Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union
Member-owned credit union offering financial services
Mortgage Loan Originator
Frequent travel is required.
About the job
- A minimum of three years of experience originating mortgage loans.
- A minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Thorough understanding of mortgage lending fundamentals and regulations.
- Strong knowledge of mortgage products.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate lending-related topics clearly and succinctly to others.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and comfort with information technology, particularly digital communication.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Ability to pass and maintain SAFE Act requirements.
- Current registration with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System or ability to become registered upon employment.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
- Ability to lift five pounds at times.
- Originate mortgage loans.
- Serve borrowers throughout the community, including bilingual and underserved borrowers.
- Structure mortgage products to meet borrower needs and align with the organization's mission.
- Manage multiple initiatives.
- Travel frequently.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
About the company
Sunward is a member-owned financial cooperative offering checking, savings, mortgages, auto loans, and investment services to individuals and businesses. It serves through 12 New Mexico branches, one in Livermore, California, and online, with membership open to everyone. As a federally insured credit union (NCUA) and Equal Housing Lender, Sunward emphasizes member relationships and community impact over profits. Its goal is to help members realize their dreams and secure their financial futures, summarized as “Banking Made Better.”
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Founded
1948
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- The Mountain America acquisition closed March 2025, adding 15,000 members and two branches.
- Sunward opened South Valley in November 2025, Jefferson in June 2026, and Ladera soon.
- New CFO Mateo Ficco joined May 2026, supporting expansion and tighter balance-sheet control.
What critics are saying
- Sunward's Albuquerque concentration leaves earnings exposed to one city's housing and employer shocks.
- The terminated Kirtland merger in June 2026 signals difficult deal execution and stalled scale plans.
- Credit unions face relentless deposit-rate competition; Sunward's small footprint limits pricing power.
What makes Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union unique
- Sunward rebranded from Sandia Laboratory FCU in November 2024.
- It dominates Albuquerque with 11 branches and 17 total locations by September 2026.
- Its Southwest cooperative identity targets local members, not national banking tourists.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Company News
Members now get more funds to pay for eligible purchases over timeALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As more people look to credit unions they know and trust to help navigate their financial needs, Sunward Federal Credit Union (Sunward) announced today that it has added Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) to its suite of online banking products in an effort to meet members' shifting payment preferences.Serving over 165,000 members across 16 locations across the Southwest and in California, Sunward is the first New Mexico-based credit union to launch BNPL for its members
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunward, formerly known as Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, and Mountain America Credit Union announced today that after a favorable vote by transitioning Mountain America Credit Union members, the previously announced proposed acquisition is proceeding with a targeted completion in the first quarter of 2025. “We are excited to welcome members and employees from Mountain America Credit Union to Sunward,” said Steph Sherrodd, Sunward President and CEO. “This addition will strengthen our position and ability to deliver on our goal of making banking better in the Southwest, and in New Mexico specifically.” Upon finalization, Sunward will acquire both Mountain America Credit Union branches in Albuquerque, New Mexico – Golf Course Road and Paseo Del Norte Boulevard – increasing Sunward’s total branch footprint to 15 locations. “I am confident that Sunward will be an excellent financial partner for our members,” said Sterling Nielsen, Mountain America Credit Union President and CEO