Morgan Stanley
Lead Software Engineer - Equities - VP

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Java Developer - Automated Trading Systems
We’re seeking someone to join our team as a Java 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.
- Using core Java development to build and enhance trading strategies and engines.
- 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.
- Part of a team involved in the full system development lifecycle from discussing and agreeing requirements through to designing, developing and deploying the changes.
- Working on high volume, low latency, resilient, scalable and message-driven systems based on cutting edge Java and utilizing the latest hardware.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.


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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.
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