Application Engineer

About Vanguard
Founded in 1975, Vanguard is one of the world's leading investment management companies. The firm offers investments, advice, and retirement services to tens of millions of individual investors around the globe—directly, through workplace plans, and through financial intermediaries.

Vanguard’s India Office

Vanguard’s office in India is a significant milestone in our global expansion. We are committed to establishing an enduring technology center in Hyderabad, Telangana and are excited to be adding talent who will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobile, and cloud-based technologies that drive our business outcomes and deliver a world-class experience for our clients.  

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.
• 15. 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.

• Strong proficiency in Python for Data Engineering.

• Hands-on experience with AWS Cloud services, including ECS, Lambda, and S3.

• Strong knowledge of SQL, NoSQL, and DynamoDB.

• Experience with build pipelines and deployment automation.

• Nice-to-have: Go/Java experience, AI tools experience (preferably Claude Code), and financial industry experience (stocks, FX, mutual funds).

• Knowledge of Agile, Confluence, JIRA; aptitude for continuous process improvement for process flows/workflows.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.

Location

This role is based in Hyderabad, Telangana at Vanguard’s India office. Only qualified external applicants will be considered.

Our mission

Vanguard adheres to a simple purpose: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success.

Our commitment to you 

Vanguard takes the same long-term view of your success—at work and in life—with Benefits and Rewards packages that reflect what you care about, throughout all the phases and stages of your life. Our Total Rewards programs provide you and your loved ones with wellness support for key areas in your life: 

Financial wellness 
We're committed to enabling your financial success and provide competitive offers and programs. 

Physical wellness 
We're committed to providing benefits that support your physical health and wellness. 

Personal wellness 
We're committed to providing resources that help support the full scope of your life. 

How we work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for most of our employees (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.