Upstart · 8 hours ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$221K/yr - $300K/yr
7+ years expUpstart is a leading AI lending marketplace on a mission to reduce the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. The Principal Machine Learning Engineer will lead engineering initiatives to scale machine learning innovation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design systems that improve predictive accuracy and streamline model development.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)AutomotiveConsumer LendingCreditFinancial ServicesFinTechLendingMachine LearningPersonal Finance
Responsibilities
Scale ML innovation by building tools, infrastructure, and workflows that dramatically improve the speed and reliability of model development
Work backward from modeling needs to design systems that directly unlock gains in accuracy, efficiency, and scientific productivity
Explore new algorithms and methodologies for our machine learning models and develop tooling to support them
Improve the entire ML lifecycle—from data readiness and feature development through training, evaluation, serving, and monitoring
Automate and standardize operational workflows, enabling scientists to focus on high-leverage modeling and analysis rather than manual pipelines
Define the roadmap for our next generation ML Platform, balancing near-term impact with long-term architectural scalability
Collaborate cross-functionally with Data Engineering, ML Platform, Pricing, and other teams to build reliable, end-to-end ML systems
Qualification
Required
7+ years of hands-on experience in applied machine learning, with strong exposure to production-scale modeling efforts
Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end model development: data prep, feature engineering, training, evaluation, and deployment
Experience working in high-scale, ML-driven product environments—especially in fintech, pricing, or risk modeling
Proficiency in Python and core ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, XGBoost)
Ability to work autonomously and lead technical direction in ambiguous, high-impact domains
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including ML scientists, engineers, and product partners
Ability to bridge engineering and science teams, and influence technical strategy across disciplines
Numerically-savvy and smart with ability to operate at a fast pace
Preferred
Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Math, Physics, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, etc.)
Practical experience optimizing ML workflows using CUDA/GPU acceleration
Background in feature store design, embedding architecture, or synthetic data generation for model training
Proven track record of improving model accuracy in production environments with measurable business outcomes
Familiarity with modern experimentation frameworks, hyperparameter tuning tools, and automated model selection techniques
Benefits
Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
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
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 and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!)
Company
Upstart
Upstart (NASDAQ: UPST) is a leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Upstart has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (68)
2024 (67)
2023 (85)
2022 (85)
2021 (42)
2020 (15)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.36BKey Investors
CastlelakeProgressiveRakuten
2025-11-06Post Ipo Debt· $1.5B
2025-09-05Post Ipo Debt· $320M
2025-08-12Post Ipo Debt· $600M
Leadership Team
Dave Girouard
Founder & CEO
Paul Gu
Co-Founder
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-23
Business Wire
2026-01-22
The Motley Fool
2026-01-03
Company data provided by crunchbase