Principal Security Engineer Data Security

The Team

Upstart’s Information Security team is dedicated to advancing security practices that enhance the safety of our products customers and partners. We believe security should empower innovation move at the speed of the business and be built in from the ground up. Our mission is to protect Upstart’s products and enterprise while enabling teams to move quickly and safely through strong collaboration automation and thoughtful security design.

As a Principal Security Engineer focused on Data Security you will play a critical role in defining building and leading Upstart’s data security program. This is a highly impactful role that combines deep hands-on technical execution with program leadership. You will design and implement scalable data security capabilities influence cross-functional partners across the company and help establish long-term strategy and accountability for how data is protected at Upstart.

This role is ideal for a senior security practitioner who enjoys operating at the intersection of coding architecture and cross-functional leadership and who has experience taking complex security programs from concept to reality.

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

Time Zone Requirements - This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones.

Travel Requirements - As a digital first company the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Lead the design and execution of Upstart’s data security program from early foundations through mature scalable systems
• Architect and build software solutions (APIs services and internal tools) that enable effective data protection and governance
• Partner closely with Engineering Analytics Product Legal Risk HR and other stakeholders to secure sensitive data across diverse domains
• Establish clear goals success metrics and accountability for data security initiatives
• Drive adoption of least-privilege access models and modern data protection patterns across the organization
• Mentor engineers and security practitioners fostering strong technical standards and a culture of ownership
• Continuously improve systems by learning from real-world signals such as false positives operational feedback and evolving threats

What we’re looking for: 

• Minimum requirements:
  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering or Mathematics or a related field (or its equivalent) + 8 years of experience
  • Extensive experience across enterprise and operational security domains with deep focus on Data Security and Identity & Access Management
  • Experience owning or leading a Data Security DLP (Data Loss Prevention) or DSPM (Data Security Posture Management) initiatives
  • Proven experience leading security programs that span multiple teams and functions
  • Strong software engineering background with the ability to design and build production-quality systems (e.g. APIs services or internal web applications)
  • Experience launching new security capabilities or programs from 0 to 1 in complex environments
  • Deep understanding of least-privilege principles and practical experience applying them at scale
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity make sound tradeoffs and independently drive meaningful change
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Familiarity with modern data protection tooling such as endpoint DLP data classification or posture management platforms
  • Experience working with diverse data domains (e.g. analytics reporting business operations or people data)
  • Contributions to the security community through talks publications open-source projects or other industry involvement
  • Familiarity with compliance frameworks such as SOC 1 SOC 2 and SOX
  • Interest in long-term growth as a senior individual contributor with openness to future people leadership paths

What We Do

Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace connecting millions of consumers to more than 100 banks and credit unions that leverage Upstart’s AI models and cloud applications to deliver superior credit products. With Upstart's AI lenders can approve more borrowers at lower rates across races ages and genders while delivering the exceptional digital-first experience customers demand. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly with zero documentation to upload. Founded in 2012 Upstart’s platform includes personal loans automotive retail and refinance loans home equity lines of credit and small-dollar “relief” loans. If you are energized by the impact you think you could make at Upstart we'd love to hear from you!

Why Work With Us

Connection to our mission creates a special environment where people feel passionately about the impact they make in the world. Upstart is fast-paced and we encourage ownership at all levels of the organization. As a result culture at Upstart is driven by Upstarters. Upstarters are proactive talented multi-dimensional and collaborative.

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