[Hiring] Director of Engineering @Upstart

Role Description

As Director of Engineering for Upstart Bank, you will build and lead the engineering organization responsible for the core platforms that enable the bank to operate at scale. This is a rare opportunity to help build a modern bank platform from an early foundation rather than inherit a legacy core.

• Build the Upstart Bank engineering organization from an initial seed team into a scaled, high-performing domain with multiple teams and managers.
• Define and drive the technical strategy and architecture for core bank platforms, including ledgering and funding, deposits and payments, marketplace integrations, and reporting.
• Set the organization design, hiring strategy, and leadership bench needed to scale the Upstart Bank engineering org.
• Partner with Product and cross-functional leaders to translate business, regulatory, and operational priorities into engineering architecture, sequencing, and delivery.
• Own delivery across critical bank platform domains, ensuring teams execute predictably and deliver reliable, scalable, high-quality infrastructure.
• Establish engineering standards and operating mechanisms that support reliability, resilience, security, traceability, and auditability.
• Lead cross-functional execution across complex dependencies with Compliance, Legal, Risk, Finance, and Operations.
• Build systems and processes that support internal controls, audits, and high-confidence operation in a regulated environment.
• Develop engineering leaders and foster a culture of high standards, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or a related field (or its equivalent) + 10 years of experience, including at least 5 years of direct people management experience.
• Experience building and scaling engineering organizations, including hiring and developing teams through periods of rapid growth or organizational formation.
• Strong technical background with a track record of setting architecture and technical direction for complex distributed systems and cloud platforms.
• Experience leading engineering in regulated or high-control environments where reliability, controls, auditability, and change management are critical.
• Experience partnering with senior cross-functional and executive stakeholders on business-critical platforms.

Requirements

• Experience building core financial infrastructure such as ledgering, payments, deposits, funding systems, reporting, or financial integrations.
• Experience in banking, fintech, payments, or other regulated financial systems.
• Experience building platforms that support internal controls, audits, and reliable operation in regulated environments.
• Experience leading platform modernization, core-system launches, or major infrastructure transformations.
• Demonstrated ability to attract and develop strong technical talent in competitive hiring markets.
• Interest in improving access to credit through technology and scalable financial infrastructure.

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!).