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Senior Software Engineer, Small Dollar Loans

About Upstart

Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than two-thirds of Upstart loans are approved instantly and are fully automated.

Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you!

The Team

Every year, millions of Americans turn to high-cost payday loans to cover short-term cash needs, often paying excessive fees and interest. Upstart’s Small Dollar Loan product offers a fair-priced, non-predatory alternative for those deemed "too risky" by traditional lenders. Operating like a startup within a larger company, our team moves quickly to refine our ML models, automate the customer experience, and scale the business. Since launching in April 2022, we've expanded access to credit for tens of thousands of customers while proving strong unit economics—and we’re just getting started.

As a Senior Software Engineer at Upstart, you’ll take the lead on Small Dollar Lending’s core engineering initiatives. You understand how good software design and architecture advances and accelerates business outcomes. You don’t wait for someone to set a path for you, you collaborate with stakeholders across the broader business to identify and drive the team’s success. With deep care and empathy for our customers, you’ll bring your thoughts and opinions on what we build, not just how we build it. Working alongside a team of bright and motivated engineers, you encourage everyone to be their best through coaching and mentorship.

 

How you’ll make an impact:

  • Leverage our existing tech stack (Kotlin, Spring Boot, React, Next.js, AWS, Kafka) to add features and value
  • Lead successful cross-team and/or multi-quarter, multi-engineer projects
  • Drive a vision for how best to design and build software in a complex, service oriented environment
  • Propose and deliver new ideas that achieve meaningful improvements to our team’s business metrics
  • Maintain and champion a quality mindset, finding ways for the entire team to consistently improve reliability

 

What we’re looking for: 

  • Minimum requirements:
    • 5+ years professional experience in fullstack software development in a cloud-hosted environment
    • 3+ years proficiency in Kotlin, Java, or C#, or similar modern backend languages 
    • Some hands-on experience with a JavaScript framework like React
    • Some hands-on experience with SQL databases and domain modeling
  • Preferred qualifications:
    • Excellent verbal and written communication, skilled in translating complex topics and ideas to a wide variety of audiences
    • Experience designing, developing, and deploying microservices-based applications
    • Ability to thrive both in self-directed work environments and in collaborative settings, contributing positively to team dynamics

 

Position Location - This role is available in the following locations: Remote, San Mateo, Columbus, Austin 

Time Zone Requirements - This team operates across all U.S. time zones.

Travel Requirements - This team has regular on-site collaboration sessions. These occur 3 days per quarter at an Upstart office. If you need to travel to make these meetups, Upstart will cover all travel related expenses.

 

What you'll love: 

  • Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart 
  • 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave  
  • Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
  • Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
  • Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
  • Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

 

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-MidSenior 

At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package.  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.

In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).

United States | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range
$163,600$226,400 USD

Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together. 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email candidate_accommodations@upstart.com

https://www.upstart.com/candidate_privacy_policy

Average salary estimate

$195000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$163600K
$226400K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Software Engineer, Small Dollar Loans, Upstart

Are you ready to make a profound impact in the world of lending? Upstart is looking for a talented Senior Software Engineer for our Small Dollar Loans product. At Upstart, we are reshaping how affordable credit is accessed, and your engineering skills can help us drive that change. Our mission is clear: offer fair, non-predatory alternatives to traditional payday loans through AI-powered solutions that empower customers. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of our engineering initiatives, working remotely or in one of our vibrant offices in San Mateo, Columbus, or Austin. You'll collaborate closely with stakeholders, driving projects that refine our machine learning models and enhance user experiences. Your passion for designing and architecting top-notch software will help us achieve our business goals and prioritize customer satisfaction. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy mentoring your peers, you'll fit right in with our team of motivated engineers. Let’s transform lending together at Upstart!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Software Engineer, Small Dollar Loans Role at Upstart
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Software Engineer at Upstart?

