Lead Software Engineer - Equities - VP

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

Job summary

Morgan Stanley is seeking a Lead Software Engineer in London to develop and support automated trading systems in the Equities domain. You will work with global teams on algorithmic trading strategies, analytical tools and scalable infrastructure.

The role requires strong Java expertise, UNIX/Linux experience, and a focus on low-latency, high-volume systems in a fast-paced IT/quant environment.

Qualifications

• Strong Java development skills in UNIX/Linux environments.
• Experience delivering low-latency trading systems or similar real-time platforms.
• Familiarity with version control and CI tools (Git, Jenkins).
• Knowledge of time-series data concepts and KDB+/Q is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance core Java trading engines and strategies.
• Collaborate with product leads and IT teams to improve technology solutions.
• Participate in full software development lifecycle from design to deployment.
• Build scalable, high-volume, data-driven trading infrastructure.

Skills

Core Java

UNIX/Linux

Low latency systems

Git/Jenkins

KDB/time-series

REST API

Tools

Git

Jenkins

KDB

Job description

We’re seeking someone to join our team as aaJava developer to work on automated trading systems, primarily in the Equities domain. The candidate should possess good analytical skills & computer programming experience, a logical approach to problem solving. The role involves building, deploying & supporting algorithmic trading strategies, analytical tools and scalable trading engine infrastructure, working as part of a fast-moving IT / quant / trading team. The candidate should be a strong problem solver and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

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, continuously 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:

• Communicate regularly with product leads across the technology organization and discuss opportunities for improvement to existing and future technology solutions.
• You will be using core Java development to build and enhance trading strategies and engines
• The role involves working directly with the global trading, quant and IT teams to advance the platform and the businesses it serves
• The project portfolio is typically varied, spanning new and existing algorithm development, improving the technical and execution performance of trading systems, the generation and analysis of trading signals & data
• You will part of a team which is involved in the full system development lifecycle from discussing and agreeing requirements through to designing, developing and deploying the changes
• The systems you will work on are high volume, low latency, resilient, scalable and message-driven based on cutting edge Java and utilising the latest hardware

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Ability to effectively manage multiple functions or guide junior staff and initiatives.
• Advanced understanding of business line and discipline with some knowledge of competitive environment and other disciplines.
• Core Java knowledge in a UNIX/Linux environment.
• Ability to analyse business & technical requirements and translate them into a well designed & programmed solution
• A logical approach to problem solving and good analytical skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a global team
• Experience with Git/Stash and Jenkins
• Experience with unit testing frameworks such as JUnit
• An interest to learn the business supported by the applications
• Good Linux fundamentals
• Interest in developing systems for automated market making, DMA or algo trading group in liquid markets (equities, FX, liquid rates, etc.) using FIX protocol
• Experience with web service development, REST, TypeScript knowledge with preferably Angular framework
• Experience with low-latency messaging middleware pub/sub technologies.
• Experience of time-series data analysis in technologies such as KDB/q

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 statementInterested 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.