Senior Software Engineer, Distribution Platform

About Upstart

Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstarts AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly, with zero documentation to upload.

The Team

Upstarts Distribution Platform team is developing innovative solutions and strategies that drive efficient and scalable marketing outreach, empowering us to effectively engage with our users while having a direct impact on Upstarts mission and growth. The team is responsible for some of our highest value distribution channels including digital ads, direct mail, and partner integrations. Our goal is to build an intelligent, unified system that learns, automates, and scales how Upstart engages with our customers on these channels.

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Distribution Platform team, you will play a key role in designing and building the systems that intelligently connect our marketing efforts to the right users at the right time. Youll drive development of scalable, resilient platform capabilities that power Upstarts owned marketing channels including digital ads, direct mail, and partner integrations. Collaborating closely with cross-functional partners in Analytics, Marketing, Machine Learning, and Product, youll help shape the technical strategy and execution that enables more personalized, data-driven outreach and directly advances Upstarts growth and mission.

How youll make an impact

Lead the design and development of scalable systems that deliver marketing content across key outbound channels.

Partner with machine learning, analytics, and marketing stakeholders to optimize targeting and improve customer engagement.

Own projects from ideation to launch guiding architecture, implementation, and operational readiness.

Drive platform reliability and evolve internal tools that enable experimentation, automation, and performance insights.

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to growing a culture of technical excellence and cross-functional collaboration.

What were looking for

Minimum requirements

7+ years of professional software development experience

Strong proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Ruby, Java, Kotlin, Python, or JavaScript

Experience building scalable APIs and microservices in a cloud-based environment (e.g., AWS, GCP)

Proven ability to lead projects involving multiple engineers or stakeholders over extended timelines

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in a distributed team

Preferred qualifications

Experience building systems that integrate with 3rd parties or manage large scale data flows

Experience with SQL, data warehouses, or other database technologies

Professional experience with digital advertising platforms like Google Ads or Meta Ads

Professional experience working with Ruby on Rails and/or Kotlin

Experience or interest in working with React, TypeScript, or front-end technologies

Experience working with marketing technology or growth engineering

Position Location - This role is available in the following locations: Remote, San Mateo, Columbus, Austin

Time Zone Requirements - This team operates across all U.S. time zones.

Travel Requirements - This team has regular on-site collaboration sessions. These occur 3 days per quarter at an Upstart office. If you need to travel to make these meetups, Upstart will cover all travel related expenses.

What youll love

Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart

401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Life and disability insurance

Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave

Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs

Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs

Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

Compensation and Benefits Overview

At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location with our digital first philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).

United States Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range

$142,000 $196,600 USD

Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email

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