Upstart · 9 hours ago
Principal Software Engineer
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$186K/yr - $258K/yr
6+ years expUpstart is a leading AI lending marketplace focused on reducing the cost and complexity of borrowing for Americans. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to architect scalable backend systems for their mobile team, playing a crucial role in defining backend architecture and mentoring engineers to enhance mobile engagement and retention.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)AutomotiveConsumer LendingCreditFinancial ServicesFinTechLendingMachine LearningPersonal Finance
Responsibilities
Architect scalable, reusable backend systems that power critical mobile features, including push notifications, data synchronization, and cross-device user flows
Shape the long-term backend strategy for mobile, reducing ad-hoc and duplicated efforts across teams
Act as a technical bridge—translating mobile needs into backend capabilities and unblocking delivery velocity
Drive architectural alignment across teams and domains, advocating for scalable patterns that support mobile growth
Identify and resolve cross-functional technical challenges that span platform, product, and infrastructure boundaries
Mentor engineers across mobile and backend teams, introducing sustainable practices and improving system maintainability
Contribute directly to Upstart’s ability to scale its mobile engagement and retention—impacting both user experience and business performance
Qualification
Required
6+ years of backend engineering experience, including designing and scaling distributed systems
Deep experience with service-oriented architecture, system design, and API development for mobile applications
Proven ability to influence technical direction across teams and communicate architectural tradeoffs to stakeholders
Experience collaborating with mobile teams or supporting mobile-first features at scale
Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in environments with competing priorities
Proficiency in at least one backend language (e.g., Ruby, Go, Kotlin) and fluency in cloud infrastructure patterns
Demonstrated success operating without authority in complex, cross-functional organizations
Preferred
Prior experience building systems that support mobile clients (e.g., push notifications, offline sync, background jobs)
Experience working in a hybrid mobile architecture (e.g., React Native + native codebases)
Exposure to both platform and product engineering challenges
Familiarity with mobile-specific performance and reliability concerns
Background in mentorship or technical leadership across multiple teams
Passion for designing elegant, sustainable systems that scale with product ambition
Benefits
Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
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
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 and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!)
Company
Upstart
Upstart (NASDAQ: UPST) is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Upstart has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (68)
2024 (67)
2023 (85)
2022 (85)
2021 (42)
2020 (15)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.36BKey Investors
CastlelakeProgressiveRakuten
2025-11-06Post Ipo Debt· $1.5B
2025-09-05Post Ipo Debt· $320M
2025-08-12Post Ipo Debt· $600M
Leadership Team
Dave Girouard
Founder & CEO
Paul Gu
Co-Founder
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-23
Business Wire
2026-01-22
The Motley Fool
2026-01-03
Company data provided by crunchbase