Investment Systems Engineer

Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 108,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado PERA is seeking an Investment Systems Engineer to own and optimize critical investment platforms such as Portia, Longview, PACE, Ascend, Automic, Power BI and Snowflake. You will leverage Python, SQL and PowerShell to build robust data pipelines, automate manual processes and apply Lean principles to improve daily operations.

You will contribute to technical designs, lead implementations, and support a 24/7 on-call rotation to ensure reliability.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM field and two years of experience in a technical role preferred.
• Proactively attend technical training related to core stack skills and current system support duties.
• Expertise managing platforms, operating systems, servers and storage, and automation for platform management.

Responsibilities

• Owns medium investment projects by providing analysis, development, testing, and deployment; collaborates with IT and Investment SMEs.
• Manages and maintains key investment platforms (Portia, Longview, PACE, Ascend, Power BI, Athena) and uses automation and data transformation tools (Python, SQL, Snowflake, PowerShell, orchestration tools).
• Contributes to technical design discussions and develops designs for simple developments that meet standards.
• Troubleshoots daily investment systems/data issues (Tier 1/Tier 2) and resolves incidents.
• Participates in 24/7 on-call rotation to ensure system stability and minimize downtime.
• Administers and patches investment application servers and database environments; manages users and access control; maintains SOP documentation.

Skills

Python

SQL

PowerShell

Power BI

Automation

Root-cause analysis

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Portia

Longview

PACE

Ascend

Automic

Snowflake

Microsoft Power BI

Job description

You will take ownership of our critical investment systems (Portia, Longview, PACE, Ascend, Automic, Power BI and Snowflake), leveraging Python, SQL, and PowerShell and other scripting languages to build and optimize robust data pipelines. Applying Lean principles, you will eliminate systemic waste by performing deep root-cause analysis and automating manual processes to improve daily operations. You will contribute to technical designs and lead the implementation of system enhancements that directly enable the Investment Team’s decision-making. As a key member of our 24/7 on-call rotation, you will ensure the high reliability and performance of our firm's most vital financial technology.

Ideal Candidate Statement

We seek a tenacious problem-solver who thrives on complexity and takes full ownership of systems. You dig deep into root causes, ensuring issues are permanently resolved, and excel under pressure during critical situations. Efficiency drives you to eliminate waste, automate repetitive tasks, and value documentation as the backbone of scalable operations. Proactive by nature, you anticipate needs, propose improvements, and communicate technical solutions clearly to stakeholders. Your commitment and work ethic reflect an understanding that system reliability directly impacts investment decisions. Regardless of level, you are defined by curiosity, grit, and a refusal to settle for “good enough.”

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Systems Engineering & Project Ownership

• Owns medium investment projects by providing analysis, development, testing, and deployment; contributes to larger initiatives through effective collaboration with IT and Investment SMEs.

Platform Management

• Manages and maintains key investment platforms (Portia, Longview, PACE, Ascend, Power BI, Athena) and utilizes automation and data transformation tools (Python, SQL, Snowflake, PowerShell, and orchestration tools) to improve process robustness.

Technical Design

• Contributes to technical approach discussions and independently develops/proposes designs for simple developments that meet established standards.

Operational Support & Stability

• Troubleshoots daily investment systems/data issues (Tier 1/Tier 2) and resolves incidents.

24/7 On-Call

• Participates in the 24/7 investment systems on-call rotation, taking tenacious ownership of system stability and minimizing downtime.

System Administration & Governance

• Administers and patches investment application servers and database environments to ensure availability for development.
• Administers investment system users and roles, ensuring secure authentication and compliant access control.
• Develops and maintains high-quality system support, troubleshooting, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documentation.

Knowledge & Leadership

• Maintains an in-depth understanding of the firm’s investment application systems, business functions across asset classes, and underlying network/database environments.
• Proactively stays current on evolving investment technologies and industry best practices through frequent technical training.

Performs other duties as assigned

• Participates in code reviews and incident post-mortem reviews with a focus on eliminating manual "toil" and systemic waste.
• Acts as a technical liaison or Subject Matter Expert when working with vendors to resolve complex application or integration issues.

Job Qualifications

• Degree in technical (STEM) field and two years of experience in technical role preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• You periodically attend technical training relating to core stack skills development as well as current system support duties.
• You're an expert in key technology/platform within your stack. You have experience managing and troubleshooting, operating systems, servers and storage, and utilizing automation for platform management. Your focus is managing platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL for complex querying, performance tuning, and database object management across enterprise environments (e.g., Snowflake, SQL Server, Oracle).
• Understanding of investment workflows and asset classes.
• Strong scripting and development experience using Python (data manipulation, API integrations, automation) and PowerShell (Windows Server administration, automated batch processing).
• Enterprise Workload Automation: Hands-on experience designing, scheduling, and troubleshooting complex multi-step job streams in enterprise orchestrators (e.g., Broadcom Automic / UC4, Airflow, or equivalent) using native scripting and conditional logic.
• Proven track record supporting and maintaining production enterprise applications, underlying Windows servers, and vendor-hosted/SaaS integrations, including REST APIs, SFTP interfaces, cloud-assisted data movements, and routine system maintenance/upgrades.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.
• Occasional moving and positioning of supplies in excess of 20 pounds.
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment.
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules.

Hybrid Work Option

Opportunity to work from home up to three days per week after orientation and training, subject to performance and manager approval. Eligibility is dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading. You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

Why Work at PERA

Colorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

A Culture That Cares

At PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around them

An Employer that Invests in You

PERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.

Join Us

If you’re energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA’s team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Investment Systems Engineer

Division: Information Technology

Reports to: Investments Technical Services Manager II

Job Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $108,000.00 to $134,000.00 Annual, Commensurate with experience

Job Location: Penn Center - Denver, CO 80203

Posting Dates: 11/06/2026 to Until Filled