Application Security, Specialist

Vanguard; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking an Applications Security Specialist to strengthen the SDLC by partnering with development, cloud, and platform engineering teams. The role focuses on embedding security into delivery and defining guardrails for secure software.

You will lead security controls for APIs, containers, and cloud-native apps, conduct threat analyses, automate processes, and mentor teams on secure coding and remediation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of related work experience.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field.
• Strong experience in Application Security and DevSecOps.
• Hands-on experience securing CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with SAST, SCA, IAST, DAST, API Security, and Container Security.
• Experience working with cloud platforms and cloud-native technologies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement Application Security strategy across the SDLC.
• Partner with development teams to embed security requirements early in the software development lifecycle.
• Design and enforce security controls and guardrails for APIs, containers, serverless platforms, and cloud-native apps.
• Develop and maintain security standards and architecture patterns.
• Assess, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities identified through SAST/DAST/IAST.

Skills

Security Strategy

DevSecOps

CI/CD Security

Threat Modeling

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

SAST

SCA

IAST

DAST

Container Security

Cloud Security

Job description

The Application Security Specialist is responsible for helping secure Vanguard's software development lifecycle (SDLC) by partnering with development, cloud, and platform engineering teams to embed security throughout the application delivery process. The DevSecOps team is responsible for the solutions and processes that secure Vanguard applications and operations. As a DevSecOps Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the security and compliance of the Vanguard software development lifecycle (SDLC). You will help develop strategy, implement new technology, maintain technical controls, assess vulnerabilities, and collaborate with developers to ensure that the proper guardrails are in place to enable the continuous and secure delivery of applications.

Global Risk and Security (GR&S)

Global Risk and Security (GR&S) at Vanguard enables business strategy, protects client and Vanguard interests (e.g., assets and data), and stewards a strong risk culture. Our teams leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions.

Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F)

Within GR&S, the Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F) sub-division is responsible for the global protection of Vanguard crew, property, data, and client assets. We are the trusted advisors that protect the pride of Vanguard with state-of-the-art security and fraud capabilities. We are a world-class destination of highly engaged, passionate, and diverse talent expected to continuously learn and develop in an ever-changing security landscape.

Our crew are our greatest resource – by joining our team you will build collaborative long-term relationships and enjoy a suite of benefits that includes comprehensive health and wellness care, work-life balance, and an investment in your future at its core.

Core Responsibilities

• Help define and implement Application Security strategy and secure SDLC practices across the organization.
• Partner with development teams to establish security requirements early in the software development lifecycle.
• Design and implement security controls and guardrails that support continuous and secure application delivery.
• Develop and maintain security standards and architecture patterns for APIs, cloud-native applications, containers, serverless platforms, and emerging technologies.
• Assess, prioritize, and drive remediation of application and infrastructure vulnerabilities identified through SAST, SCA, IAST, DAST, container, and cloud security solutions.
• Configure, integrate, and onboard teams to application security tools across CI/CD environments.
• Automate security processes and controls to improve efficiency, scalability, and developer adoption.
• Conduct security reviews, threat analysis, and risk assessments for new and existing applications.
• Partner with developers to identify root causes of vulnerabilities and provide remediation guidance.
• Ensure application security solutions are properly implemented, integrated, and delivering expected coverage.
• Develop security metrics, reporting, and dashboards to measure program effectiveness and maturity.
• Provide secure coding guidance, technical consultation, and training to development and cloud engineering teams.
• Maintain documentation for security controls, processes, standards, and operational procedures.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging threats, and guidance from organizations such as OWASP, NIST, and SANS.
• Support enterprise application security standards, policies, and governance initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years related work experience.
• Undergraduate degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong experience in Application Security, Secure SDLC, DevSecOps, or Software Engineering.
• Hands‑on experience securing CI/CD pipelines and modern application development environments.
• Experience with application security technologies including SAST, SCA, IAST, DAST, API Security, and Container Security.
• Experience working with cloud platforms and cloud-native technologies.
• Strong understanding of secure coding principles, vulnerability management, and application risk assessment.
• Experience partnering with development teams to remediate security findings.
• Experience designing and implementing security automation solutions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.

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.