As a Senior Software Engineer at Upstart, you will lead core engineering initiatives for our Small Dollar Loans product. This includes driving cross-team projects, leveraging technologies like Kotlin and React, and proposing new ideas to enhance our lending platform. You'll collaborate with various stakeholders and be instrumental in creating software that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Software Engineer position at Upstart?

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer role at Upstart, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in full-stack software development, particularly in cloud-hosted environments. Proficiency in backend languages such as Kotlin, Java, or C# is essential, along with some hands-on experience in JavaScript frameworks and SQL databases. Excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in both collaborative and self-directed settings are crucial.

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How does the work environment at Upstart support a Senior Software Engineer?

Upstart offers a flexible working environment where Senior Software Engineers can work remotely or from one of our offices. The company champions a digital-first culture, operates across all U.S. time zones, and encourages regular collaboration sessions. You'll have access to supportive resources, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to the company's evolving mission and technologies.

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What technologies will I be using as a Senior Software Engineer at Upstart?

In the role of Senior Software Engineer at Upstart, you'll be working primarily with Kotlin, Spring Boot, React, Next.js, AWS, and Kafka. Your expertise will be vital in enhancing existing features and delivering solutions that propel our Small Dollar Loan product forward, supporting our goal of expanding access to affordable credit.

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What is the salary range for a Senior Software Engineer at Upstart?

The anticipated base salary for the Senior Software Engineer position at Upstart ranges from $163,600 to $226,400 USD. Individual pay can vary based on geographic location, skillset, experience, and relevant education. Full compensation also includes bonuses, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Software Engineer, Small Dollar Loans
Can you explain your experience with the Kotlin programming language?

When discussing your experience with Kotlin, highlight specific projects where you've used it effectively. Talk about the frameworks you’ve worked with, the challenges you've faced, and how you've overcome them. Demonstrating your understanding of Kotlin's capabilities and features in practical applications will make a strong impression.

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Describe a challenging software engineering project you've worked on.

In answering this question, focus on a specific project that challenged your skills and required innovative solutions. Outline the project's objectives, your role, the tools and technologies used, and the outcome. Emphasizing your problem-solving skills and the impact of your contributions can leave a lasting impression.

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How do you approach collaborative projects with other teams?

Discuss your versatility in communication and teamwork. Describe how you initiate conversations, share progress updates, and involve stakeholders. Providing examples of successful cross-team collaborations will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a larger organization.

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What strategies do you employ to maintain software quality?

In your response, highlight practices such as regular code reviews, implementing automated testing, and fostering a culture of quality within your team. Discuss tools or methodologies you utilize to ensure deliverables consistently meet high standards, contributing to overall project success.

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How do you stay current with the latest software engineering trends?

Explain your commitment to continuous learning through attending conferences, participating in online courses, or engaging with coding communities. Mention the importance of keeping abreast of evolving technologies and how this impacts your work as a Senior Software Engineer.

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Can you share your experience with frontend frameworks like React?

When answering, detail specific projects where you've used React, discussing your role in those projects. Speak to the challenges you faced and how you used React’s features to create responsive and user-friendly interfaces, reinforcing your capability as a full-stack developer.

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What is your process for debugging complex issues in software applications?

Describe a systematic approach to debugging, such as utilizing logs, error messages, or testing in development environments. Emphasize critical thinking skills and the importance of collaboration during such processes to effectively troubleshoot and resolve complex challenges.

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How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

It's vital to convey your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently under pressure. Share strategies you use, such as breaking tasks into smaller components, setting milestones, and ensuring communication within your team to meet project deadlines without sacrificing quality.

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How would you describe your leadership style when mentoring junior engineers?

In discussing your leadership style, emphasize a supportive and collaborative approach. Talk about the importance of giving constructive feedback, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering an environment where junior engineers feel comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions.

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What motivates you to work in the fintech sector specifically?

Discuss your passion for technology and finance, and how each intersects to create opportunities for innovation. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight why you are drawn to solving real-world problems in the lending space and how that connects with Upstart’s mission.

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Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we would love to hear from you!

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DATE POSTED
March 8, 2025

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