Principal Software Engineer, Pricing

Upstart

Principal Software Engineer optimizing loan pricing for Upstart, leading technical direction and engineering innovation in a pivotal role. Collaborate closely with ML scientists and mentor technical leaders.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $195,300 - $270,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in defining technical direction and developing scalable systems, with a strong focus on API design, containerization technologies, and mentoring technical leaders. Proven ability to align engineering practices with business objectives while fostering a culture of innovation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Scalable System DevelopmentAPI Design and DevelopmentContainerization TechnologiesObject Oriented ProgrammingTechnical Leadership and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Scalable System DevelopmentAPI DesignContainerization TechnologiesObject Oriented ProgrammingSoftware Development PrinciplesClean Code PracticesArchitecture DesignPrototypingTechnical DirectionBusiness and Technical Alignment

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoringCollaborationProblem SolvingDynamic Environment Adaptability

Tools & Technologies

DockerKubernetesPythonJavaC#C++

Industry Keywords

Pricing EngineeringBorrower-Lender MarketplaceMachine LearningCross-Functional CollaborationDynamic Fast-Paced Organizations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DockerJavaKubernetesPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define the long-term technical direction and roadmap for Pricing in alignment with Upstart’s business objectives.
Lead the design and development of a system that continuously optimizes the matching of supply and demand for Upstart’s borrower-lender marketplace.
Work closely with ML scientists to improve and develop new models that improve core business metrics.
Guide the architectural evolution of Pricing engineering systems with an emphasis on scaling innovation across multiple engineering teams.
Uncover and drive alignment across complex technical requirements, designs, trade-offs, influencing product direction
Proactively evaluate, prototype, and roll out new technologies/frameworks to help cultivate a culture of innovation
Lead from the front, while mentoring and developing technical leaders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or a related field (or its equivalent) + 8 years of experience
Experience building highly scalable systems using containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
Experience building flexible, extensible and consistent APIs
Solid grasp of software development principles and best practices for creating scalable, extensible and maintainable systems
Proficiency in one or more object oriented programming languages like Python, Java, C#, C++
Strong communication skills and ability to explain complex business and technical concepts to all audiences
Track record of successfully mentoring and developing technical leaders
Experience working in dynamic fast paced organizations
Ability to balance the needs of the business with the needs of engineering improvements
Passion for clean code and architecture and initiative to “level-up” the engineering team with better practices & design
You are able lead and resolve company-wide technical discussions and are able to collaborate and include input from cross-functional teams (security, devops, data, compliance and product)
You have a good sense for build-vs-buy and are able to prioritize the highest ROI architectural investments

Benefits

Comp & perks

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!)