Principal Financial Group Inc

Software Engineer III / Sr. Software Engineer I

Principal Financial Group Inc$95K — $138K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in STEM or equivalent experience
  • 3+ years of professional software development experience
  • 2+ years of AWS experience
  • 2+ years of vendor integration experience
  • Desire to learn new technology and continuously grow

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and support scalable applications for core business capabilities
  • Develop and maintain integrations across APIs and file-based interfaces
  • Collaborate with teams and partners to ensure effective system integration
  • Contribute to platform modernization by building new capabilities
  • Participate in technical design discussions and define integration patterns
  • Evaluate technical tradeoffs across performance and maintainability
  • Troubleshoot integration and production issues focusing on reliability

Benefits

  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) for vacation and personal time
  • Pension eligibility
  • Work from the office or hybrid arrangements available in select locations
  • Culture of innovation and collaboration
  • Commitment to diversity of thought and background
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

We’re looking for an Experienced Software Engineer to join our Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS) business. In this role, you’ll contribute to the modernization of our retirement platforms by building scalable services, enabling complex system integrations, and delivering high-quality solutions that support our long-term technology strategy.

You will work within a highly integrated ecosystem that includes internal platforms, external solutions, and SaaS enterprise platforms requiring strong engineering fundamentals and a focus on reliable, well-defined system interactions.

 

You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Design, build, and support scalable, reliable, and performant applications that enable core business capabilities
  • Develop and maintain integrations across APIs, file-based interfaces, and batch processing patterns
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure systems integrate effectively and meet shared objectives
  • Contribute to platform modernization efforts by building new capabilities and enabling connectivity across evolving systems
  • Participate in technical design discussions, helping define interface contracts, data exchanges, and integration patterns
  • Make well-reasoned technical decisions by evaluating tradeoffs across performance, scalability, and maintainability
  • Ensure solutions meet non-functional requirements such as performance, security, scalability, and resiliency
  • Advocate for engineering best practices, including code quality, automated testing, and delivery discipline
  • Troubleshoot integration and production issues, with a focus on reliability, traceability, and operational stability
  • Take ownership of features of increasing complexity, driving them from design through delivery in collaboration with the team
  • Work cross-functionally to deliver outcomes in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Who You Are
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree with a preference in a science, technology, engineering, or math related field or equivalent work experience
  • 3+ years of professional software development experience
  • 2+ years of AWS experience is required.
  • 2+ years of vendor integration experience is required.
  • Must have the desire to learn new technology and continuously grow.
  • Ability to work on cross-functional teams and collaborate with both IT and non-IT partners
  • May be required to provide on-call support

Preferred technical experience:

  • Python and Java
  • Enterprise level configure and code SaaS platforms (Salesforce, ServiceNow, IBM Business Automation Workflow, or equivalent)
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$95000 - $138000 / year Salary Details

The following salary ranges reflect market-specific compensation for this position across multiple job levels. Candidates will be evaluated to determine the appropriate job level based on their skills and experience. 

  • Software Engineer III: $95,000 - $112,000 / year
  • Sr. Software Engineer I: $120,000 - $138,000 / 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

Work Environments

 

This role offers the ability for in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangements in Des Moines, IA, Charlotte, NC, or Raleigh, NC locations. There is an expectation for this role to work on site at least 3 days a week.

 

Job Level

 

We’ll consider talent at the Software Engineer III or Sr. Software Engineer I level with the right experience and skills.

 

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 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)7/22/2026 Latest Post Date: Careers - US7/22/2026

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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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