C++ Lead Software Engineer

Morgan-Stanley; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan Stanley seeks a Lead Software Engineer (VP level) to join the Exchange Connectivity team in London. You will develop order routers and modernize the platform, working with global teams to deliver high‑performance, low‑latency systems that provide access to exchanges and liquidity sources.

You will engage with product leads, drive lifecycle activities from requirements to deployment, and occasionally perform weekend work.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Strong C++ expertise with OO principles, design patterns and threading.
• Experience with low latency/high performance systems.
• Experience in Unix/Linux environments and distributed service-based architectures.
• Subject matter expertise in exchange protocols and production operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop order routers as part of a global development team and modernize the Exchange Connectivity platform.
• Collaborate with product leads to identify improvements in technology solutions.
• Participate in all project lifecycle stages from requirements to deployment and support.
• Develop for new markets or implement exchange-driven upgrades.
• Enhance existing systems and perform regression testing; provide L3 support when needed.

Skills

C++

Low-latency engineering

OO design patterns

Threading techniques

Unix/Linux

Distributed systems

AI/ML applications

Team leadership

Tools

Linux/Unix

Job description

We're seeking someone to join our Exchange connectivity team as a Vice president in Algo to help develop and maintain applications that provide access to exchanges, brokers, SI's and other liquidity sources for trading in securitized instruments.

The Exchange Connectivity development team develops and maintains applications that provide access to exchanges, brokers, SI’s and other liquidity sources for trading in securitized instruments. The team offers unbeatable value for global market, cross-asset coverage and focuses on developing highly robust systems that can process large quantities of orders with very low latency. Our team is the main point of contact when the firm requires access to trading venues, and as such we regularly liaise with multiple business units and technical teams to ensure that projects run to completion and within stipulated timescales

In the Technology division, we leverage innovation to build the connections and capabilities that power our Firm, enabling our clients and colleagues to redefine markets and shape the future of our communities.

This is a Lead Software Engineering position at VP level, which is part of the job family responsible for developing and maintaining software solutions that support business needs.

Since 1935, Morgan Stanley is known as a global leader in financial services, always evolving and innovating to better serve our clients and our communities in more than 40 countries around the world.

What you'll do in the role:

• You will be responsible for developing order routers as part of a global development team. In addition to supporting existing production infrastructure, this role is a critical contributor to the ongoing modernization of the Exchange Connectivity platform and the adoption of agentic tooling to accelerate code migration, testing, and operational efficiency.
• Communicate regularly with product leads across the technology organization and discuss opportunities for improvement to existing and future technology solutions.
• You will be fully involved in all aspects of the project lifecycle from requirements to deployment and subsequent support.
• Development may be for new markets, or mandatory exchange driven upgrades.
• You may need to enhance existing systems to meet new requirements or applying break-fixes to Order Router software .
• You may need to design/develop products to add value to the services the team provides.
• You may need to perform exchange certification, regression testing, configure and deploy applications (some weekend work required occasionally but you’ll have days off in lieu).
• You may also be required to serve as L3 support.

What you'll bring to the role:

• Ability to effectively manage multiple functions or guide junior staff and initiatives. Being a collaborator, multitasker and being extremely organised is required in this fast paced environment
• Experience working in low latency/high performance systems.
• At least 6 years' relevant experience would generally be expected to find the skills required for this role.
• A good understanding of C++ combined with AI/Machine learning applications
• Experience working in a Unix/Linux environment
• Have worked on distributed applications, in a service based architecture,
• You should be able demonstrate in-depth understanding of OO principles, design patterns and threading techniques.
• This position also requires advanced expertise in low-latency engineering
• Subject matter expertise in exchange-specific protocols, certification processes, regulatory requirements, and production operations that are essential to maintaining reliable market access

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

At Morgan Stanley, we raise, manage and allocate capital for our clients – helping them reach their goals. We do it in a way that’s differentiated – and we’ve done that for 90 years. Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back – aren’t just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There’s also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.

Certified Persons Regulatory Requirements:

If this role is deemed a Certified role and may require the role holder to hold mandatory regulatory qualifications or the minimum qualifications to meet internal company benchmarks.

Flexible work statement

Interested in flexible working opportunities? Morgan Stanley empowers employees to have greater freedom of choice through flexible working arrangements. Speak to our recruitment team to find out more.

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background. Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents.

Our workforce reflects a broad cross-section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences.

For more information, please visit: https://www.morganstanley.com/people-opportunities/eeo.