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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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