Principal Financial Group · 2 days ago
Director, Architecture & Engineering
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$157K/yr - $213K/yr
10+ years expPrincipal Financial Group is a global investment solutions business managing about $580 billion in assets. The Director, Architecture and Engineering will oversee architectural, engineering, construction and environmental aspects of real estate transactions, managing development projects and providing technical expertise to various teams.
Financial ServicesInsurance
No H1B
Responsibilities
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
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
Provide guidance and technical expertise to asset management, portfolio management, property management, and leasing teams on all physical aspects of the real estate portfolio
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
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.
Company
Principal Financial Group
Principal Financial Group® is dedicated to improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses around the world—helping more than 62M customers plan, protect, invest, and retire as of December 31, 2023.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Dan Houston
President and CEO
Liliana (Lil) Waters, CPA, FLMI
CFO – US Distribution
Recent News
Apollo Global Management, Inc.
2025-11-03
Alternative Credit Investor
2025-10-10
Company data provided by crunchbase