Quantitative Trading Software Developer

Quantitative Trading Software Developer

Founded in 1997, Marshall Wace is a leading global alternatives investment manager specializing in long/short equity. We combine fundamental investing with systematic and quantitative strategies to deliver returns from a range of investment solutions. We are one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers, managing in excess of $60 billion with over 400 employees working in London, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Our history is one of continuous development and innovation, from being the creators of the TOPS Alpha Capture System, to the extensive use of proprietary systems throughout our investment and operations environment. In a challenging industry we seek to be competitive by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and providing them with the systems, data, technology, and work environment they need to succeed. Our culture enables innovative ideas to surface from all areas of the firm and to be executed quickly. TOPS is an exceptional example of how innovation within Marshall Wace has created a unique investment solution for clients and driven many areas of the firm to improve efficiency and key processes and controls.

In September 2015, KKR and Marshall Wace announced the formation of a long term strategic partnership, with KKR initially acquiring 25pct in Marshall Wace. KKR has market leadership positions in Private Equity and Credit markets, which complement Marshall Wace’s market leadership position in Equity Long/Short, liquid alternative products. The strategic partnership is based on a shared vision of how financial markets are changing and how best to serve clients’ evolving investment requirements, bringing together strong traditions of investment expertise, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural alignment. In time, it will enable the joint development of new products, the potential for an expanded global client base, and allow the creation of incentive plans for the next generation of Marshall Wace partners and staff.

The Role

The Quantitative Trading Team is a front office team responsible for the research, enhancement, and innovation of algorithmic trading strategies that focuses primarily on the execution of Marshall Wace’s global trade flow. The scale of Marshall Wace’s activity leads to significant operating leverage, where seemingly small deliveries from the team can have large revenue and profit ramifications.

The successful candidate will join the current team of seven computer science / domain experts based in New York and London. The candidate must be a passionate, hands-on C++ developer with experience in designing and implementing trading systems on a Linux platform. The candidate will have sophisticated, deep understanding of high performance computing as well as a keen interest in statistics and global markets.

The role will require frequent contact with the global trading, quantitative research, and technology teams. As such, the successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills and be confident discussing/defending their contributions to senior partners/business leads.

Required Skills / Experience

• Good C++ and/or Python
•    Experience working on Linux
• Excellent software engineering skills with experience working on highly complex problems
• Strong academic background in a STEM subject from a leading university
• Ability to work in often highly pressurized environments with tight deadlines
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and thrives in a dynamic environment
• Assured and confident in own abilities and speaking with senior members of the organisation

Desirable Skills / Experience

•   Data pipeline experience
• Experience implementing real-time event-driven software
• Experience with large scale distributed computing technologies
• Experience with SQL or KDB
• Interest in mathematical modelling, time series analysis, and optimization technique
• Interest in global equity market microstructure