation. Toptal integration developers specialize in building APIs, managing data flows, and utilizing middleware to create interoperable systems that ensure efficient data exchange and business processes.
Integration Solutions
Integration solutions connect disparate software systems and enable seamless workflows and data exchange. Our integration developers design and implement solutions that streamline platform interactions to ensure interoperability.
Building and Managing APIs
APIs enable seamless and reliable communication between diverse software systems. Toptal developers design, deploy, and maintain robust APIs that facilitate secure data sharing and application integration.
Data Transformation and Mapping
Data transformation and mapping ensure compatibility between different data formats and structures. Toptal developers manage this process to guarantee accurate information flow across integrated systems.
Middleware Solutions
Facilitate communication between otherwise incompatible systems with middleware solutions. Toptal’s developers configure middleware to streamline integration and enhance connectivity.
Real-Time Data Integration
Our developers enable instant data transfer and cross-platform synchronization with real-time data integration. They implement solutions that support immediate data updates and enhance responsiveness and accuracy.
Troubleshooting Integration Issues
For integration to be effective, proactive problem-solving is needed to avoid disruptions. Toptal developers maintain seamless operations between connected systems by quickly identifying and resolving integration issues.
Documenting Integration Processes
Nuanced documentation of workflows, API specifications, and data flows ensures effortless maintenance. Let Toptal developers ensure consistent, clear references by creating comprehensive documentation for your future projects.
Optimizing System Performance
Our developers optimize integration processes to reduce latency and enhance data exchange. They analyze and refine integrations to boost system efficiency and performance.
Data Security in Integrations
Secure integration is critical for protecting sensitive information. Toptal developers implement data encryption and secure authentication to safeguard data during system transfer.
Collaborating with Cross-Functional Teams
Successful integration requires alignment between IT, engineering, and broader business teams. Our developers deliver effective integration solutions by collaborating cross-functionally and ensuring alignment across teams.
Find Experts With Related Skills
Access a vast pool of skilled developers in our talent network and hire the top 3% within just 48 hours.
How much does it cost to hire an Integration developer?
The cost associated with hiring an Integration developer depends on various factors, including preferred talent location, complexity and size of the project you’re hiring for, seniority, engagement commitment (hourly, part-time, or full-time), and more. In the US, for example, Glassdoor’s reported average total annual pay for Integration developers is $123,000 as of November 2024. With Toptal, you can speak with an expert talent matcher who will help you understand the cost of talent with the right skills and seniority level for your needs. To get started, schedule a call with us — it’s free, and there’s no obligation to hire with Toptal.
When should I hire an Integration developer?
By the time an organization is feeling the pains associated with not having an integration developer on the team, chances are there are already many opportunities for optimizations throughout existing systems. The more data-intensive the project is, the sooner you’ll want to hire developers to help efficiently manage that data. As a company grows and scales, this role becomes critical in ensuring that the software systems that power the organization will be able to scale with it.
What do I need to look for when I choose an Integration engineer online?
When assessing potential candidates to hire, review the programming languages and frameworks they have the most experience with to make sure that their skills align with your organization’s tech stack. Look for a portfolio showcasing relevant prior work for companies in your industry. When available, thoroughly comb through any reviews or testimonials to get a sense of the developer’s professionalism and problem-solving abilities.
How do I hire an Integration developer?
To hire the right Integration developer, it’s important to evaluate a candidate’s experience, technical skills, and communication skills. You’ll also want to consider the fit with your particular industry, company, and project. Toptal’s rigorous screening process ensures that every member of our network has excellent experience and skills, and our team will match you with the perfect Integration developers for your project.
How are Toptal Integration developers different?
At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our Integration developers to ensure we only match you with the highest caliber of talent. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut.
In addition to screening for industry-leading expertise, we also assess candidates’ language and interpersonal skills to ensure that you have a smooth working relationship.
When you hire with Toptal, you’ll always work with world-class, custom-matched Integration developers ready to help you achieve your goals.
How quickly can you hire with Toptal?
