[Remote] Senior Security Engineer, Data Security

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace dedicated to reducing the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. As a Senior Security Engineer focused on Data Security, you will define, build, and lead Upstart’s data security program, implementing scalable data security capabilities and collaborating with cross-functional partners to protect sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical 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
• 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

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics, or a related field (or its equivalent)
• 5 years of experience
• Extensive experience across enterprise and operational security domains, with deep focus on Data Security and Identity & Access Management (IAM)
• Experience owning or leading a Data Security, DLP (Data Loss Prevention), or DSPM (Data Security Posture Management) initiatives
• 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 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
• Familiarity with cutting edge AI data protection tooling such as endpoint DLP, data classification, or posture management platforms (BigID, Concentric AI, Varonis, Cyera, or similar)
• 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

• 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