Senior Software Engineer - Identity & Authentication (Backend) - Contractor in Manchester

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)

Why Vanguard?

Vanguard is a different kind of investment company. It was founded in the United States in 1975 on a simple but revolutionary idea: that an investment company should manage its funds solely in the interests of its clients. This philosophy has helped millions achieve their goals with low-cost, uncomplicated investments. It’s what we stand for: value to investors.

Inclusion Statement:

Vanguard’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted in our culture. Every decision is guided by the principle: “Do the right thing.” We believe building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams enables better collaboration and innovation to deliver Vanguard’s core purpose: to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity:

Vanguard is an equal opportunity employer. Vanguard provides a working environment free from discrimination, prejudice, and bias. Through our 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. We prohibit discrimination based on genetic information and any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please inform careers@vanguard.com if you need assistance completing this application or to participate in the process.

How We Work:

Vanguard has a hybrid working model designed to capture the benefits of flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. Our mission-driven, collaborative culture supports long-term client outcomes and enriches the employee experience.