Typically, you can hire an Integration developer with Toptal in about 48 hours. For larger teams of talent or Managed Delivery, timelines may vary. Our talent matchers are highly skilled in the same fields they’re matching in—they’re not recruiters or HR reps. They’ll work with you to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics, and match you with ideal candidates from our vetted global talent network.
Once you select your Integration developer, you’ll have a no-risk trial period to ensure they’re the perfect fit. Our matching process has a 98% trial-to-hire rate, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best fit every time.
Can you hire Integration developers on an hourly basis or for project-based tasks?
You can hire Integration developers on an hourly, part-time, or full-time basis. Toptal can also manage the entire project from end-to-end with our Managed Delivery offering. Whether you hire an expert for a full- or part-time position, you’ll have the control and flexibility to scale your team up or down as your needs evolve. Our Integration developers can fully integrate into your existing team for a seamless working experience.
What is the no-risk trial period for Toptal Integration developers?
We make sure that each engagement between you and your Integration developer begins with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to confirm the engagement will be successful. If you’re completely satisfied with the results, we’ll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you’d like. If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be billed. From there, we can either part ways, or we can provide you with another expert who may be a better fit and with whom we will begin a second, no-risk trial.
Than is a full-stack developer with extensive experience implementing web and database applications. He has created MVPs and designed databases while working with various technologies, specializing in SQL, Angular, and React. As a senior developer leading an engineering team, Than developed a project management web app for the Archetype Group, one of the largest private construction consultancies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Demand for Integration Developers Outpaces the Market
Integration developers are highly sought after for their skills in streamlining the operations and architecture of digital information systems for better performance, efficiency, and cost. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of computer systems analysts will grow by 10% from 2022 to 2032, well beyond the 3% average growth across all occupations. Such developers often have extensive experience across many related technologies and can help an organization avoid common pitfalls associated with fragmented technology stacks, which include impediments to collaboration and a lack of stability, scalability, and resilience.
This context presents two major challenges when hiring integration developers: first, in sourcing great candidates, and second, in effectively assessing their qualifications. Integration development is a niche skill set that can be acquired only through many years of experience on the job. It requires a deep knowledge of multiple programming and query languages along with countless software libraries, frameworks, and plugins. Some developers prefer to work within specific ecosystems (such as Java or .NET), while others enjoy operating across platforms and providers. How do you determine what kind of integration engineer will best suit your needs?
The purpose of this guide is to mitigate these two challenges for you by helping you to better understand the role as it pertains to your organization. We review common skills and technologies to look for, as well as how to differentiate between more- and less-experienced candidates. We also offer tips for writing an accurate job description and suggest questions to ask during the interview process to accurately gauge the candidates’ qualifications.
What Attributes Distinguish Quality Integration Developers From Others?
A skilled integration developer should be well versed in the entire software development lifecycle and possess both high- and low-level knowledge of data monitoring and analysis, API and database architecture, software testing, and DevOps. Integration developers are almost necessarily full-stack developers—engineers who are comfortable crafting both user interfaces and business logic, and who know how to efficiently control the flow of data in all directions.
While integration specialists who are earlier in their careers may focus more on the specific technologies they’ve worked with, those with more extensive experience will tend to emphasize how their implementations of the relevant technologies in previous projects have led to demonstrable positive impacts on key business metrics. They understand not only how to streamline integration projects, but also why; they are adept at connecting the dots between the software problems to be solved and the intended business outcomes.
Regardless of your team’s needs, there are certain skills in the realm of software integration that you’ll want to look for on a candidate’s résumé to ensure a strong developer fit with respect to the everyday use cases that may arise.
Programming languages and frameworks – First, you’ll want to see proficiency (if not mastery) in at least one programming language and its corresponding frameworks and ecosystem: for example, a Python developer who’s worked with Django, Flask, and TensorFlow, or a Java developer who knows their way around Spring Boot and the Apache ecosystem. The more senior the candidate, the less important it is that they have experience in the specific ecosystem that your team operates in; an engineer with 10 years of experience in Java and Python will have little difficulty adapting to a C# codebase, even if they’ve never written code in this language before. The fundamental skills extend well beyond the minor differences in programming syntax; however, front-end experts may have a different skill set than back-end specialists.
