Sr. Underwriter - Life Underwriting - Remote

Symetra; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

401(k) with company match up to 6%

Paid time off (vacation & sick)

Job summary

Symetra is seeking a Senior Life Underwriter to join the Life Underwriting Department in the United States. You will apply judgment, analyze risks, and determine offers that balance protection and profitability.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Medical Directors and leadership to navigate complex cases, while maintaining high service and quality standards. You will mentor colleagues, communicate decisions clearly, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of life underwriting experience.
• Strong underwriting judgment, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience coaching and mentoring others is a plus.
• Organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear, confident communicator who builds trust and collaborates.

Responsibilities

• Review life insurance applications and underwrite risks within authority per guidelines.
• Assess medical and non-medical risk to deliver the best upfront offer.
• Collaborate with Medical Directors, leadership, and peers on complex cases.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly with internal partners and distribution teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve underwriting processes and customer experience; travel as needed.

Skills

Life underwriting

Analytical skills

Mentoring others

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

College degree preferred

High school diploma required

Job description

Symetra has an exciting opportunity to join our Life Underwriting Department as a Senior Life Underwriter.

About the role

At Symetra, we believe in empowering people to make a meaningful impact-and that includes our underwriters. As a Senior Underwriter, you'll bring your expertise, judgment, and curiosity to a role where thoughtful decisions truly matter.

What you will do

• Deliver Thoughtful Underwriting Decisions
  • Review individual life insurance applications and underwrite risks within authorized limits of authority in accordance with department guidelines
  • Assess medical and non-medical risk in alignment with company guidelines, with the goal of delivering the best possible offer upfront
  • Partner with Medical Directors, Underwriting Leadership, and peers to navigate complex or unique cases
  • Apply your authority responsibly while ensuring appropriate collaboration
  • Meet service expectations while maintaining quality and consistency
• Build Trusted Relationships
  • Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and respectfully with internal partners and distribution teams
  • Foster strong relationships that support long-term growth and mutual success
  • Share your knowledge through agent and partner education, including leading seminars on underwriting topics
  • Represent Symetra with professionalism in both virtual and in-person settings; occasional travel may be required
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to enhance underwriting processes and the customer experience
  • Participate in team, department, and company initiatives that drive innovation and effectiveness
  • Engage with industry events and stay current on trends to help strengthen our underwriting practices

Who You Are

• 5+ years of Life underwriting experience.
• Strong underwriting judgment, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience coaching and mentoring others is a plus.
• Organized, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Clear, confident communicator who builds trust and collaborates effectively.
• Willingness and ability to travel periodically for business needs and leadership development activities.
• College degree preferred, high school diploma required.

Why Work at Symetra

Here's what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra:

"Symetra is truly a great place to work. The positive work climate, strong sense of team, and the resources available make it feel like one cohesive family. What stands out most to me is the company's deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion-it's not just a statement, it's an active and ongoing priority that's felt throughout the organization." -Charlotte G., Sr. Underwriter - Consultant Stop Loss

"Working across different departments at Symetra has been a fantastic experience. What truly stands out is how much the leaders genuinely care about every employee, regardless of role. It's inspiring to be part of a company so deeply focused on its people and committed to making a positive impact in the community." - Bill G., Underwriting Consultant

Compensation

Salary Range: $87,900 - $146,500 plus eligibility for annual bonus program

What we offer you

Benefits and Perks

We don't take a "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.

• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
• Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
• Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
• Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview

Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:

As a remote-first organization with a cameras-on culture, reliable internet connectivity is important to how we connect, collaborate, and serve our customers. To support a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:

• Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
• Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
• Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.

When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.

Identity Verification

Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.

• Disqualification from the recruitment process
• Withdrawal of a job offer
• Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered

We empower inclusion

At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.

Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.

Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom

Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products-and operate our company-to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.

For more information about our careers visit careers

Work Authorization

Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.