Application Engineer III (COBOL, Java)

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer to support large-scale data modernization and code conversion initiatives across Workplace Technology. You will work on legacy-to-modern cloud-based architectures, with COBOL, Java, ETL pipelines, and data platforms shaping the future of our business.

Join a visible program that collaborates with engineering, architecture, and business teams across WT, PW, and GIFS to deliver modernization solutions enabling data integrity,

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years related work experience, with at least two years of development experience.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Hands-on with COBOL and stored procedures, how it can be tuned and be able to perform analysis of performance.
• Data integration, code analysis and review experience to ensure data moves amongst business teams and remains in sync
• Support ETL solutions that integrate modernized data sources

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement applications and databases; integrate third-party products.
• Ensure IT deliverables meet performance, security, and testing requirements.
• Elevate code into development, test, and production environments with change control.
• Provide subject matter expertise and mentor staff with less experience.
• Participate in design, code, and test inspections; explain technical considerations.
• Understand Vanguard technologies and interface with business areas.
• Communicate issues clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with IT and Information Security policies.

Skills

COBOL

Java

Distributed systems

ETL pipelines

Data integration

Performance tuning

Stored procedures

Code review

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

AWS

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer to support large-scale data modernization and code conversion initiatives across Workplace Technology (WT). This role will play a key role in the Code Conversion Program, supporting the modernization of legacy WT applications, integration with enterprise data platforms, and migration of critical business functions to modern cloud-based architectures. The ideal candidate has experience with both legacy and modern technologies, including COBOL, Java, distributed applications, database technologies, ETL pipelines, and performance tuning. This individual will partner closely with engineering, architecture, and business teams across WT, Personal Wealth (PW), and GIFS to deliver modernization solutions supporting both Client Data and Investment Data domains.

Be part of one of the most significant technology transformations in Vanguard's history.

Join a highly visible modernization and the first of its kind transformation here at Vanguard.

This program will replace legacy platforms with cloud-based solutions, giving you the opportunity to work across diverse technology stacks, expand your expertise, and help shape the future of our business. This is a unique opportunity to build both depth and breadth in your career while shaping the future of our technology ecosystem.

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. Explain technical considerations at related meetings, including those with internal clients. Performs systems analysis activities.
• Thoroughly understands client’s 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.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years related work experience, with at least two years of development experience.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Hands-on with COBOL and stored procedures, how it can be tuned and be able to perform analysis of performance.
• Data integration, code analysis and review experience to ensure data moves amongst business teams and remains in sync
• Support ETL solutions that integrate modernized data sources

Preferred Qualifications

• Workplace Technology stack experience is preferred
• AWS certifications are a nice to have

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.