Principal Software Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Spearhead the architecture, design, and implementation of internal platforms, security automation systems, and workflow tools that facilitate Upstart Bank operations.

• Develop scalable engineering patterns, technical standards, and system designs that promote long-term platform growth and maintainability.

• Collaborate with stakeholders from risk, compliance, legal, operations, and engineering to convert complex business requirements into robust software solutions.

• Design and manage relational data models, authorization systems, integrations, and platform services that ensure secure and dependable operations.

• Recognize and address technical risks, making informed decisions regarding system architecture, platform investments, and build-versus-buy considerations.

• Guide engineers through technical leadership, architectural evaluations, design documentation, and engineering best practices.

• Propel technical strategy for internal platforms and automation projects as the bank enhances its operational and regulatory capabilities.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) along with 8+ years of software engineering experience.

• Proven experience in designing, building, and operating large-scale production software systems and web applications.

• Background in leading architecture and technical design for distributed systems, platform services, or internal software platforms.

• Experience in designing relational database schemas, APIs, integrations, authentication systems, and role-based access control frameworks.

• Proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver software solutions that support operational, compliance, security, or business-critical workflows.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation, which includes base salary, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.

• Retirement benefits to assist you in planning 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) offering discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only).

• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for the US, along with supplemental health coverage for Canada.

• Contributions to Health Savings Accounts from Upstart for eligible plans (US only).

• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security.

• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in accordance with local regulations.

• Paid family and parental leave to assist with caregiving and significant life events (duration varies by country).

• Family-focused benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health support and life-centered resources.

• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only).

• Annual wellness allowance to promote 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 necessary for performing your best work, regardless of your location.

• Opportunities for connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs).

• Onsite perks, such as catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).