At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deploy cutting-edge trading algorithms and smart order routing systems.
- Company: Leading global institutional trading platform with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with traders and researchers to enhance trading strategies.
- Why this job: Join a high-impact team and shape the future of electronic trading.
- Qualifications: Experience in algorithmic execution within institutional markets is essential.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Morgan McKinley are supporting a leading global institutional trading platform to identify an experienced VP-Level Algorithmic Trading & Smart Order Routing (SOR) Engineer for their London team. This is a high-impact, hands-on individual contributor position sitting at the core of the firm's electronic execution capabilities. You will be responsible for designing, building, and deploying cutting-edge algorithmic execution models, smart order routing systems, and liquidity management tools in production.
Note: Prior experience in digital assets/crypto is not required. The firm is explicitly prioritising candidates with deep experience in traditional institutional financial markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Algorithmic Execution Development: Design, build, and deploy production-grade benchmark execution algorithms (e.g., TWAP, VWAP, Volume Inline) and custom spread trading strategies.
- Smart Order Routing (SOR): Architect and optimize high-performance Smart Order Routers to maximize liquidity capture, optimize fill rates, and minimize execution slippage and market impact.
- End-to-End System Ownership: Take full technical ownership of trading algorithms throughout their lifecycle—from initial strategy design and simulation to live production execution and ongoing refinement.
- Liquidity & Market Structure Optimization: Drive internalisation strategies, CRB-style trading models, and venue routing logic across diverse liquidity pools.
- Front-Office Collaboration: Work directly alongside traders, quantitative researchers, and electronic trading desks to continuously improve platform execution quality and operational resilience.
Requirements
- Institutional Track Record: Demonstrated experience building, owning, and deploying production algorithmic execution or SOR solutions within institutional markets (Investment Banks, Electronic Trading teams, or Quant Execution groups).
- Core Microstructure Knowledge: Deep understanding of order types, execution algorithms (TWAP, VWAP, Spread), smart order routing, and electronic venue connectivity.
- Asset Class Background: Experience in traditional institutional asset classes (Equities, Foreign Exchange / FX, Fixed Income, or Futures).
- Technical Excellence: Hands-on experience developing high-performance, distributed, and scalable electronic trading systems.
- Strong Differentiators: Hands-on experience with internalisation models, liquidity optimization, or CRB trading models is highly advantageous.
Algo / Smart Order Routing Engineer in London employer: Morgan McKinley
Morgan McKinley offers an exceptional work environment for a Terraform & AWS DevOps Engineer, providing the opportunity to collaborate with a leading UK insurance and financial services company. Employees benefit from a culture of innovation and support, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic, multi-vendor setting. The company's commitment to employee well-being and career advancement makes it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Algo / Smart Order Routing Engineer in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Algo / Smart Order Routing Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Morgan McKinley.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Morgan McKinley's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Morgan McKinley.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Morgan McKinley employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
