What You'll Do

We’re looking for a Director, Architecture and Engineering – Asset Management to join our Principal Real Estate team. As part of a dedicated Separate Account Team serving a 3rd party institutional client, you would oversee the architectural, engineering, construction and environmental aspects of real estate transactions! 

• Development: Manage entitlement, budgeting, design, bidding, construction, and close‑out activities for development, redevelopment, environmental remediation, capital projects, and tenant improvements. Oversee project teams from selection through completion, review design documents, support value engineering, monitor sustainability goals, and guide field progress to reduce risk and enhance asset value.  

• Acquisitions/Dispositions: Lead due diligence for acquisitions, mortgages, dispositions, and foreclosures - evaluating building systems, construction quality, environmental and seismic conditions, and long‑term capital needs. Provide expert recommendations and cost assessments to support accurate underwriting and risk evaluation.  

• Asset Management: Provide guidance and technical expertise to asset management, portfolio management, property management, and leasing teams on all physical aspects of the real estate portfolio. 

• Sustainability: Develop and execute sustainability initiatives aligned with client goals, including energy/water efficiency, renewable and on‑site generation opportunities, and building automation improvements. Pursue LEED, ENERGY STAR, and other industry certifications. Identify and secure rebates, incentives, and tax benefits for eligible projects.  

• Industry leadership: Stay current on industry trends, engineering standards, and best practices. Represent client interests in industry forums to strengthen risk management, protect asset value, and support competitive investment performance. 

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 14 consecutive years! Check us out at www.principalam.com! 

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree and professional licensure in Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Civil/Environmental Engineering or other applicable field 

• 10+ years of relevant post-licensure experience, working in either a related position at an investment firm - or in an architectural, engineering, or construction management position

• Must have comprehensive knowledge of applicable regulatory standards 

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out  

• Prior experience at an investment management firm is beneficial 

• Project management experience in a variety of building project types such as senior living, multi-family residential, office, retail, and industrial 

• Experience working with joint venture partners 

• Ability to manage third-party technical consultants, interpret reports and provide recommendations for in-house asset management staff 

• Master's Degree 

• Strong client service orientation  

• Ability to make effective, critical high-impact decisions, creative problem-solving capabilities, and proven consulting and project management skills 

• Assertive, diplomatic and positive 

 

Travel about 30% including to Des Moines twice a quarter if not living at our headquarter location.  

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)

$157000 - $213000 / 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

Location(s)

We’re open to considering locations in Des Moines (preferred), Chicago, or New York City. You can check out what our Global Headquarters in Iowa

looks like here:

 

 

 

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 and 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

1/20/2026

Most Recently Posted Date

1/20/2026

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