Principal Software Engineer
Upstart
Principal Software Engineer
Upstart
Runs an AI lending marketplace for consumers
About 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 one million predictions per borrower using more than 3,000 signals, powering smarter, fairer decisions for millions of customers. But the numbers only 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 onsites, planning sessions, and moments that spark creativity and trust. And whether you choose to work primarily from home or collaborate in-person from one 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.
Position Location - This role is available in the following locations: Remote
Time Zone Requirements - This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones.
At Upstart, your base pay is one 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).
What you'll love
At Upstart, our benefits for full-time employees are designed to support your health, financial well-being, family, and personal growth. Here’s what you can expect:
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]
United States | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range 190600 - 263900 USD
Upstart runs an online lending marketplace where banks and credit unions use its AI models to decide which consumers get loans and at what rates. In 2017, it received the first no-action letter issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a statement that the regulator had no plans to act against its AI lending model. Borrowers apply through Upstart or a partner lender's website for personal loans, auto loans, home equity lines of credit, and Cash Line, a revolving line of credit. Lenders pay Upstart fees for referring and approving borrowers and for collecting payments, while partner lenders and investment funds put up most of the money lent. Upstart was founded in 2012 and is based in Burlingame, California.
Explore more opportunities at Upstart