Upstart
Senior IT Engineer (Security)
Job Summary
This role involves managing and securing Upstart’s network infrastructure, including configuring firewalls, VPNs, and monitoring security incidents. The candidate should have extensive experience in network and security engineering, including cloud environments and automation tools. Responsibilities include designing secure network architecture, responding to security incidents, conducting security assessments, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The position requires a hands-on approach, collaboration across teams, and a focus on operational excellence and network optimization.
Required Skills
Benefits
Job Description
About Upstart
Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly, with zero documentation to upload.
Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.
Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you!
The Team
Upstart’s IT Engineering team supports the foundational technology infrastructure of our organization. This team is responsible for ensuring the security, reliability, and scalability of the company’s network systems across all offices and cloud environments. We work cross-functionally with IT Support, InfoSec, Engineering and other teams to protect our network and data, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with security policies.
As an Senior IT Engineer (Security) at Upstart, you will play a critical role in managing and securing our network infrastructure. This includes configuring and maintaining firewalls, VPNs, office network and other network devices, monitoring for security incidents, and implementing safeguards to protect against cyber threats. You’ll also collaborate with other teams to ensure seamless and secure access for all users and systems while constantly improving our network performance and security posture.
This is a hands-on engineering role where you will take ownership of our network security and operational excellence, working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for solving complex problems and ensuring compliance with security standards across IT infrastructure.
Position Location - This role is available in the following locations: Remote, San Mateo, Columbus, Austin
Time Zone Requirements - This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones.
Travel Requirements - Office visits will be required as and when needed for hardware maintenance. This team also has regular on-site collaboration sessions that occur a few days per quarter at various locations in the US. Upstart will cover all travel-related expenses for these meetups.This team has regular on-site collaboration sessions.
How you’ll make an impact:
- Design, implement, and maintain secure network architecture, including firewalls, VPNs, Wifi and switches
- Monitor and respond to network and security incidents using tools like IDS/IPS, SIEM, and firewalls.
- Manage incident response platforms, advanced threat protection, and end-to-end cloud security solutions
- Develop and refine network security strategies and influencing security architecture across Internal Infrastructure
- Collaborate with IT, InfoSec, and Operations to implement network security best practices and maintain system compliance
- Automate network and security processes to increase efficiency and reduce risks
- Identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities, applying patches and updates to network systems
- Participate in security audits and assessments to ensure the network complies with company and industry security standards
- Provide network and security support for office locations and remote users
- Optimize network performance and reliability by analyzing network traffic and troubleshooting issues
- Participate in an on-call rotation to ensure rapid response to network or security incidents outside of business hours
What we’re looking for:
- Minimum requirements:
- 7+ years of experience in security and network engineering
- Expertise in managing firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, CloudFlare, Meraki) and VPN technologies
- Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access, Global Protect, Virtual Firewalls, CloudFlare WARP
- Hands-on experience with security monitoring tools (IDS/IPS, SIEM, etc.)
- Deep understanding of network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, DNS, VLANs)
- Strong understanding of Data Loss Prevention methods and controls, including Cyberhaven, Crowdstrike and Proofpoint
- Experience working with cloud networking (AWS) and securing cloud environments
- Solid knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and network hardening techniques
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Proficient in automation tools and scripting (e.g., Python, Terraform)
- Be able to manage infrastructure via code
- Preferred qualifications:
- Industry certifications such as PCNSE, CCNA, CCNP, CISSP, or CEH
- Experience with Zero Trust Architecture and implementing network segmentation
- Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Firewalls and AWS security configurations
- Knowledge of MacOS and Windows security configurations
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a remote and cross-functional team environment
What you'll love:
- Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart
- 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Life and disability insurance
- Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave
- Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
- Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
- Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
- Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices
#LI-REMOTE
#LI-MidSenior
At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).
Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email [email protected]
Upstart
A lending platform using AI to provide personal loans and credit solutions with a focus on fair and fast approvals.
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