Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

Vanguard; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a Senior Full Stack Software Engineer to design, develop and optimize front office applications within the GIFS team. You will collaborate directly with portfolio managers and product owners to deliver high-impact software.

The role requires deep experience in frontend and backend technologies, cloud platforms, and distributed architectures. This is a hybrid role with in-office work three days per week and a strong emphasis on collaboration and client service.

Qualifications

• Strong frontend experience with modern JS frameworks (Vue.js, React).
• Proven backend experience with Java, Python and Node.js in distributed microservices.
• Solid understanding of system design, scalable architectures and APIs.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert analysis, design, development and implementation of front office applications.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers and product owners to refine requirements.
• Lead development, testing and deployment across dev/test/prod environments.
• Mentor staff, drive improvements, and ensure security and performance standards.
• Engage in design reviews and communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Skills

Vue.js

React

Java

Python

Node.js

Microservices

API design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

PostgreSQL

MySQL

DynamoDB

AWS

Azure

GCP

CI/CD

Automated testing

Job description

The Role

Vanguard, one of the world's largest investment management companies, serves individual investors,

Job Title

Senior Full Stack Software Engineer

The Role

Vanguard, one of the world's largest investment management companies, serves individual investors, institutions, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and financial professionals. We have a diverse and talented crew with a culture that promotes teamwork, along with an unwavering focus on serving our clients' best interests.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Full Stack Engineer to contribute to the design, development and optimisation of front office applications within the GIFS team. This role works closely with the front office, as such the role will require collaborating directly with the portfolio managers as well as the product owners.

In this role you will

Core Responsibilities

• Provides expert level system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases. Integrates third party products. Ensures that expected application performance levels are achieved
• Ensures the viability of IT deliverables. Recommends development options, including design, build/buy, and vendor purchase. Conducts testing, including functionality, technical limitations, and security
• Elevates code into the development, test, and production environments on schedule. Provides follow up production support. Submits change control requests and documents
• Provides subject matter expertise in software development methodology and development architecture standards. Mentors and trains staff with less experience. Resolves elevated issues and recommends enterprise-wide improvements
• Participates in design, code, and test inspections throughout the life cycle to identify issues. Explains technical considerations at related meetings, including those with internal clients. Performs systems analysis activities
• Thoroughly understands client business functions and technology needs. Has a broad and deep understanding of Vanguard's technologies, tools, and applications, including those that interface with business area and systems. Is well versed on the latest technologies and tools supporting software development in the industry
• Interfaces with cross functional team members and communicates systems issues at the appropriate technical level for each audience
• Thoroughly understands and complies with Information Technology and Information Security policies and procedures and verifies that deliverables meet requirements
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

What it takes

• Strong related work experience
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred

Experience

• Expertise in frontend technologies (e.g. Vue.js, React) with a strong sense for UI/UX
• Proven backend experience with Java, ideally with Python and Node.js experience as well, including building distributed microservices based architectures
• Strong understanding of system design principles, scalable architecture patterns and API

designs

• Experience with both relational and NoSQL databases (Postgres, MySQL, DynamoDB)
• Proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure or GCP)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks
• Strong understanding of investment products, and trading workflows

Special Factors

• Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position
• 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 is a philosophy that has helped millions of people around the world to 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 firmly rooted in our culture. Every decision we make to best serve our clients, crew (internally employees are referred to as crew), and communities is guided by one simple statement: “Do the right thing.”

We believe that a critical aspect of doing the right thing requires building diverse, inclusive, and highly effective teams of individuals who are as unique as the clients they serve. We empower our crew to contribute their distinct strengths to achieving Vanguard’s core purpose through our values.

When all crew members feel valued and included, our ability to collaborate and innovate is amplified, and we are united in delivering on 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.

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.