Application Engineer

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard in Malvern, PA seeks an intermediate software professional to analyze, design, develop, and implement applications and databases, collaborating with cross-functional partners to deliver secure, scalable solutions. You will work with cloud-native AWS architectures, API design, and modern DevOps practices to support retirement planning and financial guidance initiatives.

The role emphasizes AI-assisted engineering, secure design, production support, and a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years related work experience, with at least one year of development experience.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides intermediate level system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases.
• Translates technical specifications into code for moderately complex projects.
• Elevates code into development, test, and production environments on schedule.
• Follows software development methodology and architecture standards.
• Participates in design, code, and test inspections throughout the life cycle.
• Understands Vanguard's tools, technologies, and applications/databases.
• Continuously explore and adopt AI-enabled engineering practices that improve planning, implementation, testing, documentation, and operational excellence.
• Learns and complies with IT and Information Security policies and procedures.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Full-stack development

AWS cloud-native

API design/microservices

CI/CD & testing

Authentication/Security

Technical leadership

AI-assisted engineering

AI risk judgment

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Job description

Provides intermediate level system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases, under general supervision.

About The Team

Join a team that develops innovative financial planning solutions used by financial professionals to help clients navigate important life and financial decisions. You'll work with cross-functional partners to build secure, scalable, and intuitive applications that support retirement planning, tax strategies, healthcare cost analysis, and other key financial planning needs. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by creating technology that helps deliver personalized financial guidance and a great user experience.

Core Responsibilities

• Provides intermediate level system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases. Integrates third party products.
• Translates technical specifications into code for moderately complex new or enhancement projects for internal clients. Writes programs, develops code, tests artifacts, and produces reports. Employs software development techniques to ensure tests are implemented in a way that support automation.
• Elevates code into the development, test, and production environments on schedule. Provides follow up production support. Submits change control requests and documents.
• Follows software development methodology. Follows development architecture standards.
• Participates in design, code, and test inspections throughout the life cycle to identify issues. Participates in systems analysis activities.
• Understands client business functions and technology needs. Understands Vanguard's tools, technologies, and applications/databases, including those that interface with business area and systems.
• Continuously explore and adopt AI-enabled engineering practices that improve planning, implementation, testing, documentation, and operational excellence across the product development lifecycle.
• Learns and complies with Information Technology and Information Security policies and procedures.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Full-stack application development using Angular, TypeScript, Java, Node.js, or similar technologies.
• Cloud-native engineering on AWS, including serverless and distributed application architectures.
• API design and development, microservices, and enterprise application integration.
• Modern software engineering practices including CI/CD, automated testing, source control, and production support.
• Authentication and security patterns, including OAuth and secure application design.
• Technical leadership in solution design, architecture, and software delivery best practices.
• Experience leveraging AI-assisted engineering tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar technologies) to improve software delivery, code quality, testing, documentation, and developer productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering judgment when using AI-generated outputs, including validating solutions, identifying risks, and maintaining secure, resilient, and well-architected systems.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AWS services including Lambda, API Gateway, S3, CloudFront, ECS, and related cloud infrastructure.
• Experience with Spring Boot, Python, and modern backend development frameworks.
• Experience with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), microfrontend architectures, and enterprise content management platforms.
• Experience building analytics, financial planning, reporting, or advisor-facing applications.
• Financial services domain knowledge and experience delivering client- or advisor-focused digital experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years related work experience, with at least one year of development experience.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

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.