Job Information
Principal Financial Group Associate or Fixed Income Trader Agency Mortgage Backed Securities in Des Moines, Iowa
What You'll Do
We’re looking for either an Associate or Fixed Income Trader to join our Principal Global Fixed Income team. In this position, you’ll play a key role in maximizing performance through trading, including day-to-day buying and selling of securities for portfolios/client accounts primarily covering Agency Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), while also providing a backup role to other traders across other securitized markets.
Trading and Execution :
Identify, analyze, and execute relative value trades (e.g., electronic and over-the-counter) to optimize portfolio performance
Ensure best execution by balancing negotiated price, size, and service within established guidelines
Monitor open positions, model trade ideas, and ensure all transactions are accurately documented
Market Research and Insights :
Conduct in-depth research and analysis on MBS and the securitized market
Provide actionable insights to portfolio managers and analysts to support informed investment decisions
Develop and recommend trading strategies based on market activity and relative value assessments
Relationship Building :
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with industry contacts (e.g., Wall Street traders, brokers)
Disseminate insights and key takeaways from interactions with the street to inform internal stakeholders
Systems and Process Improvements :
Partner with IT to enhance trading systems (e.g., Charles River, Aladdin) and streamline processes
Lead initiatives to improve workflow, reporting systems, and analysis tools
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!
Principal Asset Management offers global asset management expertise across a diverse set of traditional and alternative asset classes. Check us out at www.principalam.com !
Who You Are
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as finance, accounting, economics, statistics, engineering, data science, or business analytics
Previous internship in fixed income, with a high preference of three or more years of experience in fixed income strategies across trading, research, or portfolio management. We may hire at the next level up which would require at least five years related experience
Strong expertise in fixed income trading, particularly within agency MBS and securitized markets, with a solid understanding of financial accounting, economic theory, global financial markets, and fixed income products and strategies
Proficiency in trading systems and platforms such as Charles River, Tradeweb, and Aladdin
Proven ability to analyze complex trading opportunities and execute trades efficiently under market-imposed time constraints while adhering to the best execution principles
Strong proficiency in Excel and Bloomberg
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
MBA, CFA designation, or significant progress toward either
Collaborative and relationship-focused
Comfortable taking informed positions and educated risks
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)
$86450 - $167000 / 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
Additional Information
Location
This role will be based out of our World Headquarters located in Des Moines, IA.
Work Environments
This role offers the ability for in-office or four days in-office and one day remote. You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
Next Level
We’ll consider talent at the next level with the right experiences and skills which would include at least five years fixed income strategies across trading, research, or portfolio management.
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.
Nonimmigrant Workers (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers) and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants)
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Asset Management 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
1/14/2025
Most Recently Posted Date
1/14/2025
Principal Financial Group
- Principal Financial Group Jobs