Applied Machine Learning Engineer

About Upstart

Upstart is the leading AI-powered lending marketplace dedicated to expanding access to affordable credit through innovative technology and strategic partnerships with banks and credit unions. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, Upstart enhances approval rates while reducing loss rates across diverse demographics, including race, age, and gender. Our digital-first approach ensures a seamless, efficient lending experience for consumers, with over 80% of borrowers receiving instant approvals without the need for extensive documentation. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Austin, Texas, Upstart embraces a remote work culture, allowing most employees to work from anywhere within the United States.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Applied Machine Learning Engineer to join our Decisioning organization. As a key member of our newly formed high-leverage Applied Machine Learning team, you will serve as the technical leader responsible for advancing our underwriting models' accuracy and efficiency. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering and data science, focusing on feature engineering, model tuning, embedding optimization, and GPU-accelerated training workflows. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Pricing Engineering and ML Science, to develop and implement cutting-edge machine learning strategies that directly impact business outcomes such as loan approval rates, rate accuracy, and borrower conversion. As a founding member of this team, you will also mentor junior engineers and help shape the long-term vision for ML excellence within the company.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in applied machine learning, with a proven track record in production-scale modeling efforts
• Proficiency in Python and core ML frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and XGBoost
• Strong expertise in end-to-end model development, including data preparation, feature engineering, training, evaluation, and deployment
• Practical experience optimizing machine learning workflows using CUDA and GPU acceleration techniques
• Deep understanding of regression and classification metrics (e.g., precision, recall, R², MPVRMSE) and their application in production environments
• Ability to work independently, lead technical initiatives, and navigate ambiguous, high-impact domains
  
  

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for applied ML initiatives aimed at improving the accuracy, precision, and recall of underwriting models
• Design and implement advanced machine learning training strategies, including AutoML, ensemble learning, and temporal modeling techniques
• Drive GPU-accelerated experimentation, including CUDA-based training optimization and embedding fine-tuning
• Build and maintain robust data preprocessing and feature engineering pipelines suitable for both experimentation and production deployment
• Collaborate closely with Pricing Engineering and ML Science teams to influence modeling strategies and ensure alignment with business goals
• Deliver measurable improvements in key business metrics such as conversion rates, rate accuracy, and loan performance
• Mentor junior applied ML engineers and contribute to defining the strategic roadmap for ML innovation within the organization
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonuses, and equity options
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with contributions to Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance coverage
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick leave, and safety leave policies
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology, and ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Engagement in social activities, team events, and employee resource groups
• Catered lunches, snacks, and drinks available at our offices
  
  

Equal Opportunity

Upstart is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that embracing different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enhances our ability to serve our customers and innovate effectively. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply and join us in our mission to democratize access to credit.