Seattle Credit Union is dedicated to helping our members achieve financial prosperity by providing education and banking services that meet their personal goals. We are Inclusive, Inventive and Invested. We are Seattle Credit Union - we build strong and trusting relationships in service of our Mission.
Job Title: Senior Mortgage Loan Underwriter
Employee Type: Regular, FT
FLSA Status: Exempt
Why Join Us?
Seattle Credit Union is proud to be an employer committed to the growth and prosperity of its employees, members, and the community. We work in a culture where voices are amplified to drive meaningful change and generate non-stop impact. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, such as employee-paid medical benefits, 401k matching, and generous time off, such as for volunteering and even to celebrate your birthday! We provide opportunities for employees to learn and grow while fostering an inclusive work culture, and we have a tremendously diverse workforce that drives our ability to innovate and maintain excellence.
Seattle Credit Union is dedicated to helping our members achieve financial prosperity by providing education and banking services that meet their personal goals. We are Inclusive, Inventive and Invested. We are Seattle Credit Union - we build strong and trusting relationships in service of our Mission. Seattle Credit Union is proud to be intentional in recruiting, hiring, and promoting a workplace that is inclusive.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that celebrates our collective differences and encourages all to apply, including those with different backgrounds, disability, ages, ethnicities, races, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, or veteran status’ protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are looking for a Senior Mortgage Loan Underwriter who will be responsible for the comprehensive underwriting of mortgage and home equity files, with a primary focus on the credit union’s portfolio lending products. This role evaluates borrower profiles, collateral, and loan structures to assess risk, ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements, and support sustainable lending decisions that align with the credit union’s mission and risk appetite.
The Underwriter works collaboratively with loan officers, processors, and management to support member-centric decisions while maintaining loan quality and safety and soundness standards. This individual also plays a key role in identifying opportunities to refine underwriting guidelines and expand responsible lending opportunities particularly through flexible portfolio programs.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Underwrite first and second mortgage loan applications, including conventional, portfolio, and special program loans, ensuring adherence to internal lending policies, secondary market guidelines (as applicable), and regulatory requirements.
- Evaluate and assess borrower creditworthiness, income stability, assets, collateral, and overall risk factors using sound judgment and compensating factor analysis.
- Perform detailed appraisal reviews for accuracy, valuation soundness, and regulatory compliance.
- Approve, counteroffer, or recommend loan decisions within delegated authority, escalate to higher authority as needed for exceptions or complex scenarios.
- Interpret and apply credit union lending philosophy to support member-focused portfolio lending decisions, balancing risk with mission.
- Serve as subject matter expert for internal underwriting policies and secondary market guidelines (e.g. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA), ensuring consistency and accuracy in interpretation.
- Assist with quality control, post-close reviews, and file audits to ensure loan integrity and guideline compliance.
- Collaborate with mortgage operations and lending leadership teams to identify opportunities for product enhancement, guideline refinement, and process improvements.
- Effectively manage the underwriting pipeline to support timely loan closings.
- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with all levels of teammates across the organization.
- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with all levels of teammates across the organization.
- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with all levels of teammates across the organization.
- Other duties as assigned
WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
Basic Qualifications:
- Deep knowledge of residential lending regulations and underwriting guidelines (FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, etc.).
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to assess complex income types (e.g. self-employment, rental income) and layered risk scenarios.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Proficiency in loan origination systems (LOS) and automated underwriting systems (AUS), such as DU and LP.
- High level of organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Strong computer proficiency, including mortgage loan origination systems and Microsoft Office.
- Professional demeanor, reliability, and excellent attendance record.
- High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Two years’ college or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum 5 years of mortgage underwriting experience, including experience with portfolio lending or non-agency products.
- Prior compliance experience and/or training.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Experience in a credit union or community lending environment.
- Prior delegated underwriting authority with Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.
- Familiarity with mission-based lending or lending to underserved markets.
Working Conditions:
- This is a hybrid role with work performed remotely as well as in an office and/or branch environment in the Greater Seattle area of Washington State.
- Team members may attend special off-hour meetings and seminars.
- The nature of work may include prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Benefits:
Seattle Credit Union supports and invests in our employees. We offer many great benefits, including low-cost medical contributions and zero contributions for dental and vision plans. Additionally, SCU offers a generous paid time off program and a 401k plan with a dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 5%.
The compensation range may vary based on the candidate’s geographic location.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Originally posted on Himalayas
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