Principal Software Engineer

Upstart

13d•$190,600 - $263,900•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

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 only)
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 only)
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 Only)
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 one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!)