Cloud Engineer, Specialist
Core Responsibilities
1. Plans and implements security patches, schema governance execution, and major platform capabilities for the Supergraph platform serving >3 billion requests/month. Designs, implements, and deploys federation patterns, subgraph architectures, and router configurations to meet business needs across Vanguard subdivisions. Identifies and implements opportunities for performance optimization, resiliency improvements, and platform expansion.
2. Provides expert-level technical support for complex federation issues across the Supergraph ecosystem. Diagnoses and troubleshoots the most complex incidents involving Apollo Router, federated subgraphs, and cross-service query execution. Leads incident response efforts and coordinates with subdivision teams during production issues. Maintains comprehensive technical knowledge of GraphQL federation, Apollo tooling, and distributed systems patterns.
3. Develops technical standards and contributes to schema governance. Evaluates schema changes for federation impact, breaking changes, and performance implications. Reviews configuration parameters to optimize query execution, reduce latency, and maximize platform uptime. Tests and evaluates GraphQL tooling and vendor products (Apollo Router, observability platforms, security scanning tools).
4. Elevates code through development, test, and production environments on schedule as part of a "you build it, you run it" culture. Provides follow-up production support and participates in on-call rotation. Submits change control requests and documents changes. Leads CI/CD improvements.
Want more jobs like this?
Get Science and Engineering jobs in Charlotte, NC delivered to your inbox every week.

5. Partners with subdivision teams (PI Tech, Workplace, Advice, GIFS) to understand their business requirements and integration needs. Translates business needs into federation patterns, subgraph designs, and API capabilities. Builds trust with teams at different technical maturity levels and tailors support appropriately.
6. Mentors and coaches platform developers on GraphQL federation patterns, debugging techniques, and platform best practices. Pairs with junior team members on complex issues, teaching debugging approaches and building their federation expertise. Troubleshoots and resolves the most complex issues escalated from staff. Provides constructive feedback on code, architecture decisions, and technical approaches. Updates, writes, and maintains technical documentation for the department.
7. Leads technical portions of complex assignments. Performs systems analysis for security remediation and platform expansion initiatives. Helps shape team's work and drives initiatives across multiple team members. Contributes to platform roadmap discussions with Senior Manager and Senior Architect.
8. Escalates technical risks appropriately, even when timelines are tight. Balances listening and speaking in design discussions, asking thoughtful questions to understand trade-offs. Embraces AI-assisted development practices (Claude Code) and stays current on GraphQL federation and distributed systems trends. Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of eight years related work experience.
- Undergraduate degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of training and experience.
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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- FSA
- HSA
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
- Pet Insurance
Parental Benefits
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Company Outings
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- Snacks
- Some Meals Provided
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Personal/Sick Days
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Volunteer Time Off
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- Relocation Assistance
- Performance Bonus
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- 401(K)
- Financial Counseling
- Profit Sharing
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Internship Program
- Lunch and Learns
- Leadership Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Vanguard.