Sr Software Engineer II

We’re looking for a Senior Software Engineer II to join our insurance technology team! This is a hands-on, leadership-by-example role for an engineer who cares about building software that makes a real difference. You’ll lead the development and enhancement of capabilities for an insurance platform that supports enrollment and onboarding across insurance products. You’ll help architect systems that simplify access to benefits while modernizing how our team builds software. You’ll initially support a platform built using Ruby on Rails and AWS, with the expectation that our technologies will continue to evolve.We’re looking for someone who brings strong software engineering fundamentals and is comfortable learning, adapting, and working with new technologies as the needs of the platform and business change.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Own the design and development of scalable software solutions, contributing across the full development lifecycle from requirements and solution architecture through testing and production
• Build and enhance applications using Ruby on Rails or similar modern application frameworks and AWS, while remaining adaptable as our technology stack evolves and identifying meaningful opportunities to incorporate AI and agentic AI capabilities.
• Partner closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to refine requirements, evaluate technical and product trade-offs, and deliver prioritized roadmap initiatives
• Provide senior level technical leadership by establishing development approaches, influencing architectural decisions, reviewing code, mentoring engineers, and helping the team solve complex technical problems
• Own software quality through automated testing, peer code reviews, performance planning, secure coding practices, and reliable CI/CD pipelines
• Deliver software predictably by developing accurate estimates, communicating progress and risks, and taking accountability for moving projects from requirements through production, This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, or Charlotte, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

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.

Software Engineering, Leadership, Software Engineering, Insurance, Ruby on Rails, System Architecture, Onboarding, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Product Lifecycle, Software Development, * Associate or bachelor’s degree (preference in a computer science, technology, engineering or math-related field or equivalent experience) and 8+ years’ work experience or equivalent experience

• Proven experience designing solution architectures and building scalable web applications, ideally with Ruby on Rails and a modern frontend framework such as React. Candidates with strong experience in comparable backend frameworks with the ability to apply that experience effectively in a Rails environment may also be considered.
• Extensive enterprise-level engineering experience in designing, developing, testing and supporting software applications
• Strong experience working with AWS cloud-based technology
• Experience incorporating AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor, Claude) into daily workflows to enhance delivery speed, test generation, and code quality, backed by rigorous review and validation of AI-generated code
• Experience within insurance, financial services, or another regulated industry
• Ability to break down complex problems, reduce ambiguity, and drive solutions forward
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working across product, engineering, and business teams
• Committed to continuous learning and enjoy helping other engineers grow through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharingStrong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts clearly to business stakeholders and translate business objectives into actionable technical solutions

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: $127000 - $158000 / 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 Additional Information

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.