Mortgage Loan Underwriter Senior

Sunward Federal Credit Union • Albuquerque, NM

6d • $8,388 - $104,852

About The Position

Independently reviews mortgage applications ranging from basic to complex and makes sound credit decisions within established policies and regulations. Resolves exceptions, supports other underwriters, and contributes to process improvements. Serves as a key resource for peers and ensures consistent, high-quality outcomes with minimal oversight.

The role performs underwriting duties of previous levels with minimal oversight and a high degree of accuracy; identifies and resolves complex issues, escalating when appropriate; communicates decisions professionally; and applies advanced knowledge of underwriting systems to verify inputs, review recommendations, and suggest improvements. It also supports the Mortgage Underwriting team with guidance on moderately complex scenarios, recommends solutions that meet member needs while aligning with risk policies, and collaborates with processing, closing, and compliance teams to improve workflows and member experience.

Requirements

• Minimum four years of direct mortgage underwriting experience.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree or certification in business, finance, or a related field, or more than four years of working experience in lieu of a degree.
• Advanced knowledge of mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, funding, and loan processing.
• Comprehensive understanding of conventional and portfolio loan products and programs.
• Thorough understanding of mortgage application documentation, including tax returns, financial statements, income and asset verifications, and appraisals.
• Well-versed in automated underwriting systems, including reviewing findings, applying system recommendations, and suggesting improvements.
• High-level knowledge of underwriting requirements and relevant federal and state regulations, including Fair Lending, Reg B (ECOA), Reg C (HMDA), Reg Z (TIL), Reg X and RESPA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the USA Patriot Act.
• Thorough understanding of internal policies, risk thresholds, and compliance expectations; able to assist peers with complex or unusual circumstances.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, loan origination platforms, and digital communication tools; able to navigate systems independently and train others in effective system use.
• Excellent judgment and independence in assessing risk and determining loan outcomes.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills, including explaining decisions, requesting clarification or additional information, and navigating challenging conversations appropriately.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to evaluate financial and credit data, identify issues, and propose and implement solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving ability to resolve moderately complex exceptions or documentation discrepancies.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of how underwriting decisions affect members and internal teams, with a collaborative approach to supporting a timely, positive member experience.
• Openness to feedback and coaching; proactively seeks input and suggests solutions when encountering unfamiliar or nuanced scenarios.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Ability to lift 5 pounds at times.

Responsibilities

• Perform the underwriting duties of all previous levels with minimal oversight and a high degree of accuracy.
• Identify and resolve complex issues during the underwriting process, escalating when appropriate.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing; assist other underwriters with communicating difficult decisions to members.
• Use advanced knowledge of underwriting systems to verify inputs, review recommendations, ensure accuracy, and suggest improvements.
• Respond to questions and provide guidance to the Mortgage Underwriting team on moderately complex underwriting scenarios.
• Identify and recommend solutions to address member needs while aligning with underwriting and risk policies.
• Collaborate with processing, closing, and compliance teams to improve workflows, resolve bottlenecks, and enhance member experience.
• Train and mentor peers, sharing expertise to support team development and quality outcomes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior