Looking for more than just a job? You’ve found it.
At Pekin Insurance, you’re not a number—you’re part of something bigger. For over 100 years, we’ve built a community where people are valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Here, you’ll find a workplace where collaboration is real, ideas are welcome, and the work you do truly matters. We’re proud to help people through life’s toughest moments—and it’s our people who make that possible.
From day one, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, take on meaningful challenges, and grow in ways that matter to you. Learn more about Pekin Insurance Here!
Position Overview
The Research and Development (R&D) Specialist is responsible for developing new products and enhancements, maintenance of existing products for regulatory compliance, and researching emerging industry issues. This position supports the Commercial Lines Underwriting department in the achievement of established corporate profit and growth goals.
Essential Job Functions
- Manages assigned lines of commercial products to ensure profitable growth
- Completes assigned Commercial Lines research and development projects to facilitate profitable growth
- Develops new products, coverage enhancements to existing products, and required regulatory changes to existing Commercial Lines products
- Maintains Commercial Lines manuals and forms to ensure regulatory compliance and quality control
- Obtains and analyzes industry information and competitor market research for assigned projects and lines of business
- Identifies, analyzes, and provides information on state regulatory law changes, advisory organization compliance changes, and industry emerging issues to ensure compliance and evaluates opportunities and threats
- Analyzes and provides innovative solutions to issues discovered in assigned projects
- Reviews and provides recommendations on all assigned Commercial Lines project specifications and requirements
- Performs other duties as assigned
Education & Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Occupational Safety, or related field required
- Typically requires 5+ years of industry experience
Preferred or Specialized
- Prior experience with commercial insurance rating
Certifications & Licenses
- Possession of or demonstrated progress toward earning a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated ability to:
- Read and interpret insurance policy language and various state or federal regulations
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
- Analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines
- Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Take initiative and work independently or with teams
Demonstrated skill in:
- Completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
Demonstrated knowledge of:
- Insurance industry and terminology within specialized product lines
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
Pay Range:
- $73,000 - 98,000
- This range is based on the expected level of experience and skills for this position. Final compensation will depend on individual
Benefits:
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) with Paid Holidays
- Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule
- Paid Volunteer Program
For more information about the benefits we offer, please visit our Careers Page.
Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Occupational Safety, or related field
- Typically requires 5+ years of industry experience
- Possession of or demonstrated progress toward a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
- Ability to read and interpret insurance policy language and state or federal regulations
- Prior experience with commercial insurance rating
What We Do
We help our customers build their dreams. Or rebuild their lives. At Pekin Insurance,® we provide peace of mind and long-term security for our policyholders, shareholders, agents, and employees. Through wars. Peace. Economic downturns and upswings. We’ve remained undaunted. Flexible. Innovative. We’ve always managed to find ways to get the job done. Since 1921. Today, we’re one of the nation’s most successful insurance providers, with combined assets of $2 billion, more than 900 employees, 1,200 agencies, and 7,500 independent agents.







