Principal Software Engineer, Machine Learning Simulations
As a Principal Software Engineer focused on Machine Learning Simulations at Upstart, you will be responsible for building an MLOps platform to support machine learning model inference, process automation, model deployment, and observability. Machine Learning is critical to Upstart’s core business, and our greatest competitive advantage lies in the fact that we’re able to innovate on our AI engine quickly. You will also help build a marketplace simulation platform to support rapid innovation across ML and Finance teams.
In this role, you will build, maintain, and optimize Upstart’s next-generation machine learning and simulation platform, enabling increased scale, performance, and confidence in decisioning. You will develop high-quality software applications that enable machine learning models to be applied to the ever-evolving needs of the business. Additionally, you will enable the modernization of our serving infrastructure, reducing inference latency to just a few seconds for our most complex models. You will design and contribute to our simulation systems to more accurately reflect production environments, reducing simulation cost and enabling broader usage across teams. Effective communication with cross-functional partners from ML, Engineering, Product, and Data Engineering teams is essential, as is mentoring engineers across the team, sharing expertise on distributed systems, MLOps, and scalable architecture.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field, along with at least 8 years of experience. Experience building or contributing to platforms or systems that support machine learning model simulation is required, as is experience building self-serve or configuration-driven tooling for internal stakeholders. Proficiency with Python, Kotlin, Databricks, and AWS is expected. A growth mindset, the ability to quickly comprehend and reiterate complex requirements, and a track record of successfully mentoring and developing other engineers are also important.
Upstart offers competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly. The anticipated base salary for this position ranges from $195,300 to $270,400, depending on geographic location and individual qualifications. Additional benefits include a generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year; affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; and family-centered benefits supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving.
Upstart is a digital-first company, providing employees the flexibility to work from wherever they thrive, alongside teammates across 80+ cities in the US and Canada. The company fosters a culture of creativity, experimentation, and advanced AI to reshape access to credit, helping millions move forward financially with clarity and confidence. If you’re energized by tackling meaningful problems, excited to innovate with purpose, and motivated by work that truly matters, Upstart would love to hear from you.