At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build cloud-based identity services for a leading authentication platform.
- Company: Join Vanguard, a mission-driven tech company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities in a regulated setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security and user experience for thousands of clients.
- Qualifications: Strong full-stack fundamentals, cloud experience, and a methodical engineering mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
In the European Client Identity team, we are building and operating Vanguard's authentication and MFA platform used by hundreds of thousands of clients across the UK and Europe. This is a hands‑on senior full‑stack role focused on designing, building, deploying, and operating cloud‑based identity services. You will contribute across backend APIs, cloud infrastructure, and frontend experiences – with React as the preferred frontend framework for new UI work. You will work in a highly regulated environment where security, reliability, and operational discipline matter. You don't need to be an identity expert on day one, but you do need strong full‑stack fundamentals, cloud experience, and a responsible, methodical engineering mindset.
What You’ll Do
- Build and evolve backend services that support login, MFA, and client authentication
- Design and implement REST APIs using NestJS / TypeScript
- Build frontend experiences using React where new UI development is required
- Integrate with identity and MFA platforms (e.g. Transmit Security, Auth0)
- Deploy and operate services on AWS, using Infrastructure as Code
- Run and maintain services in production, including database migrations and updates, and vendor‑specific software services running in AWS
- Write automated tests and contribute to improving test coverage and quality
- Participate in CI/CD pipelines, deployments, and operational procedures
- Work closely with product and security stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions
- Continuously improve engineering standards, tooling, and reliability
What We’re Looking For (Must‑Have)
- Strong backend engineering fundamentals with Node.js and NestJS or Express
- TypeScript across frontend and backend
- Experience designing and building REST APIs
- Understanding of authentication protocols: OAuth 2.0, JWT, MFA flows
- Hands‑on experience with AWS (ECS, Lambda, CloudFront, S3, Secrets Manager)
- Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (CloudFormation or Terraform)
- Experience with containerised workloads (Docker)
- Strong Git practices and CI/CD experience (GitHub Actions or similar)
- Experience writing unit and integration tests (Jest)
Nice to Have
- React experience for frontend development – preferred for any new UI work
- Experience with identity, authentication, or MFA systems
- Familiarity with Kong API Gateway or similar
- Exposure to Aurora PostgreSQL or DynamoDB
- Knowledge of microservices architectures
- Exposure to security concepts (IAM, encryption, networking)
- Experience with observability tooling (OpenTelemetry, Honeycomb, Grafana)
- Experience in regulated or enterprise environments
Our Tech Stack
- AWS
- TypeScript
- React
- Node.js (NestJS)
- REST APIs
- Auth0
- Transmit Security
- Kong Gateway
- GitHub
- GitHub Actions
- CloudFormation
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in‑person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission‑driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long‑term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication employer: The Vanguard Group
Vanguard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for continuous learning and development in a hybrid working model that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values security, reliability, and operational excellence while making a meaningful impact across the UK and Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at Vanguard. A personal introduction can make all the difference when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving Node.js, React, and AWS. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your full-stack capabilities beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your backend fundamentals and REST API design. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your thought process during problem-solving – we want to see how you think!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Vanguard.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with backend engineering, REST APIs, and cloud services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your Node.js and AWS expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re excited about working in the European Client Identity team and how your full-stack experience can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any projects involving authentication protocols or cloud infrastructure, make sure to mention them. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, especially if they relate to identity and MFA systems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Vanguard Group
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Node.js, NestJS, and React. Brush up on your understanding of REST APIs and authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0 and JWT. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly around building and deploying cloud-based services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting how you approached problems methodically and what the outcomes were.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about how you’ve worked with product and security stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how you translated requirements into technical solutions and contributed to team success, showing that you value teamwork as much as technical skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects, the tech stack, or the company’s approach to security and reliability. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
