Research Associate, Equities - Aligned Investors

Overview

We’re looking for an Equity Analyst to join the Aligned Investors team. Aligned Investors has a very successful long-term track record running two US equity strategies with $68 billion in assets under management. Aligned Investor's primary funds are the Principal Mid Cap Fund and Principal Blue Chip Fund. The Aligned investment process involves long-term ownership of high-quality businesses with competitive advantages that are led by owner-operators.

The process relies completely on fundamental company research. Our team is made up of passionate analysts who all work to deliver outstanding returns for our clients over full market cycles.

• Direct and conduct fundamental research on US companies, monitor portfolio holdings, and make recommendations to the Portfolio Managers.
• Conduct and provide research on equity securities, industries, and companies including financial analysis, projections, and recommendations.
• Source and develop reliable and innovative data and information sources to drive investment ideas and develop in-depth knowledge of holdings and prospective holdings.
• Provide analytical support to the portfolios and portfolio managers by monitoring cash and raising cash issues, entering trades, and compliance monitoring.
• Manage data and data integrity related to investment performance, fund accounting, client reports, client inquiries, and other external and internal inquiries.

• Bachelor s degree with emphasis in finance, economics, accounting, engineering, or other technical field.
• Highly proficient at Excel and database skills.

• At least one year of applicable experience or a comparable investment internship.
• Experience working with investment products such as equities, private equity, or fixed income.
• MBA or CFA designation or progress towards.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively research and summarize information, and communicate persuasive recommendations.
• Ability to make effective, well-informed decisions and recommendations in a highly time-sensitive environment, often with incomplete and/or contradictory information.
• Demonstrated understanding of investments and an alignment in investment philosophy.

Salary Range information:
Salaries reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions may participate in a bonus program. Sales positions may be 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 on 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): $89,300 - $120,650 / 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

This role will be based out of our World Headquarters located in Des Moines, IA.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship: At this time, we re not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship 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 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. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. 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: 1/22/2026

Most Recently Posted Date: 1/23/2026