Upstart

Principal Security Engineer, Data Security

Upstart

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: United States

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Salary

💰 $190,600 - $263,900 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Lead the design and execution of Upstart’s data security program, from early foundations through mature, scalable systems
  • Architect and build software solutions (APIs, services, and internal tools) that enable effective data protection and governance
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Analytics, Product, Legal, Risk, HR, and other stakeholders to secure sensitive data across diverse domains
  • Establish clear goals, success metrics, and accountability for data security initiatives
  • Drive adoption of least-privilege access models and modern data protection patterns across the organization
  • Mentor engineers and security practitioners, fostering strong technical standards and a culture of ownership
  • Continuously improve systems by learning from real-world signals such as false positives, operational feedback, and evolving threats

Requirements

  • Extensive experience across enterprise and operational security domains, with deep focus on Data Security and Identity & Access Management
  • Experience owning or leading a Data Security, DLP (Data Loss Prevention), or DSPM (Data Security Posture Management) initiatives
  • Proven experience leading security programs that span multiple teams and functions
  • Strong software engineering background, with the ability to design and build production-quality systems (e.g., APIs, services, or internal web applications)
  • Experience launching new security capabilities or programs from 0 to 1 in complex environments
  • Deep understanding of least-privilege principles and practical experience applying them at scale
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence senior technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity, make sound tradeoffs, and independently drive meaningful change.
Benefits
  • Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
  • Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
  • Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
  • Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
  • Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
  • Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
  • Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
  • 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
  • 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 and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
  • Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
data securityidentity and access managementdata loss preventiondata security posture managementAPI developmentsoftware engineeringproduction-quality systemsleast-privilege access modelsdata protection patternssecurity program leadership
Soft Skills
communicationinfluencementorshipownershipnavigating ambiguitydecision makingcollaborationgoal settingaccountabilityadaptability