Application Security, Specialist

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. This role drives application security strategy, implements and maintains security controls, identifies and remediates vulnerabilities, and enables development teams to build and deploy secure applications. The position requires hands-on experience with application security technologies, cloud-native architectures, CI/CD pipelines, and automation while maintaining a strong focus on developer experience and scalable security solutions.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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.