Senior Underwriter

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mortgage Underwriter to join a high-performing lending team. This role is responsible for reviewing and evaluating residential mortgage loan applications, assessing risk, and making sound credit decisions that align with investor, agency, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of conventional, government, and non-QM mortgage products while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and customer service.

• Perform comprehensive underwriting reviews for residential mortgage loan files, including credit, income, assets, collateral, and overall risk assessment.
• Render timely and well-documented credit decisions in accordance with agency, investor, and company lending policies.
• Underwrite loan programs including Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, and Non-QM products.
• Analyze complex income scenarios, self-employed borrower documentation, tax returns, and layered-risk transactions.
• Ensure loan files satisfy applicable regulatory and compliance requirements at both the federal and state levels.
• Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and findings clearly to processing, operations, and production teams.
• Review exceptions and evaluate compensating factors to determine overall creditworthiness.
• Maintain an organized pipeline and meet established service level expectations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to resolve documentation deficiencies and facilitate smooth loan closings.
• Assist with training, mentoring, and sharing best practices with junior underwriters and support staff.
• Stay current on industry guidelines, investor updates, and regulatory changes impacting residential lending.
• Participate in special projects and operational initiatives as assigned.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of residential mortgage underwriting experience.
• Extensive experience underwriting loans to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and Non-QM guidelines.
• Strong understanding of automated underwriting systems and manual underwriting methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex borrower profiles and make independent credit decisions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mortgage fraud detection, risk management, and quality lending practices.
• In-depth understanding of mortgage regulations including RESPA, TILA, ECOA/Regulation B, Fair Lending, AML/BSA, TRID, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
• Proven ability to manage a high-volume underwriting pipeline while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

• DE, SAR, or VA LAPP authority preferred but not required.
• Experience with multiple investor overlays and non-agency lending products.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to navigate complex lending scenarios.
• Commitment to delivering a best-in-class borrower and business partner experience.