Quantitative Developer (Machine Learning & AI)

Principal Financial Group; Des Moines, Chicago (IA, IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Asset Management is seeking a Quantitative Developer to scale ML/AI solutions that support investment decisions, risk management, and portfolio performance. You will collaborate with investment professionals, quantitative researchers, data engineers, and software engineers to turn business needs and research models into production-ready solutions.

The role offers hybrid work with at least three days in the Des Moines, IA or Chicago, IL offices.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience or 2+ years with a Master’s degree
• Production-grade machine learning or forecasting systems deployment experience
• Strong Python and ML frameworks experience (Scikit-learn/TensorFlow/PyTorch)
• Experience with ML operations: orchestration, artifacts, CI/CD, cloud operations
• Knowledge of data structures, software architecture, data modeling, and scalable design
• Ability to own projects from concept through implementation
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration

Responsibilities

• Operationalize machine learning solutions to support investment decisions
• Build scalable, cloud-native ML workflows using AWS services
• Develop data validation, feature engineering, model evaluation, and forecast controls
• Support forecasting, risk management, portfolio optimization, and performance measurement
• Integrate generative AI and large language models into secure workflows
• Accelerate experimentation, deployment, and adoption of AI solutions
• Contribute to internal research and technical publications

Skills

Python

ML Ops

Cloud

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark ML

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark ML

AWS

Job description

What You'll Do

Join Principal Asset Management’s Private Markets Research & Analytics team as a Quantitative Developer to scale machine learning and AI solutions that support investment decisions, risk management, and portfolio performance.

You’ll work with investment professionals, quantitative researchers, data engineers, and software engineers to turn business needs and research models into reliable, production-ready solutions.

You’ll have the opportunity to

• Operationalize machine learning solutions that support investment decisions


• Build scalable, cloud-native ML workflows using AWS services such as Lambda, Step Functions, S3, and DynamoDB


• Develop data validation, feature engineering, model evaluation, and forecast-quality controls


• Support forecasting, risk management, portfolio optimization, and performance measurement across private-market strategies


• Integrate generative AI and large language models into secure business workflows and research platforms


• Accelerate experimentation, deployment, and adoption of scalable, audit-friendly AI solutions


• Evaluate emerging technologies that may strengthen Principal Asset Management’s competitive position


• Contribute to internal research, technical thought leadership, and publications

About Principal Asset Management

Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing about $740 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 14 consecutive years!

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field plus 8+ years of related experience, or a Master's degree in a related field plus 2+ years of related experience


• Experience deploying and supporting production-grade machine learning or forecasting systems


• Strong Python skills and experience with Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Spark ML, or similar frameworks


• Experience with ML operations, including orchestration, artifact management, automated evaluation, continuous integration and deployment, and cloud operations


• Knowledge of data structures, software architecture, data modeling, and scalable application design


• Ability to take ownership and move projects from concept through implementation


• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and business teams.


• Curiosity and a commitment to learning and applying new technologies

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience operationalizing scenario-based or time-series forecasting models


• Experience integrating generative AI or large language models into secure workflows


• Knowledge of asset management, financial services, private real estate, or alternative investments


• Experience contributing to research publications, technical papers, or industry thought leadership

Salary Range Information

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. 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, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)

$120000 - $165000 / year

Salary Details

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $165,000. Final compensation will reflect the candidate’s skills, experience, and alignment with the role.

This role also participates in an annual profit-share bonus plan.

Time Off Program

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. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligible

No

Work Environments

This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with at least three days per week in the Des Moines, Iowa, or Chicago, Illinois office.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

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. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

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.