[Hiring] Associate, Quantitative Research Analyst @Principal Financial Group

Role Description

• Investment Solutions is seeking an Associate, Quantitative Research Analyst for our pension line of business.
• The analyst will support broader asset modeling, analytics, and ALM initiatives across multiple business lines.
• Maintain pension liability models across our defined benefit pension plans using PFaroe or proprietary systems.
• Produce quarterly funded status tracking reports for pension clients.
• Perform regular asset/liability optimization analyses for pension clients based on customized objectives.
• Provide asset/liability modeling (ALM) support for existing clients and prospects.
• Support development of proprietary pension analytics software.
• Deliver modeling support for Insurance, Capital Markets, Endowment, Foundation, and Nonqualified (NQ) plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• 2–5 years of experience in asset/liability modeling, actuarial analysis, or investment analytics.
• Experience with ALM platforms such as PFaroe, ProVal, or custom actuarial modeling systems.
• Strong quantitative and analytical background, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and models using ALM frameworks.
• Working knowledge of Python and AWS.

Requirements

• Familiarity with pension plan regulations, liability valuation methods, or ALM frameworks.
• Ability to manage recurring deliverables with precision in a deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative mindset with interest in building and enhancing analytical tools and processes.
• Progress toward professional credentials such as ASA/FSA, CFA, or CAIA.
• Experience supporting asset allocation, optimization frameworks, or stochastic modeling.
• Familiar with tools such as Bloomberg or insurance investment analytics platforms.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex modeling concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to design, enhance, or maintain quantitative tools supporting ALM and portfolio construction.
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams and contribute to enterprise modeling initiatives.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees for vacation, personal, or short-term illness.
• Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program.
• Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan.

Salary Range Information

• Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly): $84,600 - $132,000 / year
• Des Moines, IA: $89,300-104,500/ year
• Charlotte, NC: $94,000-110,000 / year
• Chicago/Minneapolis: $103,400-121,000/ year
• Los Angeles/New York City: $112,800-132,000/ year

Work Environment

• This role is remote and can be located anywhere in the US.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

• At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Investment Code of Ethics

• For Principal Global Investors positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities.

Company Description

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window

• We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date.
• If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date.

Original Posting Date

5/4/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

5/4/2026

LinkedIn Remote Hashtag

#LI-Remote