At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build cloud-based identity services for a leading financial platform.
- Company: Join Vanguard, a mission-driven company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security and authentication 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 employer: Vanguard
Vanguard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and personal growth. With a strong focus on mission-driven values, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person collaboration and learning. The company prioritises employee development and provides access to cutting-edge technology, making it an ideal place for Senior Software Engineers looking to make a meaningful impact in the identity and authentication space.
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 friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Node.js, TypeScript, and React. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise beyond just words on a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your backend and frontend skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your experience with AWS and REST APIs. We want to see how you think and solve problems!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. 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 reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your backend and frontend expertise, especially with Node.js, NestJS, and React, to show us you’re the right fit!
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 work that align with our mission and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on relevant projects, don’t hold back! Include links to your GitHub or any live demos that showcase your skills in building REST APIs, cloud services, or frontend applications. We love seeing your work!
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!
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 roles, particularly around building and maintaining 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 Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Vanguard's mission and values, especially their focus on collaboration and client outcomes. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture, especially in a hybrid working environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects, the tech stack they use, or how they handle security in their applications. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you.
