Who we are:
At SECU, we put our employees first, recognizing that their well-being and professional development are vital to our success. By fostering a supportive and empowering work environment, our employees are committed to helping members achieve long-term financial security. They are also inspired to give back to the communities we serve by volunteering and spreading kindness, which reflects our core values and who we are as an organization.
Every employee at SECU contributes to our member’s financial well-being, and we’ll always do what’s right for our members, employees, and communities.
Feel good about what you do. Belong to a place where you matter and can make a difference.
What you will do:
The Sr. Real Estate Underwriter reviews and analyzes residential mortgage loan applications according to investor and credit union portfolio policy and guidelines. The Sr. Real Estate Underwriter must possess a strong background in analyzing creditworthiness, collateral, and income requirements associated with residential mortgage lending. The Senior Mortgage Underwriter must have experience with various investor programs, automated underwriting systems, and government loan programs As part of the Mortgage Underwriting team, they strive to provide exceptional service to members and partners.
The Sr. Real Estate Underwriter adheres to regulations and organizational policies, maintaining awareness and knowledge required to perform the duties of the position, including all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations, such as OFAC, and the USA Patriot Act, Fair Lending and Information Security.
A day in your life might include:
- Analyze the creditworthiness, collateral, and accuracy of the applicable product Automated Underwriting System (AUS) (DU/LPA/GUS).
- Perform thorough analysis of loan files to determine compliance with Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Mortgage Insurance and Credit Union guidelines.
- Ability to calculate income, including tax return analysis and to properly catalog findings into a concise effective written summary.
- Approve, decline or counter-offer loans within limits of assigned authority.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, while practicing sound lending judgment.
- Function as a technical resource for Loan Officers and Assistants.
- Ensures compliance with Credit Union regulatory requirements including but not limited to: RESPA, Reg Z, Reg B, HMDA, Fact Act, and Safe Act.
- Ensure loans meet investment quality standards and are eligible for resale.
- Respond timely to audits and quality contract reviews.
- Maintain productivity and service legal agreements for underwriting decision.
- Takes responsibility for decisions, actions, failures and overall deliverables.
- Holds team members and themselves accountable by ensuring team outcomes are met.
Additional Responsibilities may include:
- Provide prompt, quality service to the originating branches and correspondents in a friendly and professional manner.
- Keep informed of current industry standards, laws, regulations, and compliance.
- Additional job-related projects and duties as assigned by management.
- Supports change management within the team.
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work-related experience.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of mortgage underwriting experience.
- Experience with both automated underwriting systems (FNMA Desktop Underwriter (DU) and FHLMC Loan Product Advisor (LPA).
- Strong knowledge of manual underwriting.
- Minimum 2 years of FHA and VA experience required.
- VA Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP/SAR) or Direct Endorsement (DE) CHUMS Identification.
Business Acumen Requirements
- Strong knowledge of State and Federal laws pertaining to the mortgage banking industry (i.e. RESPA, TILA, ECOA, etc.).
- Strong working knowledge of first mortgage guidelines and eligibility for all residential property types.
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
- Excellent customer service skills with a high attention to detail with the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to analyze and comprehend tax returns for all self-employed borrowers.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
Compensation Information: Offers will be commensurate with experience and education. Please Note: We typically hire at or below mid-point, which is $115,100 for this role.
- Salary: Min. $88,500 – Max. $141,700
Other Compensation Includes:
- Annual corporate-wide incentives
We provide comprehensive benefits, with a focus on total well-being:
- Medical, vision, dental benefits
- 401k plan with company matching
- Generous sick, vacation and personal leave
- And more...2026 SECU Benefits Guide
SECU is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where all individuals are valued and respected. We take pride in providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
