[Remote] Principal Software Engineer, Cash Line

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Upstart is an AI lending marketplace focused on reducing borrowing costs for Americans. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and build core backend systems for a new revolving credit product, collaborating with various teams to enhance user experience and operational workflows.ResponsibilitiesDesign and build the core backend systems that power a new revolving credit product used directly by consumersOwn distributed services that support underwriting, pricing, line management, transactions, and servicing with high reliability and observabilityTranslate complex product and economic requirements into scalable technical systems, balancing speed, risk, and long term maintainabilityPartner closely with machine learning engineers and data teams to productionize models and integrate AI driven decisioning into real time user flowsCollaborate with mobile engineers to deliver seamless consumer facing features, ensuring backend systems are optimized for real world usage patternsWork across the full lifecycle of credit, from consumer acquisition and onboarding through funding, servicing, and capital markets distributionShape foundational architectural decisions in a greenfield environment, while thoughtfully integrating with systems from Upstart’s mature lending platformContribute to a Gen AI first product strategy, helping define how generative AI enhances user experience, internal tooling, automation, and operational workflowsRaise the bar for engineering quality through strong API design, data modeling, observability, testing, and operational rigorSkillsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or a related field (or its equivalent) + 8 years of experienceStrong experience designing distributed systems and event driven architectures, including real world handling of retries, idempotency, fault tolerance, and failure modesProficiency in an object oriented language such as Python, Java, Kotlin, C#, or Ruby, and experience building and maintaining APIs and service oriented architecturesExperience shipping consumer facing features end to end, with a strong understanding of latency, reliability, and user impactAbility to work effectively in ambiguous, zero to one environments where requirements evolve quicklyStrong cross functional collaboration skills and comfort working closely with product, finance, compliance, and other business stakeholdersActive use of AI tools in engineering, with a forward-looking perspective on how AI is reshaping software developmentExceptional communication and collaboration skills; able to align teams and advocate for high-impact solutions across functionsExperience in fintech, credit, payments, or other regulated financial systemsFamiliarity with revolving credit, line management, transaction processing, or ledger based systemsExperience building systems that sit at the intersection of consumer products and capital markets infrastructureBackground working with ML driven pricing, underwriting, or risk systemsHands on experience leveraging generative AI in product features or internal engineering workflowsExperience on small, high ownership teams where engineers are responsible for architecture, implementation, and operational excellencePassion for building products that expand access to credit and improve financial outcomes for underserved consumersBenefitsTarget bonusesEquity compensationGenerous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k)Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterlyRetirement 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 securityPaid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirementsPaid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country)Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resourcesFinancial 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 youAnnual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work fromConnection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)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!)If you need to travel to make these meetups, Upstart will cover all travel related expenses.Company OverviewUpstart is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. It was founded in 2012, and is headquartered in San Mateo, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://upstart.com/about.Company H1B SponsorshipUpstart has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 14 in 2026, 67 in 2025, 66 in 2024, 84 in 2023, 85 in 2022, 42 in 2021, 15 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.