Mortgage Loan Underwriter Senior

Sunward; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunward in Reston, Virginia, seeks an experienced Mortgage Underwriter who can independently review applications from basic to complex and make sound credit decisions within established policies and regulations.

You will resolve exceptions, support other underwriters, and collaborate with processing, closing, and compliance to improve workflows, enhance member experience, and train colleagues on system use.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years’ direct mortgage underwriting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or certification in business, finance or related field, or more than four years working experience in lieu of degree.
• Thorough knowledge of mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, funding, and loan processing.

Responsibilities

• Review mortgage applications ranging from basic to complex and make sound credit decisions within policies and regulations.
• Resolve exceptions, support other underwriters, and contribute to process improvements.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly in writing and verbally; assist other underwriters with difficult decisions.
• Apply advanced knowledge of underwriting systems to verify inputs, review recommendations, ensure accuracy, and suggest improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including processing, closing, and compliance to improve workflows and member experience.

Skills

Risk assessment

Underwriting

Communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree or certification in business/finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Loan Origination Platforms

Digital communication tools

Job description

Description

Job Summary:

Independently reviews mortgage applications ranging from basic to complex and makes sound credit decisions within established policies and regulations. Resolves exceptions, supports other underwriters, and contributes to process improvements. Serves as a key resource for peers and ensures consistent, high-quality outcomes with minimal oversight.

Essential Functions:

• Perform the underwriting duties of all previous levels with minimal oversight and a high degree of accuracy.
• Identify and resolve complex issues during the underwriting process, escalating when appropriate.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing. Assist other underwriters with communicating difficult decisions to members.
• Apply advanced knowledge of underwriting systems to verify inputs, review recommendations, ensure accuracy, and suggest improvements.
• Support the Mortgage Underwriting team by responding to questions and providing guidance on moderately complex underwriting scenarios.
• Identify and recommend solutions to address member needs while aligning with underwriting and risk policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams - including processing closing, and compliance - to improve workflows, resolve bottlenecks, and enhance member experience.

Requirements

Experience and Education:

• Minimum four years’ direct mortgage underwriting experience.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree or certification in business, finance or related field, or more than four years working experience in lieu of degree.

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, funding, and loan processing.
• Comprehensive understanding of both conventional and portfolio loan products and programs.
• Thorough understanding of documentation used in mortgage applications, such as tax returns, financial statements, verifications of income and assets, and appraisals.
• Well-versed with automated underwriting systems including how to review findings, apply system recommendations, and suggest improvements.
• High-level knowledge of underwriting requirements and relevant federal and state regulations (e.g. Fair Lending, Reg B (ECOA), Reg C (HMDA), Reg Z (TIL), Reg X and RESPA, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the USA Patriot Act).
• Thorough understanding of internal policies, risk thresholds, and compliance expectations; able to assist peers with complex or unusual circumstances.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications, loan origination platforms, and digital communication tools. Can navigate systems independently to support accurate, timely loan decisions and train others on effective system use.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates excellent judgment and independence in assessing risk and determining loan outcomes.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain decisions and request clarification or additional information when needed. Able to navigate challenging conversations appropriately.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate financial and credit data, identify issues, and propose and implement solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving ability to resolve moderately complex exceptions or documentation discrepancies.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Understands the impact of underwriting decisions on members and internal teams, particularly how it affects the bigger picture. Works collaboratively to support a timely and positive member experience.
• Effectively trains and mentors peers, sharing expertise to support team development and quality outcomes.
• Open to feedback and coaching; proactively seeks input and suggests appropriate solutions when encountering unfamiliar or nuanced scenarios.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 5 pounds at times.