Sr Special Investigator

What You'll Do Principal is seeking an experienced Senior Special Investigator to join our Corporate Special Investigations Unit (CSIU). This role leads complex, enterprise-wide investigations that safeguard the organization against fraud, financial crime, misconduct, and emerging risk. The Senior Special Investigator applies advanced investigative judgment, analytical expertise, and collaboration skills to deliver thorough, defensible outcomes in high-risk and sensitive matters. This position independently leads investigations involving fraud, financial crimes, information security and cyber incidents, and employee misconduct. The investigator analyzes complex facts, laws, data, and evidence; conducts internal and external in-person interviews; and partners closely with key stakeholders—including HR, IT, Information Security and Risk (ISR), Global Security, Compliance, Legal, Claims, senior leadership, and law enforcement as appropriate—to protect the organization and support ethical business practices. Lead complex, enterprise-wide investigations into suspected unethical or fraudulent activity, including investigation planning, vendor management, evidence collection, analysis, and reporting Analyze data and trends to proactively identify potential fraud, misconduct, and control gaps Deliver independent assessments and produce clear, well-documented investigative reports Maintain comprehensive case files, including facts, evidence, timelines, decisions, and required regulatory reporting Support CSIU anti-fraud compliance, analytics, and prevention initiatives Collaborate with HR, IT Security, Legal, Compliance, Claims, Global Security, and law enforcement on investigative matters Serve as a subject matter expert for ethics violations, financial crimes, cyber-related fraud, and employee misconduct Act as the CSIU liaison for enterprise anti-fraud technology tools; analyze outputs and lead investigative action plans Provide support to CSIU leadership on enterprise anti-fraud projects and strategic initiatives Mentor and develop other special investigators and deliver fraud awareness training to business partners Prepare and present investigative findings and recommendations to senior leadership and business partners Perform other duties and essential functions as needed Who You Are 10+ years of professional experience in fraud investigation or analysis (e.g., financial crimes, fraud, AML, insurance investigations, or related law enforcement work), including at least 5 years leading complex investigations Proven experience conducting internal investigations, including a minimum of 5 years focused on agent/broker investigations Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) required, or ability to obtain one of these certifications within 18 months of hire Strong understanding of applicable laws and regulations relevant to investigations (e.g., anti-money laundering requirements, privacy laws) Extensive knowledge of investigative processes, methodologies, and best practices Advanced analytical, interpersonal, interviewing, decision-making, and organizational skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings clearly to senior audiences Ability to lead informally, exercise sound judgment, build trusted relationships, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority investigations simultaneously Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive matters Advanced proficiency with investigative tools and databases (e.g., fraud detection software, public-records platforms); working knowledge of AI-enabled investigative or analytics tools required Field investigation travel may be required 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) $104400 - $187200 / year Salary Details The following locations are examples of market-specific salary ranges across different geographies. Wichita, KS: $104,400 - $140,400 / year Des Moines, IA: $110,200 - $148,200 / year Charlotte, NC: $116,000 - $156,000 / year Chicago/Minneapolis: $127,600 - $171,600 / year Los Angeles/New York City: $139,200 - $187,200 / 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 Work Environments 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 Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC). You’ll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors. 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 5/7/2026 Most Recently Posted Date 5/7/2026 LinkedIn Remote Hashtag #LI-Remote Principal is seeking an experienced Senior Special Investigator to join our Corporate Special Investigations Unit (CSIU). This role leads complex, enterprise-wide investigations that safeguard the organization against fraud, financial crime, misconduct, and emerging risk. The Senior Special Investigator applies advanced investigative judgment, analytical expertise, and collaboration skills to deliver thorough, defensible outcomes in high-risk and sensitive matters. This position independently leads investigations involving fraud, financial crimes, information security and cyber incidents, and employee misconduct. The investigator analyzes complex facts, laws, data, and evidence; conducts internal and external in-person interviews; and partners closely with key stakeholders—including HR, IT, Information Security and Risk (ISR), Global Security, Compliance, Legal, Claims, senior leadership, and law enforcement as appropriate—to protect the organization and support ethical business practices. Lead complex, enterprise-wide investigations into suspected unethical or fraudulent activity, including investigation planning, vendor management, evidence collection, analysis, and reporting Analyze data and trends to proactively identify potential fraud, misconduct, and control gaps Deliver independent assessments and produce clear, well-documented investigative reports Maintain comprehensive case files, including facts, evidence, timelines, decisions, and required regulatory reporting Support CSIU anti-fraud compliance, analytics, and prevention initiatives Collaborate with HR, IT Security, Legal, Compliance, Claims, Global Security, and law enforcement on investigative matters Serve as a subject matter expert for ethics violations, financial crimes, cyber-related fraud, and employee misconduct Act as the CSIU liaison for enterprise anti-fraud technology tools; analyze outputs and lead investigative action plans Provide support to CSIU leadership on enterprise anti-fraud projects and strategic initiatives Mentor and develop other special investigators and deliver fraud awareness training to business partners Prepare and present investigative findings and recommendations to senior leadership and business partners Perform other duties and essential functions as needed 10+ years of professional experience in fraud investigation or analysis (e.g., financial crimes, fraud, AML, insurance investigations, or related law enforcement work), including at least 5 years leading complex investigations Proven experience conducting internal investigations, including a minimum of 5 years focused on agent/broker investigations Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) required, or ability to obtain one of these certifications within 18 months of hire Strong understanding of applicable laws and regulations relevant to investigations (e.g., anti-money laundering requirements, privacy laws) Extensive knowledge of investigative processes, methodologies, and best practices Advanced analytical, interpersonal, interviewing, decision-making, and organizational skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings clearly to senior audiences Ability to lead informally, exercise sound judgment, build trusted relationships, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority investigations simultaneously Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive matters Advanced proficiency with investigative tools and databases (e.g., fraud detection software, public-records platforms); working knowledge of AI-enabled investigative or analytics tools required Field investigation travel may be required