Principal Software Engineer

How you'll make an 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.