Redefining APIs and Microservices: How an EPAMer is Making a Difference  

As a key member of our team in Colombia, Santiago Sánchez is a Lead Software Engineer for API development and microservices at EPAM. In this role, he creates and designs application programming interfaces (APIs), which allow different apps to communicate with each other. His work helps our developers build applications more efficiently. His career journey started in 2020 after he graduated from one of the country’s most prestigious schools. Though he explored other companies before joining us, EPAM is where he has found a culture that allows him to thrive and develop a commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.

Embracing Technical Challenges

At EPAM, Santiago contributes to a variety of projects. Most recently, he used his skills to properly restrict access and guarantee the security of a project-tracking app. He used the AWS platform, Kotlin and Spring Boot to accomplish this goal while also giving the tool the capability to scale and adapt to be “future proof.” One challenge of this project was to guarantee the code was robust and scalable.

Santiago focused on building an authorization API to ensure restricted access to the main application. The architecture included custom-built gateways to manage traffic, along with sidecars to enhance the functionality and resilience of the microservices. This innovative approach, which incorporated GraphQL for added flexibility, reflects a new standard in API and microservices design and demonstrates the power of modern, distributed architectures.

Continuous Learning and Community Engagement

Life at EPAM is not just about writing clean and efficient code. Building communities, collaborating and continued learning are also part of Santiago’s path to success. He is one of our Java Americas community leaders, where he helps tailor learning solutions for Java experts to find new and creative ways to overcome challenges. These efforts empower his team, position them at the forefront of innovation and create a collaborative learning environment where everybody grows together.

How does EPAM guarantee all our engineers are truly the best in the industry? By providing them with one of the biggest and most diverse libraries of learning resources, a best-in-class proprietary learning platform and access to all the information they need to fully understand the latest technological advancements. Our resources help engineers find the best ways to implement modern technologies in their daily activities and use them to deliver solutions that provide our clients with high-end performance and efficiency. This culture of continuous learning is one of Santiago’s favorite things about being an EPAMer; not only has it allowed him to elevate his career as an engineer, but it also empowered him to take on leadership roles and inspire others in the organization to fulfill their potential.

New Horizons in Life Sciences

Santiago is working on a Laboratory Information System (LIS) project to help labs manage early cancer detection workflows. This project presents a unique set of requirements and challenges, and Santiago is eager to apply his expertise while learning from this new domain. His work on this project underscores the versatility and adaptability that EPAM engineers bring to diverse fields, from high tech to life sciences and beyond.

Santiago credits EPAM’s culture and sense of community as a key factor for his professional success.

Keys to Success

What are the factors that Santiago credits for his success? The first is technical knowledge. Having a profound understanding of Java and Kotlin has allowed him to create robust software solutions that set the standard for performance in digital transformation strategies, while enabling him to leave a positive mark on the tech landscape by participating in the creation of software that improves the lives of millions of people worldwide.

The second factor is EPAM’s supportive culture. Our global ecosystem of highly experienced professionals — who are always available to provide guidance and share their knowledge — are essential for Santiago’s professional evolution. The constant encouragement and empowerment the company provides drives his motivation to stay ahead of the ever-changing tech landscape as he continuously improves his skills and becomes a more confident engineer.

Finally, Santiago emphasizes the importance of community in his career journey. By participating in professional platforms that promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas and provide the chance to be a mentor for the next generation of engineering talent, he continues to grow professionally and ensures the sustainability and expansion of the tech scene in Colombia and around the world.

Looking Ahead

Santiago’s experience speaks to the opportunities for growth and innovation EPAM provides. His work developing microservices and APIs, along with his community leadership, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines EPAM. Santiago looks forward to continuing his path of learning and leadership, contributing to EPAM’s mission of driving technological advancement and delivering exceptional solutions.

Want to join Santiago in a journey of professional growth and IT innovation? Visit us at www.epam.com/careers and apply for a role that matches your skills.