Senior Software Engineer, Identity Platform

Upstart; United States; Remote; USD 166,900 - 230,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Upstart is seeking a Software Engineer to design and optimize secure authentication systems. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance IAM capabilities and work on high-impact initiatives that make credit accessible.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field and 4 years of experience in backend technologies like Kotlin, Java, or Ruby. You'll work remotely but may collaborate in-person quarterly for planning sessions.

Generous perks include competitive compensation, 401k matching, and comprehensive health insurance.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in backend software development.
• Strong problem-solving skills with emphasis on performance optimization.
• Excellent communication skills able to translate technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize authentication and authorization systems.
• Collaborate to improve IAM capabilities.
• Enhance security policies with Security teams.
• Drive clean and efficient engineering practices.

Skills

Backend technologies

Authentication and authorization protocols

APIs using Docker and Kubernetes

Security principles

AI coding tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics

Tools

OAuth 2.0

OpenID Connect

SAML

Job description

Overview

About Upstart: At Upstart, we’re united by a mission that matters: to radically reduce the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. Every day, we bring creativity, experimentation, and advanced AI to reshape access to credit, helping millions move forward financially with clarity and confidence. As the leading AI lending marketplace, we partner with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit through technology that’s both radically intelligent and deeply human. Our platform runs over one million predictions per borrower using more than 1,800 signals, powering smarter, fairer decisions for millions of customers. We’re proudly digital-first and support flexible work arrangements across 80+ cities in the US and Canada, with in-person collaboration through team onsites and planning sessions. If you’re energized by meaningful problems and excited to innovate with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Team context: The Identity and Experimentation Platform Team shapes the security and accessibility of Upstart’s lending products, including Personal Loans, Auto Loans, and Home Loans. We create, secure, and manage borrower and partner identities and work on the Authentication, Authorization and Experimentation Platform to drive secure back-end and user experiences.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Design, develop, and optimize secure and scalable authentication and authorization systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve IAM capabilities, including OAuth, OpenID Connect, MFA, and SSO.
• Partner with Security teams to enhance security policies and standards to protect against threats and unauthorized access.
• Improve the Experimentation platform and lifecycle across Upstart Network Inc. Products.
• Drive best engineering practices for clean, maintainable, and efficient code.
• Participate in architectural discussions to shape the long-term vision of the Identity Platform.
• Mentor and collaborate with other engineers to elevate the team’s technical skills and knowledge.
• Work on high impact initiatives that advance making credit accessible to everyone.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or related field (or equivalent) + 4 years of experience
• Strong proficiency in backend technologies (e.g., Kotlin, Java, Ruby, C#)
• Hands-on experience with authentication and authorization protocols (OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, SAML)
• Experience building scalable APIs using containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
• Understanding of security principles, including encryption, token-based authentication, and identity federation
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills with emphasis on performance optimization
• Ability to balance business needs with engineering best practices and security considerations
• Passion for clean code, architecture, and continuous improvement of engineering processes
• Experience with AI coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, etc.
• Excellent communication skills able to translate complex technical concepts for stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with IAM platforms and security services
• Knowledge of A/B testing, gRPC, and DevOps practices
• Experience with Keycloak, NextJS, and Ruby is a plus
• Ability to influence technical direction without direct authority
• Strong product and analytical mindset with ability to trade off risk, ROI, and performance
• Experience working at companies experiencing rapid growth and scaling challenges
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for quality and timely delivery
• Ability to influence and lead without direct authority

Position location

This role is available in remote locations. Travel requirements: The majority of work can be accomplished remotely, with in-person collaboration as needed. In-person sessions may occur quarterly for 2-4 consecutive days depending on team and role.

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay is one part of total compensation. Anticipated base salary ranges are provided per location, with actual pay determined by location, skills, experience, and education. Upstart offers target bonuses, equity, and generous benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k). Salary examples: United States | Remote — $166,900 - $230,900 USD; Canada | Remote — $153,000 - $190,000 USD. Details shared during hiring.

What You\'ll Love

Benefits designed to support health, financial well-being, family, and personal growth. Examples include competitive compensation, retirement benefits with company match, employee stock purchase plan (US only), comprehensive health coverage, health savings account contributions (US only), life and disability insurance, paid time off, parental leave, EAP, financial planning tools, wellness allowances, and team connectivity opportunities. In-office perks are available in Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City.

Canada note: We are not currently hiring in Quebec. Upstart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail]. See candidate privacy policy for details.