Scan your resume against ATS criteria for this Principal Software Engineer role at Upstart.
At Upstart, we’re united by a mission that matters: to radically reduce the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. Every day, we bring creativity, experimentation, and advanced AI to reshape access to credit, helping millions move forward financially with clarity and confidence.
As the leading AI lending marketplace, we partner with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit through technology that’s both radically intelligent and deeply human. Our platform runs over million predictions per borrower using more than 3,000 signals, powering smarter, fairer decisions for millions of customers. But the numbers hint at the impact. Every idea, every voice, and every contribution moves us closer to a world where credit never stands between people and their financial progress.
We’re proudly digital-first, giving most Upstarters the flexibility to do their best work from wherever they thrive, alongside teammates across 80+ cities in the US and Canada. Digital-first doesn’t mean distant. We’re intentional about in-person connection through team, planning sessions, and moments that spark creativity and trust. And whether you choose to work primarily from home or collaborate in-person from of our offices in Columbus, Austin, the Bay Area, or New York City, you’ll have the support to work in the way that works best for you.
If you’re energized by tackling meaningful problems, excited to innovate with purpose, and motivated by work that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Upstart's Bank Technology team builds the internal platforms, security automation, and operational systems that enable Upstart Bank to operate securely, efficiently, and at scale. The team partners closely with stakeholders across risk, legal, compliance, security, and operations to create software solutions that support the bank's growth as a licensed financial institution.
As a Principal Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across a growing portfolio of internal platforms and automation systems. You will drive architectural direction, solve complex technical challenges, and establish engineering patterns that enable the team to deliver secure, scalable, and maintainable solutions for the bank's most critical operational functions.
Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of internal platforms, security automation systems, and workflow tooling that support Upstart Bank operations.
Establish scalable engineering patterns, technical standards, and system designs that enable long-term platform growth and maintainability.
Partner with stakeholders across risk, compliance, legal, operations, and engineering to translate complex business requirements into durable software solutions.
Design and oversee relational data models, authorization systems, integrations, and platform services that support secure and reliable operations.
Identify and mitigate technical risks, making thoughtful decisions around system architecture, platform investments, and build-versus-buy tradeoffs.
Mentor engineers through technical leadership, architectural reviews, design documentation, and engineering best practices.
Drive technical strategy for internal platforms and automation initiatives as the bank expands its operational and regulatory capabilities.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) and 8+ years of software engineering experience.
Experience designing, building, and operating large-scale production software systems and web applications.
Experience leading architecture and technical design for distributed systems, platform services, or internal software platforms.
Experience designing relational database schemas, APIs, integrations, authentication systems, and role-based access control frameworks.
Experience partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver software solutions supporting operational, compliance, security, or business-critical workflows.
Knowledge of TypeScript, Node.js, Next.js, Prisma, or similar modern application frameworks.
Experience building security automation, governance, risk and compliance (GRC) platforms, or operational workflow systems.
Familiarity with regulated industries such as financial services, banking, healthcare, or other compliance-driven environments.
Knowledge of compliance frameworks, including SOC 2, NIST CSF, or similar regulatory standards.
Ability to influence technical strategy, drive alignment across teams, and navigate ambiguous problem spaces with sound engineering judgment.
This role is available in the following locations: Remote
This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones.
At Upstart, your base pay is part of your total compensation package. The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).
United States | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range$190,600—$263,900 USD
At Upstart, our benefits are designed to support your health, financial well-being, family, and personal growth. Here’s what you can expect:
Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US)
Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US)
Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security
Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements
Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country)
Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US)
Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City
For roles based in Canada, please note that we are not currently able to hire in Quebec.
Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Just as we are dedicated to improving access to affordable credit for all, we are committed to inclusive and fair hiring practices.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email [email protected]
https://www.upstart.com/candidate_privacy_policy https://www.upstart.com/candidate_privacy_policy
medical, dental, vision, and 401k).
How to apply for Principal Software Engineer at Upstart?
Click the "Apply on Company Website" button on this page to submit your application directly on the employer's official portal.
What is the salary for this role?
The salary for this role is $190,600 per annum.
What experience is required?
8+ years of experience is required.
Is this position still open?
Yes, currently active and accepting applications.
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