Enterprise experience – Next, look for prior experience that matches both the scale of your enterprise, as well as the complexity of the project at hand. Developers might need to handle sensitive data and deal with all the privacy and security concerns that come with it. Depending on the complexity, they may need to employ (or build entirely new) integration platforms to connect existing services that wouldn’t otherwise fit together neatly. These are tasks that you definitely don’t want to hand to an amateur—you’ll want to see a solid track record here.
API development – API programmers focus on how applications communicate with one another. Conventions like REST ensure that API designs follow standardized, predictable patterns, streamlining productivity for the developers who work with them. An integration developer will spend a great deal of time working with, designing, implementing, and maintaining APIs of all shapes and sizes.
Database development – Databases are the essential repositories of data that power software applications. Data management skills are crucial for most integration services. Managing data at scale can be extraordinarily complex, and sensitive data comes with serious security risks that an organization may be liable for if mishandled. A skilled developer will understand these risks and know what steps need to be taken to mitigate them. Beyond security, other important database skills include proper schema design and query optimization.
Testing abilities – Keep an eye out for knowledge of software testing. A Java developer who lists their experience with JUnit, for example, is signaling that they care about code quality and long-term maintainability. After all, what good is the solution if it can’t be updated in the future when bugs invariably arise? Testing helps developers find as many of those bugs as possible before the code goes live the first time.
Project management – Because integration projects often involve a variety of technologies with multiple engineers, experience with project management methodologies such as agile and Scrum can be highly beneficial.
Soft skills – Beyond the technical realm, quality engineers can be distinguished by their strong communication skills. As a developer gains more experience and responsibilities in their career, the role increasingly becomes about documenting solutions for other teammates (who may or may not be technically savvy) and tailoring the presentations of those solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders—no easy feat.
Complementary Technology Skills for Integration Developers
Along with these core integration development skills, a strong candidate must have exposure to a breadth of related tools and technologies. This list describes some of the most popular programming languages and tools that an integration developer might be expected to use:
Python stands out among programming languages for its simplicity and readability, and is an excellent choice for speeding up development services. It has a robust ecosystem of popular open-source libraries, frameworks, and related tools. Python is also a versatile language that can be used in many different contexts, from data analysis to server code to web app development and beyond. This makes it a favorite of the startup world because an engineering team can run a single programming language across their entire tech stack, which streamlines maintenance.
Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, especially for enterprise-level software. It’s also one of the most commonly taught languages in university programs, so many computer science graduates will have hands-on experience with it. Java is an object-oriented programming language, a style that lends itself to modular software architecture with reusable components that can be integrated across different systems with relative ease. Its ecosystem is massive, and it’s been rigorously battle-tested (especially with frameworks like Spring Boot) by some of the largest organizations in the world.
JavaScript began as a front-end programming language for writing logic in web browsers, but since the advent of Node.js, the React library, and the Express.js frameworks, it has evolved into a powerful full-stack web development language in its own right. As with Python, one of the benefits of JavaScript in integration development services is that it allows you to use one programming language across the full stack of your web app, which can greatly speed up developer productivity and improve maintainability. That said, while JavaScript is ubiquitous across the internet, it isn’t used much beyond the browser or the server, so you’ll want to employ a language like Python or Java if you’re building software that’s not for the web.
C# is a popular programming language for building desktop apps, web apps, web services, and even video games. It’s favored by the same kinds of enterprise organizations that might choose Java for its massive ecosystem of tools and plugins. C# was created by Microsoft as the official language of the .NET framework, which provides all of the tools necessary to build robust desktop and web applications.
MySQL is one of the world’s most popular database management systems, built on top of Structured Query Language (SQL). It’s trusted by developers for its reliability and scalability, and preferred over other options for its ease of use when building prototypes. Most integration developers will have worked with MySQL in some capacity, though there are popular alternatives like PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server that they may have more experience with. The underlying skills are transferable across platforms.
Apache offers top-tier web server software that dominates the market, powering nearly one-third of all websites on the internet. It’s highly customizable since it’s open source, and it’s trusted by organizations across all industries and at every scale.
