What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Software Engineer Leader position at Principal Financial Group?
What You'll Do
Distribution Technology is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and experienced technology leader who values servant leadership and is passionate about developing people and maturing modern software engineering practices.
As a Software Engineering Leader, you will guide teams in delivering high-quality, innovative technology solutions that advance our business goals. You’ll play an essential role in shaping our technology direction, fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented culture, and building strong partnerships across Principal.
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)
$100800 - $145000 / 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
Job Level
We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experience and skills.
Work Environments
This position is located in our corporate office in Des Moines, IA, and offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in Des Moines, IA.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering candidates 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 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
While our expertise spans the globe, we're bound by one common purpose: to foster a world where financial security is accessible to all. And our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees – individually and all of us together. Explore our core values, benefits and why we’re an exceptional place to grow your career.
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
10/7/2025
Most Recently Posted Date
2/20/2026
Distribution Technology is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and experienced technology leader who values servant leadership and is passionate about developing people and maturing modern software engineering practices.
As a Software Engineering Leader, you will guide teams in delivering high-quality, innovative technology solutions that advance our business goals. You’ll play an essential role in shaping our technology direction, fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented culture, and building strong partnerships across Principal.
- Lead and empower high-performing teams through coaching, clear communication, and accountability, while managing formal HR responsibilities such as hiring, performance reviews, and development.
- Cultivate a culture of continuous learning by encouraging curiosity, professional development, and knowledge sharing.
- Promote collaboration—build effective relationships with peers, business partners, and leaders to deliver aligned, value-driven outcomes.
- Champion data-driven decision-making and recognize team achievements through measurable success.
- Strengthen software engineering practices by implementing consistent standards, process improvements, and quality measures.
- Encourage innovation by supporting small, strategic experiments that lead to better customer understanding and satisfaction.
- Model adaptability and resilience by navigating complex challenges and driving continuous improvement across teams.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree (preference in a computer science, technology, engineering or math-related field or equivalent experience) and 6 years work experience or equivalent experience.
- Formal/informal HR leadership experience is required.
- 3 years of professional experience working with cloud development (ex: AWS), SaaS solutions, CRM (ex: Salesforce) or other engineering platforms.
- Experience demonstrating a product and agile mindset.
- Excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, analytical, decision-making and communication skills.
- Must have the desire to learn new technology and continuously grow.
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)
$100800 - $145000 / 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
Job Level
We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experience and skills.
Work Environments
This position is located in our corporate office in Des Moines, IA, and offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) in Des Moines, IA.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering candidates 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 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
While our expertise spans the globe, we're bound by one common purpose: to foster a world where financial security is accessible to all. And our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees – individually and all of us together. Explore our core values, benefits and why we’re an exceptional place to grow your career.
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
10/7/2025
Most Recently Posted Date
2/20/2026
Salary : $100,800 - $145,000