Associate, Quantitative Research Analyst

What You'll Do

Investment Solutions is seeking an Associate, Quantitative Research Analyst for our pension line of business. The analyst will also support broader asset modeling, analytics, and ALM initiatives across multiple business lines.

• Maintain pension liability models across our defined benefit pension plans using PFaroe or proprietary systems.
• Produce quarterly funded status tracking reports for pension clients.
• Perform regular asset/liability optimization analyses for pension clients based on customized objectives.
• Provide asset/liability modeling (ALM) support for existing clients and prospects.
• Support development of proprietary pension analytics software.
• Deliver modeling support for Insurance, Capital Markets, Endowment, Foundation, and Nonqualified (NQ) plans.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• 2–5 years of experience in asset/liability modeling, actuarial analysis, or investment analytics.
• Experience with ALM platforms such as PFaroe, Pro Val, or custom actuarial modeling systems.
• Strong quantitative and analytical background, with the ability to interpret complex datasets and models using ALM frameworks.
• Working knowledge of Python and AWS.

• Familiarity with pension plan regulations, liability valuation methods, or ALM frameworks.
• Ability to manage recurring deliverables with precision in a deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative mindset with interest in building and enhancing analytical tools and processes.
• Progress toward professional credentials such as ASA/FSA, CFA, or CAIA.
• Experience supporting asset allocation, optimization frameworks, or stochastic modeling.
• Familiar with tools such as Bloomberg or insurance investment analytics platforms.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex modeling concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to design, enhance, or maintain quantitative tools supporting ALM and portfolio construction.
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams and contribute to enterprise modeling initiatives.

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.

$84,600 - $132,000 / year

• Des Moines, IA: $89,300 - $104,500 / year
• Charlotte, NC: $94,000 - $110,000 / year
• Chicago/Minneapolis: $103,400 - $121,000 / year
• Los Angeles/New York City: $112,800 - $132,000 / year

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.

This role is remote and can be located anywhere in the US.

We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experience and skills.

At this time we are not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role.

For Principal Global Investors 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.

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.