Remote Operations Research Analyst Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do

Investment Solutions is seeking a 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.

Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing about $580 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 13 consecutive years! Check us out at www.principalam.com! 

Who You Are

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

Skills That Help You Stand Out

• 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, 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 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)
$84600 - $132000 / year
Salary Details

The following locations are examples of Market-specific salary ranges across different geographies.

• 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

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 Environment

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

Job Level

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

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role. (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.) 

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

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.

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.

Posting Window
We 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.
Original Posting Date
5/4/2026
Most Recently Posted Date
5/13/2026
 

Principal uses artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing and evaluating job applications, fraud prevention, and candidate matching and comparisons. These AI tools support our human recruiters in the initial review process but do not make final hiring decisions without human involvement. By submitting your application, you acknowledge this use of AI in our recruitment process. Please review our Workforce (U.S.) Privacy Notice for more details on our practices and your data privacy rights.

LinkedIn Remote Hashtag

#LI-RemoteQualifications:

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

Skills That Help You Stand Out

• 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, 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.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME