About the Role- The Senior Credit Underwriter is responsible for leading complex credit underwriting activities while serving as a trusted advisor to the Chief Lending Officer. This role provides expertise in Non-QM mortgage lending, evaluates complex borrower scenarios, structures credit solutions, and supports sound lending decisions that balance risk and business objectives.
- In addition to underwriting, the role oversees underwriting teams, mentors junior underwriters, drives process improvements, and collaborates cross-functionally to improve credit quality, operational efficiency, and funded loan volume..
What You'll Be Doing (Key Responsibilities)- Act as the Chief Lending Officer's 'right hand' trusted advisor.
- Perform early credit assessments ("shift-left") before processing is complete.
- Rework denied loans into approvable structures where possible.
- Recommend counteroffers that reduce risk while preserving profitability.
- Identify compensating factors to strengthen borderline files.
- Consult with Sales on structuring loans before submission.
- Participate in daily pipeline review meetings.
- Assist in developing underwriting guidelines and SOPs.
- Analyze trends in denials and fallout to recommend policy or process changes.
- Support automation efforts by documenting underwriting decision logic.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for complex borrower scenarios.
RequirementsEducation:- Bachelor's or Associate's degree.
Experience:- 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in non-QM mortgage lending.
Must-Have RequirementsPlease ensure you meet all of the following before applying:
- 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience in Non-QM residential mortgage lending.
- Proven expertise in credit analysis, risk assessment, and loan structuring, with the ability to evaluate complex borrower scenarios and develop viable lending solutions.
- Strong knowledge of Non-QM loan products, including DSCR, Bank Statement, Asset Depletion, Foreign National, ITIN, and other alternative documentation programs.
- Experience interpreting credit policies, underwriting guidelines, and applicable mortgage regulations (e.g., ATR/QM, TRID, RESPA, TILA), with the ability to make sound, consistent credit decisions..
Remote Work Requirements- Stable, reliable internet connection.
- Professional and dedicated remote working setup.
Preferred Background / Industry Experience:- Non QM residential mortgage lending / MCA lending.
Key Soft Skills:- Critical Thinking - Evaluates complex borrower scenarios, weighs risk objectively, and makes sound credit decisions based on facts rather than assumptions.
- Analytical Mindset - Identifies trends, assesses layered risk, and connects multiple data points to determine overall creditworthiness.
- Sound Judgment - Balances prudent risk management with business objectives, knowing when to approve, restructure, or decline a loan.
- Problem Solving - Finds creative, policy-compliant solutions to structure challenging loans instead of defaulting to denial.
- Attention to Detail - Thoroughly reviews financials, documentation, and loan files to identify inconsistencies, omissions, or potential risks.
- Communication - Clearly explains underwriting decisions, credit rationale, and conditions to Sales, Processing, and leadership.
- Collaboration - Partners effectively with Sales, Processing, Valuation, Legal, and Closing to move loans efficiently while maintaining credit quality.
- Decision Making Under Pressure - Makes timely, confident decisions in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing accuracy or consistency.
- Coaching & Mentorship - Develops junior underwriters by sharing expertise, reinforcing best practices, and promoting consistent credit decisions.
- Integrity & Accountability - Demonstrates strong ethical standards, takes ownership of decisions, and consistently applies credit policy with fairness and discipline.
Specific Technical Skills Needed:- Credit Analysis & Risk Assessment - Expertise in evaluating borrower creditworthiness, repayment capacity, collateral, and layered risk.
- Non-QM Underwriting - Deep knowledge of Non-QM products, including DSCR, Bank Statement, Asset Depletion, Foreign National, ITIN, and other alternative documentation programs.
- Income, Asset & Cash Flow Analysis - Ability to analyze tax returns, business financials, bank statements, P&Ls, CPA letters, and asset documentation.
- Collateral & Valuation Review - Experience reviewing appraisals, BPOs, AVMs/IVDs, title reports, LTV/CLTV calculations, and collateral risk.
- Loan Structuring - Ability to restructure marginal loans, evaluate compensating factors, and develop counteroffers that meet credit policy while maximizing approvals.
- Credit Policy & Guideline Interpretation - Strong understanding of internal credit policies, investor overlays, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to consistently apply judgment.
- Regulatory Compliance - Working knowledge of ATR/QM, TRID, RESPA, TILA, Fair Lending, and applicable federal and state lending regulations.
- Financial & Data Analysis - Advanced proficiency in Excel and the ability to analyze underwriting metrics, portfolio trends, and credit performance.
- Exception & Portfolio Management - Experience evaluating policy exceptions, monitoring portfolio credit quality, and supporting quality control and audit reviews.
- Loan Origination Systems (LOS) - Hands-on experience with Encompass, Byte, LendingPad, or similar LOS platforms, including underwriting workflow and condition management.
BenefitsWhat We Offer $80,000-$95,000 annually.
Paid Time Off (PTO).
Fully remote - work from wherever you do your best work!
Ready to Apply?If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you - submit your CV in English and hit
Apply! 
