At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build cloud-based identity services, focusing on authentication and MFA.
- Company: Join Vanguard, a mission-driven tech company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security and user experience for thousands of clients.
- Qualifications: Strong backend skills in Node.js, TypeScript, and experience with AWS 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. This role operates in a highly regulated environment where security, reliability, and operational discipline matter. Strong full‑stack fundamentals, cloud experience, and a responsible, methodical engineering mindset are required.
Responsibilities
- 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; manage 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Tech Stack
- AWS
- TypeScript, React, Node.js (NestJS)
- REST APIs
- Auth0, Transmit Security
- Kong Gateway
- GitHub, GitHub Actions, CloudFormation
Work Environment
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 in London employer: Vanguard
Vanguard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering in-person connections and learning opportunities. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values security, reliability, and operational excellence in building cutting-edge identity services for clients across the UK and Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at Vanguard. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨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 potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding authentication protocols. Practice common algorithms and system design questions to impress during the interview process.
✨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 the Vanguard team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your backend engineering fundamentals, cloud experience, and any work with authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about identity and authentication. Share specific examples of your past projects, especially those involving REST APIs or AWS, to show how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with Node.js, TypeScript, and React. If you've worked with Infrastructure as Code or containerised workloads, make sure to include that too – it’s all relevant!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanguard
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially AWS, TypeScript, and React. Brush up on your knowledge of REST APIs and authentication protocols like OAuth 2.0 and JWT. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re ready for the hands-on nature of the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects, 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.
✨Understand the Regulatory Environment
Since this role operates in a highly regulated environment, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of security and compliance issues. Be ready to talk about how you’ve ensured reliability and security in past projects, and any relevant experience you have in regulated industries.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team’s current projects, the tools they use for CI/CD, or how they handle security challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
