Software Development Associate Jobs in Ankeny, IA

We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our Digital Tools & Products team in our Asset Management business. In this role, you'll lead the design and development of modern, data-driven web applications and help shape the technical direction of key digital experiences for our distribution and advisor platforms. You'll have the opportunity to:

• Serve as a technical lead, owning design and architecture for complex, high-impact digital solutions
• Build and enhance modern web applications using JavaScript frameworks (Next.js) and cloud-based technologies
• Partner with product, delivery, and engineering teams to solve complex challenges and deliver scalable solutions
• Simplify complex systems and processes to improve speed, quality, and maintainability
• Anticipate technical challenges and guide architectural decisions to ensure long-term scalability and performance
• Influence technical direction across teams and contribute to broader engineering initiatives and standards
• Multiply team effectiveness by collaborating across teams, guiding technical discussions, and supporting other engineers

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years. 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!

Associate's or bachelor's degree (preference in a computer science, technology, engineering or math-related field) or equivalent experience. 8+ years of enterprise-level digital or technical experience, demonstrating progressive responsibility and impact. Experience designing and building modern web applications (JavaScript frameworks such as Next.js preferred). Experience working with cloud-based technologies (AWS preferred). Proven ability to lead technical design and architecture for complex systems. Strong collaboration skills and experience working across product, engineering, and business teams. Ability to break down complex problems, reduce ambiguity, and drive solutions forward. Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Skills that will help you stand out include experience within financial services (asset management is a plus), experience building data-driven applications and working with data integrations, exposure to AI-enabled development or leveraging AI in engineering workflows, and passion for mentoring others and contributing to a strong engineering culture.

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) $130000 - $170000 / 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 Yes.

Work Environments This role offers an in-office and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangement in Des Moines, IA, Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Chicago, IL or New York, NY.

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.

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.