Docker is a virtualization tool that enables developers to ship code in discrete packages called containers. Containerization allows for modular architecture, which can speed up developer productivity and significantly reduce compute costs for an organization when compared to more-traditional monolithic software architecture. As you might expect, this is another key area to focus on when you need integration developers for hire—because a system that uses containers must have someone on hand to ensure interoperability.
Linux is an open-source operating system for managing hardware resources like CPU and memory. The Linux command line is how developers instruct software to perform hardware actions that would be cumbersome or impossible with standard graphical user interfaces. Integration developers frequently work with command-line tools and more experienced developers will have built their own.
This is just a sampling of the kinds of skills that integration developers are expected to demonstrate; there are myriad related tools and technologies, and alternatives to every item on the list. What matters most are the business needs of your specific project, team, and organization.
How Can You Identify the Ideal Integration Developer for You?
To find the best integration developer for your project or organization, you must first determine the exact job requirements.
Defining Your Needs
Consider the “North Star” for this role: Is it to cut costs or to drive revenue? Is the project client-facing or for internal purposes? Will the developer be working as an individual contributor or will they have direct reports? Does your company use legacy software or cutting-edge technologies? Knowing the answers to these kinds of questions before you begin the hiring process will help you narrow your focus and, as a result, source the ideal prospects. It may also help to consider gaps in your existing team’s skill set so you can fill them with candidates who have prior experience in those areas. Conduct thorough reference checks to assess past project success.
Balancing Budget and Expertise
It’s no secret that the top talent in software engineering can command a considerable sum for their labor, and this price only goes up as the engineer masters their craft and gains exposure to the full range of integration platforms and services available. Thankfully, high-quality integration developers can offset their fees several times over in the form of reduced costs or revenue generated for the business.
Consider the complexity of the task at hand: Is the technology popular and well documented? How much of this system will need to be designed and built from scratch? Is seamless programmer onboarding a top priority, or can you afford to spend time and resources developing less experienced talent? The more complex the project, the more likely you’ll need the professional services of a senior engineer. For example, if you need someone to maintain an existing system on a team with senior leadership, it may be enough to hire a junior or mid-level developer; if that system requires serious architectural upgrades, and there’s nobody on the development team with the skills or bandwidth to tackle them, then you’ll need an expert in this field. How can you distinguish between junior, mid-level, and senior developers?
A junior developer typically has one to two years of experience with a single programming language. They’ve worked on simple integration tasks like REST API integration but most likely need guidance and support from more experienced colleagues to complete projects.
A mid-level developer usually has three to five years of experience and has worked with more than one programming language. When provided with the technical specifications for a project, they can implement it independently. They should be capable of contributing technical opinions, as well as reviewing code from junior engineers.
A senior developer typically has at least five years of experience and has worked with a wide range of programming languages. They can propose solutions for complex tasks based on their direct experiences on projects that require deep technical knowledge, such as SSO, subscription payment integration, and authentication and authorization with third-party providers. They should have the depth of technical knowledge to review code written by any of their colleagues and the top-notch communication skills required to coach more junior engineers to level up their skills. Conducting reference checks for senior-level engineers is especially important to assess their leadership and mentorship abilities.
What are the most frequent use cases for an integration developer?
Integration developers are instrumental in a variety of scenarios where information systems need to be able to communicate. Their professional service is particularly sought after in the following typical use cases:
Enterprise application integration – Integrating enterprise applications developed with CRM, ERP, and SCM systems such as Salesforce, Oracle, or SAP to ensure seamless data flow and communication
Data integration – Merging data from different sources, such as databases, cloud storage, and third-party APIs, into a unified data warehouse to aid in decision-making and analytics
Cloud integration – Connecting cloud-based services with on-premises applications—something that’s becoming increasingly important as many businesses move toward cloud computing while still relying on legacy systems
API development and management – Creating and managing APIs to enable different applications to communicate effectively, following best practices like REST or SOAP; strong API programmer backgrounds are needed for this use case
Microservices architecture implementation – Helping organizations transition to a microservices architecture, improving modularity and making the application easier to understand, develop, test, and scale
B2B (business-to-business) integration – Facilitating the flow of data between businesses, such as supply chain management and automation, to enhance collaboration and streamline transactions
Each of these use cases highlights the diverse and critical role integration developers play in modern organizations, making them an invaluable asset to any business seeking to optimize their infrastructure. If your hiring process focuses on one of these use cases, look for candidates with the corresponding background; for example, a cloud specialist should be familiar with cloud security practices and cloud service providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
How to Write an Integration Developer Job Description for Your Project
When writing a job description for a technical role, it’s common to overemphasize the required tools and technologies (and work experience with each). While this information, as well as the candidate’s relevant certifications, are important, basing your job requirements on the business objectives of this role might be more attractive to potential candidates. As discussed, an experienced Java developer, for example, will be able to jump into a C# codebase without much friction. You’re far more likely to attract top talent if you can pique their interest with the kinds of problems they’ll be tasked with solving.
In addition, consider the project duration and whether you seek a full-time, part-time, or dedicated developer. You may include how many weeks you expect the engagement to last and how many hours per week your developer will work.
What Are the Most Important Integration Developer Interview Questions?
As with writing the job description, when interviewing integration developers, you should assess their problem-solving skills and ability to tackle novel tasks—and put more weight on those skills over the number of tools they have under their belt. Here are some ideas for questions to ask, along with the desirable answers to expect:
What does an integration developer do?
You may start with this basic question to weed out candidates and gain insight into a developer’s area of specialization. Integration development encompasses a wide range of duties related to information systems, including data management and analysis, API design and ongoing maintenance, and the means by which systems communicate with one another. A strong candidate will be able to discuss the flow of data through and between systems, and speak at length about topics like performance, reliability, maintainability, scalability, and security. They should have a firm grasp of the tools available on the platforms they’ve worked with. The most experienced integration developers will be conversant in the architecture of distributed systems, which requires serious considerations and future-proofing measures to ensure long-term maintainability.
Can you describe a challenge you faced in the past with a platform or service you were trying to integrate into an existing system and how you solved it?
This question aims to assess the candidate’s problem-solving abilities. A strong candidate will be able to speak about their ability to extract information from various resources, such as third-party documentation and online articles, and to combine it with their own skills and experiences to formulate effective solutions. A well-rounded integration engineer should possess robust technical skills akin to those of a full-stack developer, so listen for answers that describe end-to-end solutions. Candidates should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the platform they work on and an ability to quickly pick up new technologies and integrate them into their existing skill set.
What can you tell me about your prior experiences in maintaining the security of the data you work with?
Data security is a critical area for an integration developer to master because failures in cybersecurity could lead to serious liabilities for their employer. Invite the candidate to dig into the nitty-gritty of the integration solutions they’ve worked on in the past and listen for their experiences with encryption, authentication, and the specific protocols and tools they’re familiar with. A skilled integration engineer will be happy to get into the details and describe their solutions.
Can you tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex technical issue to a nontechnical stakeholder?
The work of software integration is often quite “deep in the weeds,” as engineers would say, and any engineer can tell you that if you spend too much time in the weeds, you’ll start to lose track of the real world. That can make it a challenge for highly experienced developers to effectively communicate with nontechnical team members and stakeholders who aren’t familiar with their jargon. Look for candidates who express empathy and patience with colleagues, and who make it a priority to tailor their messages to ensure buy-in from nontechnical stakeholders.
Why Do Companies Hire Integration Developers?
Data powers our world in the modern era, and integration developers are crucial for maintaining the flow of data through an organization and its software. Modern tech stacks at enterprise organizations are often composed of so many moving pieces that no one person on a team fully understands how they all fit together, but it’s the integration developer’s job to ensure the interoperability of all those pieces and to constantly seek ways to streamline business operations.
This becomes all the more important as a company grows and scales. A highly skilled integration developer can be a key strategic partner on your team who can lead initiatives to cut costs and drive revenue at a scale that dwarfs their annual salary. Any organization that’s made it past the MVP and PMF stages of the development process would be wise to bring in an integration developer well before they begin to feel the pains of not having one.