Underwriter-Commercial C&I Specific Experience

First Bank • Newport Beach, CA

35d • $100,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Underwriter serves as a critical control within the Bank’s credit risk management framework and is responsible for the independent risk assessment of commercial loan requests. This role focuses on commercial and industrial lending relationships, including owner-occupied real estate, working capital facilities, equipment financing, acquisition financing, lines of credit, and other commercial credit structures. The Underwriter provides objective evaluation of borrower and guarantor financial strength, cash flow repayment capacity, collateral support, industry and business risk factors; prepares comprehensive credit memoranda; identifies risk factors and exceptions to credit policy; and provides well-supported recommendations on credit decisions. Candidates with more advanced commercial underwriting experience may be considered at the Senior Commercial & Industrial Underwriter level. At the senior level, the role would be expected to work with greater independence, underwrite more complex commercial credit relationships, provide stronger credit structuring recommendations, and serve as a resource to less experienced credit staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from a four year college or university required

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred

Responsibilities

• Prepare objective underwriting analysis for commercial loan requests including new loans, renewals, extensions, and modifications
• Exercise independent judgment to assess the creditworthiness of loan requests, including analyses of borrowers, guarantors, cash flow, and collateral
• Identify transaction risks and propose mitigants to ensure alignment with the Bank's risk appetite
• Evaluate borrower operating performance, repayment capacity, liquidity, leverage, and industry risk factors
• Actively participate in the deal team, collaborating with Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, Regional Credit Officers, and other credit partners
• Prepare clear, complete, and decision-ready credit memoranda that support approval, renewal, modification, or decline recommendations
• Participate in training to increase proficiency as part of professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

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