Principal Software Engineer

Upstart

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 desi…

Posted 6/15/2026Verified active Jul 25, 2026, 12:31 AMfull-timeUnited States • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Candidates should emphasize their expertise in software engineering, particularly in designing and implementing scalable internal platforms and security automation systems. Strong experience in leading architecture for distributed systems and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver compliance-driven software solutions is essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software Engineering ExperienceArchitecture and Technical DesignCross-Functional CollaborationSecurity AutomationCompliance Framework Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software EngineeringDistributed SystemsRelational Database DesignAPI DevelopmentAuthentication Systems

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipMentoringInfluencing StrategyProblem SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

TypeScriptNode.jsNext.jsPrismaSecurity Automation Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematics

Industry Keywords

Financial ServicesBankingHealthcareGovernance Risk and Compliance (GRC)Compliance Frameworks

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed systemsNext.jsNode.jsSparkTypescript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
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.

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).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources.
Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you.