Commercial Real Estate Underwriter - Relationship-Driven Risk Advisor

Orange County's Credit Union; South Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job description

Do meaningful work where relationships come first.

At Orange County’s Credit Union (OCFCU), banking has always been personal. For over 85 years, we’ve helped our members reach life’s biggest milestones—not by pushing transactions, but by building real, lasting relationships. Today, with $3+ billion in assets and 145,000+ members, we’re proud of the trust we’ve earned and energized about what’s ahead. Our commitment to people—members and employees alike—has led us to be named #1 Credit Union by the Orange County Register multiple years, including 2024 and 2025.

OCFCU operates a full-service commercial lending platform that serves both business and commercial real estate borrowers. Our team underwrites sophisticated credit relationships including investor CRE, owner-occupied CRE, multifamily, lines of credit, C&I, small business, treasury management products, equipment financing, and participation loans. Underwriters are expected to exercise independent judgment, perform global cash flow analysis, assess complex borrower structures, assign risk ratings, and develop well-supported credit recommendations.

Who You Are

You’re more than a numbers person—you’re a thoughtful problem-solver and a trusted advisor. You enjoy digging into financials, but what really drives you is understanding the story behind the numbers. You ask insightful questions, think critically, and take pride in delivering well-reasoned recommendations that help both the organization and our members succeed. You’re naturally curious, detail-oriented, and collaborative. You balance risk with opportunity, and you know that strong underwriting isn’t just about protecting the portfolio—it’s about making smart, relationship-driven decisions.

If you’re someone who brings sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing, you’ll feel right at home here.

What You’ll Do

In the Commercial Real Estate Loan Underwriter role, you’ll take the lead on analyzing and underwriting a wide variety of commercial credit transactions—including commercial real estate, lines of credit, asset-based lending, and equipment financing with a high degree of independence.

• Underwrite investor and owner-occupied commercial real estate transactions.
• Review rent rolls, operating statements, appraisals, environmental reports, and market data.
• Underwrite C&I and small business credit relationships, as well as treasury management products (ACH, RDC, and cash management services).
• Analyze global cash flow across borrowers, guarantors, and affiliated entities.
• Structure loan terms and conditions to appropriately mitigate risk.
• Assign and recommend commercial credit risk ratings.
• Present recommendations to senior management and loan approval authorities.
• Evaluate covenant compliance and ongoing portfolio performance.
• Participate in annual review and portfolio monitoring activities.
• Identify emerging risks and recommend appropriate action plans.
• Analyze commercial loan participations and syndicated credit opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of commercial underwriting experience, including commercial real estate
• Strong foundation in financial and tax analysis
• Confident navigating complex credit structures and regulatory requirements (FNMA, FHLMC, etc.)
• Experienced with credit analysis tools (Sageworks/Abrigo is a plus)
• Communicate clearly and confidently—both written and verbal
• Take ownership, follow through, and approach your work with care and integrity

Final offers are based on qualifications, internal equity, and the level of position offered. The target hourly pay range for the Commercial Real Estate Loan Underwriter is $40.00 - $53.00.

Generous Benefits Include

• Anthem & Delta Care USA Dental – From day one of employment!
• Life insurance at no cost to associates.
• 401(k) – OCCU contributes up to 6% of gross earnings (dollar for dollar).
• Vacation hours – 13 days per year, rolls over year-to-year and increases with tenure.
• Sick hours – 7 days per year
• Paid Holidays
• Annual performance merit increases
• Professional and personal development programs, including educational grants up to $1k per year and step progression opportunities.
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Professional, welcoming, and collaborative work environment focused on achieving goals, recognizing successes, and excelling at member service.

Orange County's Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pre-employment screenings, including background and credit checks, are required.