Principal Software Engineer

About the role

The Principal Software Engineer on Upstart's Bank Technology team leads the architecture, design, and implementation of internal platforms, security automation systems, and workflow tooling that support Upstart Bank operations. They establish scalable engineering patterns, technical standards, and system designs that enable long-term platform growth and maintainability. They partner with stakeholders across risk, compliance, legal, operations, and engineering to deliver software solutions supporting operational, compliance, security, or business-critical workflows.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Position Location

This role is available in the following locations: Remote

Time Zone Requirements

This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones. Travel Requirements - This team has regular on-site collaboration sessions. These occur X days per Month/Quarter at the Y office. If you need to travel to make these meetups, Upstart will cover all travel related expenses.

Pay

The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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!).