Upstart · 11 hours ago
Principal Security Engineer, Data Security
United States
Full-time
Remote
Lead/Staff
$191K/yr - $264K/yrUpstart is a leading AI lending marketplace dedicated to reducing the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. The Principal Security Engineer focused on Data Security will define, build, and lead the data security program, ensuring effective data protection and governance while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)LendingFinanceFinTechAutomotiveConsumer LendingCreditFinancial ServicesMachine LearningPersonal Finance
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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.
Founded in 2012
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