Design and build the core backend systems that power a new revolving credit product used directly by consumers.
Own distributed services that support underwriting, pricing, line management, transactions, and servicing with high reliability and observability.
Translate complex product and economic requirements into scalable technical systems, balancing speed, risk, and long term maintainability.
Partner closely with machine learning engineers and data teams to productionize models and integrate AI driven decisioning into real time user flows.
Collaborate with mobile engineers to deliver seamless consumer facing features, ensuring backend systems are optimized for real world usage patterns.
Work across the full lifecycle of credit, from consumer acquisition and onboarding through funding, servicing, and capital markets distribution.
Shape foundational architectural decisions in a greenfield environment, while thoughtfully integrating with systems from Upstart’s mature lending platform.
Contribute to a Gen AI first product strategy, helping define how generative AI enhances user experience, internal tooling, automation, and operational workflows.
Raise the bar for engineering quality through strong API design, data modeling, observability, testing, and operational rigor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or a related field (or its equivalent) + 8 years of experience
Strong experience designing distributed systems and event driven architectures, including real world handling of retries, idempotency, fault tolerance, and failure modes.
Proficiency in an object oriented language such as Python, Java, Kotlin, C#, or Ruby, and experience building and maintaining APIs and service oriented architectures.
Experience shipping consumer facing features end to end, with a strong understanding of latency, reliability, and user impact.
Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, zero to one environments where requirements evolve quickly.
Strong cross functional collaboration skills and comfort working closely with product, finance, compliance, and other business stakeholders.
Active use of AI tools in engineering, with a forward-looking perspective on how AI is reshaping software development.
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills; able to align teams and advocate for high-impact solutions across functions.

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

distributed systemsevent driven architecturesPythonJavaKotlinC#RubyAPI designdata modelingobservability

Soft Skills

cross functional collaborationcommunicationproblem solvingadaptabilityteam alignmentadvocacy for solutionsworking in ambiguitystakeholder engagementuser impact understandingengineering quality

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer ScienceBachelor’s degree in EngineeringBachelor’s degree in Mathematics