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Principal IT Engineer

  • JR102157
  • Systems Administrator
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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

As a Principal IT Engineer at Upstart, you’ll play a critical role in architecting, implementing, and scaling our infrastructure; ensuring resilience, security, and optimal performance across all systems. This role requires a seasoned DevOps expert who excels in designing large-scale systems, automating complex workflows, and leading cross-functional projects that enhance the speed and efficiency of our IT development and deployment processes. You’ll work closely with teams across engineering, IT, and InfoSec to drive IT and Security outcomes using best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

 

How you’ll make an impact:

  • Lead the design and implementation of scalable, highly available, and secure infrastructure to support IT technology tools like Okta, GSuite, Slack, Jamf, and Palo Alto Firewalls.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement within IT, identifying opportunities for process optimization, automation, and enhanced security across all IT technology systems
  • Drive infrastructure automation through Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform or Ansible, ensuring reliability, repeatability, and cost efficiency.
  • Architect and lead comprehensive observability solutions and incident response that includes logging, tracing, and metrics collection to support IT Engineering and operations, enhancing troubleshooting and performance analysis.
  • Collaborate with InfoSec to implement security best practices and drive compliance alignment across IT technologies, including role-based access control, automated compliance monitoring, and vulnerability management.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers in IT DevOps practices, promoting a collaborative culture focused on innovation, performance, and security. 

 

What we’re looking for: 

  • Minimum requirements:
    • 10+ years of experience in DevOps or IT infrastructure engineering, with a proven record in architecting and managing complex, IT-centric systems
    • Experience leading large cross-team initiatives at companies that have gone through periods of rapid business or organizational growth
    • Advanced skills in cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible
    • Experience in building and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments, security integrations, and compliance workflows
    • Strong scripting skills in languages like Python and Bash for automation and integration tasks
  • Preferred qualifications:
    • Extensive experience designing and implementing scalable, resilient IT infrastructure with multiple integrations across cloud providers.
    • Experience with large sunset of the following technologies Okta, Google workspace, Jamf, Slack enterprise grid, Workato, sumilogic 
    • Excellent problem solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
    • Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Okta Certified Administrator, or security certifications (e.g., CISSP).

 

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—$215,200 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

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