Principal Financial Group Inc

Director-Engineering

Principal Financial Group Inc$157K — $213K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Des Moines, IA
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business administration, or related field plus 10+ years of technology experience.
  • Proven leadership and problem-solving skills in complex environments.
  • Ability to set strategic direction while driving execution.
  • Deep experience in broker-dealer and wealth management technology.
  • Experience managing high-performing engineering teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering strategy and delivery for Brokerage and client servicing.
  • Manage integrations with clearing firms and vendor tools for advisor-client collaboration.
  • Own delivery within key wealth platform domains.
  • Partner with product and architecture leaders for platform development.
  • Guide integration efforts with custodial and clearing partners.
  • Translate business strategy into technology roadmaps and execution plans.
  • Foster customer-centric approaches by leveraging feedback and trust.

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy for vacation and personal time.
  • Pension eligibility for enhanced retirement security.
  • Opportunities to work in office, hybrid, or remotely, based on circumstances.
  • Involvement in a diverse and collaborative engineering culture.
  • Comprehensive benefits supporting physical, financial, and social well-being.
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

We’re looking for a Director of Engineering to join our WPI team. In this role, you’ll help shape the future of our WPI business. This is a high-impact opportunity to join at a pivotal moment—helping define the technology strategy, guide platform transformation, and build the capabilities that will support future growth ! 

This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in transformation environments, understands the complexity of broker-dealer and advisor platform ecosystems, and is energized by the opportunity to build, influence, and deliver at scale. 

  • Lead engineering strategy and delivery across Brokerage platform, brokerage operations, and client servicing capabilities. 
  • Ability to manage integrations with clearing firms such as NFS, Pershing or LPL and vendor tools that provide advisor-client collaboration capabilities 
  • Own delivery across key wealth platform domains, including advisor tools, client experience, brokerage integration, and servicing operations. 
  • Partner with product, architecture, and business leaders to define and scale a modern wealth platform in a new-build or transformation environment. 
  • Guide platform integration efforts with brokerage, custodial, and clearing partners, including third-party ecosystem connectivity. 
  • Translate business strategy into technology direction, roadmaps, and execution plans that improve resiliency, scalability, and value delivery. 
  • Build, lead, and develop high-performing engineering teams by coaching talent and raising the performance bar. 
  • Start with the customer and work backwards. Work vigorously to earn and keep customer trust. Pay attention to competitors, but obsess over customers.  

 

As Principal continues to modernize its systems, this role will offer you an exciting opportunity to build solutions that will directly impact our long-term strategy and tech stack, all while ensuring that our products are robust, scalable, and secure! 

 

 

Who You Are
  • You have a ·Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 10+ years of relevant technology experience.
  • You have excellent leadership, problem solving, analytical, and decision making skills
  • You are able to set strategic direction while also driving execution in complex, highly collaborative environments
  • You have deep experience in broker-dealer, wealth management, retail investing, or closely related financial services technology environments
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
  • Direct experience with advisor platforms and wealth technology ecosystems that support financial advisors and home office teams
  • Demonstrated experience with third-party integrations and external ecosystem connectivity, including custodians, clearing firms, or fintech partners
  • Background in transformation or new-build environments where you helped stand up modern platforms, modernize legacy capabilities, or deliver large-scale integration initiatives
Salary Range InformationSalary 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$157000 - $213000 / year Time Off ProgramFlexible 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 EligibleYes Additional Information Our Engineering Culture

Through our product-driven Agile/Lean DevOps environment, we’ve fostered a culture of innovation and experimentation across our development teams. As a customer-focused organization, we work closely with our end users and product owners to understand and rapidly respond to emerging business needs.

Collaboration is embedded into everything we do – from the products we develop to the quality service we provide. We’re driven by the belief that diversity of thought, background, and perspective is critical to creating the best products and experiences for our customers.

Work Environments

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Charlotte, NC, and Raleigh, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

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.

Posting WindowWe will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline. Date First Posted (TTF)6/10/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US6/10/2026

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About Principal Financial Group Inc

Principal Financial Group Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Principal Financial Group Inc, a global leader in investment management and retirement services. At Principal, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial security and success, making now the perfect time to explore job opportunities with us.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career at Principal Financial Group Inc and contribute to our mission of empowering financial well-being across the globe. Our company offers a wide range of positions, from finance to technology, where your skills will help shape the future of financial services.

Innovate and Lead

At Principal, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. We provide a platform where your ideas can lead to groundbreaking financial solutions, driving growth and efficiency. Join our team and be at the forefront of industry-leading projects that redefine what is possible in the financial sector.

Grow Your Career

Principal Financial Group Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow professionally and personally. We support career advancement through professional development programs, leadership training, and opportunities for networking and mentorship. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all team members have the opportunity to succeed.

Experience Our Culture

Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Enjoy benefits that support both your professional and personal life, and work alongside colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in your professional journey, Principal offers a range of internship and employment opportunities. Gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and learn from leaders in the financial industry.

Join Our Team

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the job opportunities at Principal Financial Group Inc. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Check out our open positions, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview that could lead to your next great adventure.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Principal Financial Group Inc by following our careers blog. Get insider perspectives, tips for a successful interview, and the latest news on the financial industry that you can apply directly to your career.

Networking and Professional Development

At Principal, your growth is our priority. Enhance your professional skills through comprehensive training programs and connect with industry leaders and peers through our robust networking events. Our commitment to your development is unwavering, as we believe it is fundamental to our collective success.

Explore Careers at Principal Financial Group Inc

Discover the exciting career paths available at Principal. From internships to leadership roles, the opportunities for professional growth are abundant. Join us and contribute to a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving exceptional results.

Apply Today

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry? Search for open positions that match your skills and interests at Principal Financial Group Inc. We look for passionate, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Start your journey with us today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of finance.

Principal Financial Group Inc—where careers grow, innovation thrives, and leaders are made.

Learn more about Principal Financial Group Inc
Size
18,600 employees
Market Cap
$20.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
5 Year Trend
+2.7%
Revenue
$14.7 billion
NASDAQ

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