Software Engineer II - Machine Learning

About the Company

Upstart is an AI-powered lending marketplace that partners with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. Its digital-first platform uses machine learning and advanced analytics to support lending decisions and improve the borrowing experience for consumers.

About the Team

The Machine Learning and Simulations Platform (MLSP) team builds and operates the core infrastructure supporting machine learning model training, feature engineering, inference, and marketplace simulation at Upstart. The platform powers underwriting, fraud, conversion, and verification models.

The team is developing next-generation capabilities, including low-latency and GPU model serving, self-service model deployment, centralized feature management, and high-fidelity marketplace simulation. It works closely with Machine Learning, Engineering, Product, and Data Platform teams.

About the Role

Upstart is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join its Machine Learning and Simulations Platform team. This role will focus on building and maintaining an MLOps platform that supports machine learning inference, process automation, model deployment, and observability.

You will also contribute to the marketplace simulation platform, helping Machine Learning and Finance teams innovate more efficiently. The position involves developing scalable backend services, improving data and feature infrastructure, and building tools that enable ML teams to deploy models and manage features independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and optimize Upstart's next-generation machine learning and simulation platform to improve scale, performance, and confidence in decision-making.
• Develop high-quality software applications that enable machine learning models to support evolving business requirements.
• Build self-service tools that allow ML teams to register features and deploy models independently while reducing manual platform support.
• Develop and maintain the data and feature infrastructure supporting machine learning models, including feature definition, storage, serving, and offline-to-online consistency.
• Design and improve simulation systems to better reflect production environments, reduce simulation costs, and expand usage across teams.
• Collaborate with Machine Learning, Engineering, Product, and Data Engineering teams to communicate progress and coordinate technical requirements.
• Mentor engineers by sharing expertise in distributed systems, MLOps, and scalable architecture.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of software engineering experience.
• Experience building and maintaining backend software services and APIs.
• Experience with distributed systems or large-scale data processing using Spark, Databricks, Ray, or equivalent technologies.
• Experience with an ML platform or the machine learning production lifecycle, including training pipelines, model serving, feature pipelines, or training data platforms.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: Python, Kotlin, Databricks, and AWS.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn new technologies and approaches.
• Ability to understand complex requirements from Machine Learning, Product, or Engineering leadership and communicate them effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Metaflow, MLflow, gRPC, Spark/PySpark, dbt, Ray, or GPU technologies.
• Knowledge of simulation, experimentation, or backtesting systems.
• Experience building self-service or configuration-driven tools for internal users.
• Strong quantitative reasoning skills and interest in the intersection of software engineering and machine learning.
• Strong ownership and accountability for quality and timely delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in collaborative team environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Anticipated annual base salary range for US remote positions: $166,900–$230,000 USD.
• Target bonuses and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.
• 401(k) with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discounted stock purchase options for eligible US employees.
• Medical, dental, vision, and wellness coverage.
• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible US plans.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays in accordance with local requirements.
• Paid family and parental leave, with duration varying by country.
• Family-centered benefits supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving.
• Employee Assistance Program offering mental health support and personal resources.
• Financial planning tools and financial concierge services for US employees.
• Annual wellness allowance for physical and emotional well-being and personal development.
• Annual productivity allowance for work-related tools and resources.
• Team events, company updates, and employee resource groups.
• Catered lunches and stocked micro-kitchens at the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City offices.

Actual compensation depends on geographic location, job-related skills, experience, education, and training. Upstart uses location-based compensation regions, and candidates can discuss the applicable salary range with their recruiter.

Location & Work Arrangement

• Remote position available in the United States.
• The team operates across East Coast and West Coast time zones.
• Upstart follows a digital-first work model, with employees encouraged to participate in regular in-person team gatherings.
• Most teams meet once or twice per quarter for two to four consecutive days, depending on the team and role.
• For positions based in Canada, Upstart is currently unable to hire candidates located in Quebec.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Upstart is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive and fair hiring practices.

Candidates who require reasonable accommodation during the application, interview, pre-employment testing, or other stages of the employee selection process may contact Upstart to request assistance.