Senior Security Engineer, Data Security

Senior Security Engineer – Data Security

Upstart’s Information Security team is dedicated to advancing security practices that enhance the safety of our products, customers, and partners. In this role you will define, build, and lead the company’s data security program, combining deep technical execution with cross‑functional leadership.

• Lead the technical design and execution of Upstart’s data security program, from early foundations to 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.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, 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 Data Security, DLP, or DSPM initiatives.
• Strong software engineering background, able to design and build production‑quality systems such as 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, able to influence senior technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, make sound tradeoffs, and independently drive meaningful change.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with cutting‑edge AI data protection tooling such as endpoint DLP, data classification, or posture management platforms (e.g., BigID, Concentric AI, Varonis, Cyera).
• Experience working with diverse data domains (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.

Remote – United States. The team operates on East/West Coast time zones. Travel is required for periodic in‑person collaboration sessions, typically once or twice per quarter for 2–4 consecutive days.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $164,800 – $228,400 USD, adjusted by location, skills, experience, and education. In addition to base pay, Upstart offers target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

• Competitive compensation including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.
• 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 for US employees and supplemental coverage for Canada.
• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans (US only).
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays in line with local requirements.
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving.
• Support for fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs.
• Employee Assistance Program offering mental health support.
• Financial wellness resources and a concierge service (US only).
• Annual wellness allowance and productivity allowance for work‑related tools.
• Community events, all‑company updates, and employee resource groups.
• Onsite perks: catered lunches and micro‑kitchens in select offices.

For roles based in Canada, please note that we are not currently able to hire in Quebec.

Upstart is a proud equal‑opportunity employer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application or other aspects of the selection process, please email candida