Remote Mortgage Underwriter

Start dates: September 14 and October 26. Shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM in your respective time zone. Overtime available when there is a business need. This is an open-ended contract position based in Sacramento, CA. Hybrid requirement does not apply to candidates outside a 60-mile commutable distance to a training facility (Vienna, VA | Winchester, VA | Pensacola, FL | Coppell, TX). No time off during training period.

About the role

The client is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Equity Underwriter to evaluate and underwrite home equity loan and line of credit applications while ensuring compliance with established lending policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards. The ideal candidate possesses strong underwriting expertise, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to supporting the company's mission of serving members through responsible lending practices.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and underwrite home equity loan (HEL) and home equity line of credit (HELOC) applications in accordance with company lending guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate borrower creditworthiness through analysis of credit reports, income documentation, employment verification, assets, liabilities, and property information.
• Assess loan-to-value (LTV), combined loan-to-value (CLTV), debt-to-income (DTI), and other key risk metrics.
• Make independent lending decisions within delegated authority and recommend exceptions when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state lending regulations, including Fair Lending, RESPA, TILA, ECOA, and HMDA requirements.
• Review appraisals, title reports, and supporting collateral documentation to determine property eligibility.
• Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and requirements clearly to loan processors, loan officers, and other stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate potential credit, operational, and fraud risks.
• Maintain quality, productivity, and service-level standards while managing a high-volume pipeline.
• Participate in audits, quality assurance reviews, and compliance examinations as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes and enhance member experience.
• Stay informed of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in mortgage and home equity lending.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of residential mortgage underwriting or home equity underwriting experience.
• Strong knowledge of consumer lending principles and credit risk assessment.
• Experience analyzing tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and self-employed borrower documentation.
• Working knowledge of AUS systems and mortgage underwriting guidelines.
• Understanding of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and portfolio lending concepts.
• Knowledge of federal and state lending regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of home equity or mortgage underwriting experience.
• Experience underwriting HELOC and HEL products within a financial institution or credit union environment.
• DE, SAR, VA LAPP, or other relevant underwriting certifications.
• Familiarity with automated valuation models (AVMs) and collateral risk assessment.
• Experience working in a highly regulated financial services environment.

Skills

• Credit Analysis
• Risk Assessment
• Attention to Detail
• Regulatory Compliance
• Member Focus
• Collaboration
• Decision Quality
• Problem Solving
• Accountability
• Communication Excellence

Success Measures

• Consistently make accurate and sound credit decisions.
• Maintain productivity and quality standards.
• Demonstrate strong risk management practices.
• Deliver an exceptional member experience.
• Support organizational goals through efficient and compliant underwriting activities.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $22.02 - $39.93 per hour. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)