AppSec - Secrets Management Specialist

Vanguard; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard is seeking a security-focused professional in Charlotte, NC, to help protect client assets and data by securing secrets and enabling proactive risk controls. You will collaborate with engineering, IAM, and platform teams to implement robust credential lifecycle practices and automation.

The role emphasizes applications security, DevSecOps, and cloud security, with a focus on metrics, dashboards, and governance across the SDLC. Hybrid work model supported.

Qualifications

• Experience in Application Security, DevSecOps, IAM, Cloud Security, or Security Operations.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, validate, and triage exposed credentials, API keys, tokens, certificates, and other sensitive secrets using risk-based prioritization.
• Partner with application teams to drive timely remediation, credential rotation, revocation, and secure replacement of exposed secrets.
• Support the implementation and administration of GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS) Secret Protection, push protection, custom detection patterns, and enterprise scanning controls.
• Define, document, and maintain secrets classification standards, severity models, response procedures, and governance processes.
• Collaborate with IAM and platform teams to improve credential lifecycle management practices, including vault adoption, rotation controls, and privileged access management integration.
• Develop dashboards, metrics, and reporting to measure secrets exposure trends, remediation effectiveness, SLA performance, and program maturity.
• Support exception management workflows, bypass approvals, evidence collection, and audit readiness activities for secrets-related controls.
• Work with engineering, AppSec, and security advisor teams to identify recurring exposure patterns and improve preventive controls.
• Create developer-facing guidance, training materials, and best practices to promote secure secrets handling throughout the SDLC.
• Identify automation opportunities through APIs, workflows, and AI-assisted capabilities to streamline detection, triage, ownership mapping, and remediation processes.
• Participate in on-call support and incident response activities involving exposed credentials, credential abuse, and software supply chain security events.

Skills

Application Security

DevSecOps

IAM

Cloud Security

Security Operations

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

GitHub

GHAS

Secrets Scanning

CI/CD platforms

Job description

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.

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

• Investigate, validate, and triage exposed credentials, API keys, tokens, certificates, and other sensitive secrets using risk-based prioritization.

• Partner with application teams to drive timely remediation, credential rotation, revocation, and secure replacement of exposed secrets.

• Support the implementation and administration of GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS) Secret Protection, push protection, custom detection patterns, and enterprise scanning controls.

• Define, document, and maintain secrets classification standards, severity models, response procedures, and governance processes.

• Collaborate with IAM and platform teams to improve credential lifecycle management practices, including vault adoption, rotation controls, and privileged access management integration.

• Develop dashboards, metrics, and reporting to measure secrets exposure trends, remediation effectiveness, SLA performance, and program maturity.

• Support exception management workflows, bypass approvals, evidence collection, and audit readiness activities for secrets-related controls.

• Work with engineering, AppSec, and security advisor teams to identify recurring exposure patterns and improve preventive controls.

• Create developer-facing guidance, training materials, and best practices to promote secure secrets handling throughout the SDLC.

• Identify automation opportunities through APIs, workflows, and AI-assisted capabilities to streamline detection, triage, ownership mapping, and remediation processes.

• Participate in on-call support and incident response activities involving exposed credentials, credential abuse, and software supply chain security events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Application Security, DevSecOps, IAM, Cloud Security, or Security Operations.

• Familiarity with GitHub, GitHub Advanced Security (GHAS), Secrets Scanning, and CI/CD platforms.

• Understanding of cloud credentials, API tokens, certificates, service accounts, and privileged access concepts.

• Knowledge of secure SDLC practices and software supply chain security principles.

• Experience with scripting and automation using Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, or similar technologies.

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, IAM, platform, and security 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.