Investment Systems Engineer

Colorado-Public-Employees; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Work-from-home days after orientation

Job summary

PERA is seeking an Investment Systems Engineer in Colorado to own and optimize critical investment platforms (Portia, Longview, PACE, Ascend, Power BI, Snowflake). You will leverage Python, SQL, and PowerShell to build robust data pipelines and lead system enhancements that enable the Investment Team’s decision-making.

You will participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation, ensure reliability of vital financial technology, and contribute to technical designs while driving automation to reduce toil and

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical (STEM) field and two years of experience in a technical role preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing and troubleshooting operating systems, servers and storage, and using automation for platform management.
• Advanced SQL proficiency for complex querying, performance tuning, and database object management across enterprise environments.

Responsibilities

• Owns medium investment projects by providing analysis, development, testing, and deployment.
• Manages and maintains key investment platforms (Portia, Longview, PACE, Ascend, Power BI, Snowflake) with automation and data transformation tools.
• Contributes to technical design and independently 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 for high availability.
• Develops and maintains SOPs and high-quality system documentation.
• Keeps up-to-date with evolving investment technologies and best practices.

Skills

SQL

Python

PowerShell

Snowflake

Power BI

Automation

REST APIs

SFTP interfaces

Automic UC4

Airflow

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

Broadcom Automic UC4

Airflow

Snowflake

SQL Server

Oracle

Windows Server

Job description

Summary of Job ResponsibilitiesYou 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 StatementWe 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 ResponsibilitiesEmployees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.Systems Engineering & Project OwnershipProject OwnershipOwns medium investment projects by providing analysis, development, testing, and deployment; contributes to larger initiatives through effective collaboration with IT and Investment SMEs.Platform ManagementManages 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 DesignContributes to technical approach discussions and independently develops/proposes designs for simple developments that meet established standards.Operational Support & StabilityTroubleshootingTroubleshoots daily investment systems/data issues (Tier 1/Tier 2) and resolves incidents24/7 On-CallParticipates in the 24/7 investment systems on-call rotation, taking tenacious ownership of system stability and minimizing downtime.System Administration & GovernanceServer & App AdminAdministers and patches investment application servers and database environments to ensure availability for development.Security & AccessAdministers investment system users and roles, ensuring secure authentication and compliant access control.Documentation:Develops and maintains high-quality system support, troubleshooting, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documentation.Knowledge & LeadershipTechnical ExpertiseMaintains an in-depth understanding of the firm’s investment application systems, business functions across asset classes, and underlying network/database environments.Continuous Learning:Proactively stays current on evolving investment technologies and industry best practices through frequent technical training.Performs other duties as assignedOperational ExcellenceParticipates in code reviews and incident post-mortem reviews with a focus on eliminating manual \"toil\" and systemic waste.Vendor CoordinationActs as a technical liaison or Subject Matter Expert when working with vendors to resolve complex application or integration issues.Job QualificationsDegree in technical (STEM) field and two years of experience in technical role preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experienceYou 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 classesStrong 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 ConditionsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.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 poundsAll employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industryAbility to sit for prolonged periods of timeAbility to operate standard PC equipmentAbility to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedulesHybrid Work OptionOpportunity 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.Interested Candidates:Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload.Job Description DisclaimerThis 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 PERAColorado 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 CaresAt 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 themAn Employer that Invests in YouPERA 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 UsIf 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 EngineerDivision: Information TechnologyReports to: Investments Technical Services Manager IIJob Status: Full-time, ExemptSalary: $108,000.00 to $134,000.00 Annual, Commensurate with experiencePosting Dates: 09/11/2026 to 10/09/2026