[Remote] Principal Software Engineer, Machine Learning Simulations

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace focused on reducing the cost and complexity of borrowing for Americans. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer specializing in Machine Learning Simulations to build an MLOps platform and support rapid innovation across teams.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and optimize Upstart’s next-generation machine learning and simulation platform, enabling increased scale, performance, and confidence in decisioning
• Develop high-quality software applications that enable machine learning models to be applied to the ever-evolving needs of the business
• Enable the modernization of our serving infrastructure, reducing inference latency to just a few seconds for our most complex models
• Design and contribute to our simulation systems to more accurately reflect production environments, reducing simulation cost and enabling broader usage across teams
• Communicate closely with cross-functional partners from ML, Engineering, Product, and Data Engineering teams, keeping all stakeholders informed
• Mentor engineers across the team, sharing expertise on distributed systems, MLOps, and scalable architecture

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or a related field (or its equivalent) + 8 years of experience
• Experience building or contributing to platforms or systems that support machine learning model simulation
• Experience building self-serve or configuration-driven tooling for internal stakeholders
• Experience building and maintaining backend software services and APIs
• Proficiency with some or more of the following: Python, Kotlin, Databricks, and AWS
• Exhibits a growth mindset - you're not afraid to pick up new technologies that are best for the task, and learn from others
• Ability to quickly comprehend and reiterate complex requirements from product or engineering leadership and translate those to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Track record of successfully mentoring and developing other engineers around you while seeking out and appreciating constructive feedback
• Familiarity with model serving technologies like Ray, and experimentation frameworks
• Proficiency with Flask, FastAPI, Metaflow, MLflow, gRPC, Kafka, Spark/PySpark, ETL/ELT, Redshift (or similar)
• Excellent quantitative reasoning skills with interest in working at the intersection of engineering and machine learning
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for the quality and timely delivery of work
• Proven ability to effectively analyze and solve complex problems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with stakeholders, peers and product owners
• Ability to thrive both in self-directed work environments and in collaborative settings, contributing positively to team dynamic

Benefits

• Target bonuses
• Equity compensation
• Generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k)
• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
• Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only)
• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only)
• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country)
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only)
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
• Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!)

Company Overview