Underwriting Consultant - Life Underwriting - Remote

symetraexternal; United States; Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Company matching charitable giving

Benefits overview

Job summary

Symetra is seeking an Underwriting Consultant in its Life Underwriting Department to assess complex mortality risks and balance underwriting principles with customer needs. You will review applications, underwrite standard and substandard risks, and collaborate with senior underwriters on complex cases.

The role requires 7–10 years of relevant experience, strong analytical and negotiation abilities, and excellent communication with agents.

Qualifications

• Analytical and problem‑solving skills required.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex cases.
• Mastery of underwriting principles, practices, and life insurance contract law.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Negotiation skills and the ability to explain decisions to agents/producers.

Responsibilities

• Review life insurance applications and underwrite standard and substandard risks within authority.
• Consult with senior underwriters and leadership on complex cases and obtain second signature for high‑value cases.
• Meet established turnaround times and act as a subject matter expert for underwriting guidance.
• Represent underwriting in cross‑functional projects and external functions as needed.
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly to agents and producers while maintaining relationships.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Underwriting knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Negotiation skills

Education

High school diploma required

College degree preferred

Job description

Symetra has an exciting opportunity to join our Life Underwriting Department as an Underwriting Consultant!

About the role

At Symetra, we believe in empowering people to make a meaningful impact—and that includes our underwriters. As an Underwriting Consultant, you’ll bring your expertise, judgment, and curiosity to a role where thoughtful decisions truly matter. You’ll assess complex mortality risks with consistency and care, balancing sound underwriting principles with our commitment to meeting customer and market needs.

What you will do

Review individual life insurance applications and underwrite standard and substandard risks within authorized limits of authority in accordance with department guidelines, including:

• Determining whether to accept, reject or modify life insurance risks by evaluation of applicant’s medical history, financial background, insurable interest and financial need.
• Conferring with other Consultant-level Underwriters and up, Medical Director, Director of Indv Underwriting and/or Chief Underwriter on complex cases and situations not established by practice. Obtaining second signature on cases that exceed designated underwriting authority.
• Meeting established time service standards.
• Serve as a role model for other underwriters by establishing themselves as underwriting experts and as a “go to” person for underwriting issues; and Designee to handle high-visibility/high face amount or otherwise special cases.
• Communicate effectively with agents/producers to explain adverse underwriting decisions, while maintaining agency relationship and encouraging future business.
• Actively seek out/identify resources and projects to improve underwriting staff, and improve understanding of business line within the company and industry.
• Represent the underwriting function in inter-departmental meetings/projects.
• Represent Symetra at external functions as appropriate.

Why Work at Symetra

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

“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

“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

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

Compensation

Salary Range: $96,700 - $161,200 plus eligibility for annual bonus program

Who you are

• At least 7-10 years of cumulative, relevant experience
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage large caseloads and provide quick turnaround times while maintaining Symetra’s mortality standards
• Strong technical and financial underwriting skills
• Service-oriented with commitment to meet deadlines, prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a demanding work environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Mastery of underwriting principals, practices, insurance medicine, financial underwriting, field operations, product offerings and life insurance contract law.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• College degree preferred, high school diploma required.

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: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/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.

Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:

As a remote-first organization committed to providing 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.

Failure to comply with verification procedures may result:

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