Software Engineer I

What You'll Do We are looking for a Software Engineer I to join our Benefits & Protection (B&P) area. In this role, you’ll build your engineering skills while contributing to an agile team and software that solves real business problems. You’ll work alongside senior engineers, product owners, and scrum team members to design, build, test, and support solutions. You’ll take on well-defined development work, participate in sprint ceremonies, write clean and tested code, and learn through solving new technical challenges.

Along the way, you’ll collaborate across teams, build strong partnerships, and benefit from mentorship and code reviews from experienced engineers as you grow your technical depth and ability to deliver high-quality software. Who You Are Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience (internships, bootcamp, or substantial personal projects). Working proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, C#).

Understanding of programming fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented principles. Ability to write, run, and debug code, and to read and understand code written by others. Experience with Git Basic understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile practices. Basic knowledge of web fundamentals: HTTP, REST APIs, and client/server concepts. Familiarity with relational databases and SQL basics.

Strong written and verbal communication, including asking questions, explaining your work, and reaching out to people across teams. Self-motivation and resourcefulness: you can research and work through unfamiliar problems, and you know when to ask for help. Curiosity about the business and a willingness to learn the domain.

Skills that will help you stand out: Familiarity with React, TypeScript/JavaScript, Node.js, Java, and GraphQL Exposure to AWS services, including Lambda, S3, DynamoDB, and API Gateway Experience with TDD, unit testing, and integration testing Familiarity with CI/CD practices and tools Experience working within an Agile or Scrum team Development experience through internships, co-ops, open-source work, coursework, or personal projects Exposure to the insurance or financial services industry 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) $55800 - $75000 / 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 Environment This role is located in our Des Moines office.

We offer a hybrid work arrangement with 3-days in the office and 2-days remotely. 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.

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 10/29/2026 Most Recently Posted Date 10/29/2026 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.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a Software Engineer I to join our Benefits & Protection (B&P) area. In this role, you’ll build your engineering skills while contributing to an agile team and software that solves real business problems. You’ll work alongside senior engineers, product owners, and scrum team members to design, build, test, and support solutions. You’ll take on well-defined development work, participate in sprint ceremonies, write clean and tested code, and learn through solving new technical challenges.

Along the way, you’ll collaborate across teams, build strong partnerships, and benefit from mentorship and code reviews from experienced engineers as you grow your technical depth and ability to deliver high-quality software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience (internships, bootcamp, or substantial personal projects). Working proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, C#). Understanding of programming fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented principles. Ability to write, run, and debug code, and to read and understand code written by others. Experience with Git Basic understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile practices. Basic knowledge of web fundamentals: HTTP, REST APIs, and client/server concepts. Familiarity with relational databases and SQL basics. Strong written and verbal communication, including asking questions, explaining your work, and reaching out to people across teams. Self-motivation and resourcefulness: you can research and work through unfamiliar problems, and you know when to ask for help. Curiosity about the business and a willingness to learn the domain. Skills that will help you stand out: Familiarity with React, TypeScript/JavaScript, Node.js, Java, and GraphQL Exposure to AWS services, including Lambda, S3, DynamoDB, and API Gateway Experience with TDD, unit testing, and integration testing Familiarity with CI/CD practices and tools Experience working within an Agile or Scrum team Development experience through internships, co-ops, open-source work, coursework, or personal projects Exposure to the insurance or financial services industry