Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build secure backend services for client authentication and MFA.
- Company: Join Vanguard, a revolutionary investment company focused on client interests.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Work with cutting-edge tech in a dynamic environment that values innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Strong backend skills, cloud experience, and a methodical engineering mindset required.
- Other info: 12-month contractor role with opportunities for growth in a diverse team.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ 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 backend role focused on designing, building, deploying, and operating cloud-based identity services. 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 backend fundamentals, cloud experience, and a responsible, methodical engineering mindset. This is a contractor role, available for up to 12-months.
In this role you will:
- Build and evolve backend services that support login, MFA, and client authentication
- Design and implement REST APIs using NestJS / TypeScript
- Integrate with identity and MFA platforms (e.g. Auth0, Transmit Security)
- 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
Our Tech Stack: AWS • TypeScript • Node.js (NestJS) • REST APIs • Auth0 • Transmit Security • GitHub • GitHub Actions • CloudFormation
What it takes:
- Experience with identity, authentication, or MFA systems
- Knowledge of microservices architectures
- Exposure to security concepts (IAM, encryption, networking)
- Experience in regulated or enterprise environments
Special Factors:
- This role is open to our London and Manchester locations
- This role is being offered on a day rate contractor basis and is for up to 12-months
- This is a hybrid position and would require you to work in the office 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
Vanguard is committed to providing all crew members a working environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice and bias. Through this Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy, Vanguard reaffirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and crew members without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status.
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.
Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication (Backend) - Contractor in London employer: Vanguard
Contact Detail:
Vanguard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication (Backend) - Contractor in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving backend services, REST APIs, and cloud deployments. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to identity and authentication systems, and be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication (Backend) - Contractor in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your backend experience, cloud skills, and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to design and implement REST APIs using NestJS and TypeScript.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on your technical prowess! Include specific examples of how you've built and maintained backend services, especially in regulated environments. Mention your experience with AWS, Infrastructure as Code, and any identity or MFA systems you've worked with.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we want to quickly understand how you can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our crew at Vanguard!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vanguard
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially AWS, TypeScript, and NestJS. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to showcase your methodical engineering mindset by discussing specific challenges you've faced in backend development. Use examples that highlight your ability to design and implement solutions, particularly in regulated environments.
✨Understand Security Fundamentals
Since this role involves identity and authentication, brush up on security concepts like IAM and encryption. Be prepared to explain how you would approach building secure systems and what best practices you follow.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Show that you can work closely with product and security stakeholders by preparing questions about their needs and expectations. This demonstrates your collaborative spirit and willingness to translate requirements into technical solutions.
