Application Engineer - III

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard in Malvern, PA is seeking an experienced backend engineer to drive advanced system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases, aligning with enterprise standards. The role focuses on backend optimization, data integration, and secure, scalable architecture while collaborating with front-end teams and adhering to hybrid work practices.

Candidates should have 5+ years in software development, strong Java/Spring Boot, AWS experience, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of software development, system integration, and backend architecture.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Angular, Node.js, and AWS cloud services.
• Experience with API management, database design, performance tuning, and debugging.
• Familiarity with Agile, Confluence, and JIRA; strong collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of security best practices and enterprise-grade backend resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead backend design, development, and implementation of applications and databases.
• Optimize backend performance, scalability, and reliability under varying workloads.
• Integrate data sources, APIs, and services to streamline data flow.
• Create and maintain backend documentation for cross-functional teams.
• Ensure security, data protection, and compliance with enterprise standards.

Skills

Advanced backend development

System analysis & design

Data integration

Backend performance optimization

Security & compliance

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Master’s degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

AWS

Confluence

JIRA

GitHub

Bitbucket

Bamboo

CI/CD pipelines

Python

Java

Spring Boot

Angular

Node.js

DynamoDB

S3

Lambda

IAM

SQL

Splunk

Honeycomb

Job description

Role Summary

This role provides advanced-level system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases under general direction, and leads backend optimization, data integration, documentation, and secure, scalable architecture aligned with enterprise standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides senior level system analysis, design, development, and implementation of applications and databases. Integrates third party products.
• Translates technical specifications into code for 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.
• Lead backend system optimization efforts, ensuring high performance, scalability, and responsiveness under varying workloads.
• Spearhead the integration of multiple data sources, APIs, and services, streamlining data flow and improving overall system efficiency.
• Oversee the creation and upkeep of detailed backend documentation, helping cross-functional teams understand architecture and logic.
• Advocate and implement best practices for security, data protection, and backend resilience, aligning with enterprise-grade standards.
• Collaborate with front-end teams to design backend interfaces that support seamless and intuitive user experiences.
• Elevates code into the development, test, and production environments on schedule. Provides follow up production support. Submits change control requests and documents.
• Thoroughly understands software development methodology. Thoroughly understands development architecture standards. Trains and mentors staff with less experience. Resolves elevated issues.
• 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 understanding of Vanguard's technologies, tools, and applications, including those that interface with business area and systems.
• 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.
• Lead backend system optimization efforts, ensuring high performance, scalability, and responsiveness under varying workloads.
• Spearhead the integration of multiple data sources, APIs, and services, streamlining data flow and improving overall system efficiency.
• Oversee the creation and upkeep of detailed backend documentation, helping cross-functional teams understand architecture and logic.
• Advocate and implement best practices for security, data protection, and backend resilience, aligning with enterprise-grade standards.
• Collaborate with front-end teams to design backend interfaces that support seamless and intuitive user experiences.

Qualifications And Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in software development, system integration, database design, and back-end architecture.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech) in relevant fields such as Computer Science, or a Master’s degree/Diploma in Computer Science.
• Expertise in server-side development, system integration, and API management; strong knowledge of database design, optimization, debugging, and performance tuning.
• Must-have skills: Java, Spring Boot, Angular, Node JS, AWS, CloudFormation, ECS, Fargate, DynamoDB, S3, Lambda, IAM, SQL queries, GitHub, Bitbucket, Bamboo, CI/CD, TDD/BDD, Splunk, Honeycomb, Python.
• Knowledge of Agile, Confluence, JIRA; aptitude for continuous process improvement for process flows/workflows.
• AWS Cloud Practitioner certification preferred.
• Adobe Experience Manager, AWS Cloud background.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.

Special Factors

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.