Senior Associate, Quantitative Strategies

Principal Financial Group • Seattle, WA

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Principal Asset Management is seeking a Quantitative Research Senior Associate to join its Asset Allocation team. The role develops and supports quantitative equity investment models used in real asset and liquid alternative portfolios, combining quantitative research, data management, and portfolio management support. The role is open to candidates in Seattle, Des Moines, or New York City, with a four- or five-day in-office setup.

Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG). The firm manages approximately $740 billion in assets and has more than 60 years of investment experience.

The base salary range is $141,000–$191,000 per year. The role participates in an annual profit share bonus plan. Salaried (exempt) employees receive Flexible Time Off, without an accrued bank or a set number of days. The role is not pension eligible.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Finance, Financial Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with 5+ years of related industry experience; or a PhD in one of these fields with 3+ years of related industry experience.
• Related experience should include quantitative research, factor modeling, sector rotation research, multi-asset investing, real assets, liquid alternatives, or portfolio management support.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Experience developing, testing, and maintaining quantitative models, datasets, and analytical tools.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects, test hypotheses, evaluate results, and communicate actionable insights.
• Experience conducting stock selection or equity sector rotation research within a systematic investment team.

Nice To Haves

• Quantitative research experience in stock selection or equity sector rotation combining traditional stock selection factors with macroeconomic drivers.
• Experience supporting real asset or liquid alternatives investment strategies.
• Experience with machine learning algorithms and statistical methods.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a collaborative investment environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions, share perspectives, and contribute to investment discussions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance sector rotation signals across inflation-sensitive equity sectors, including REITs, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, using fundamental and macroeconomic drivers.
• Evaluate, acquire, and onboard external data sources to support investment research.
• Partner with Technology to implement and maintain data models, pipelines, databases, and ETL processes, using equity data sources such as FactSet, IBES, and WorldScope.
• Ensure research data and production models are accurate, reliable, and delivered on time.
• Collaborate with Technology to support efficient, well-governed production code.
• Partner with portfolio managers and the trading desk to support portfolio implementation and investment outcomes.
• Independently lead research projects, test hypotheses, evaluate results, and communicate actionable insights.

Benefits

• Annual profit share bonus plan.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried (exempt) employees, with paid time away for vacation, personal needs, or short-term illness and no set number of days.
• Comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings intended to support employees’ physical, financial, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

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