Associate, Quantitative Research Analyst

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

6h • Remote

About The Position

Investment Solutions is seeking an Associate, Quantitative Research Analyst for our pension line of business. The analyst will also support broader asset modeling, analytics, and ALM initiatives across multiple business lines. Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing about $580 billion in assets and over 60 years of experience. Principal Asset Management has been recognized as a “Best Places to Work in Money Management” for 13 consecutive years!

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level