Senior Mortgage Underwriter

Sr. Underwriter

The Sr. Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, underwriting, and approving agency and portfolio mortgage loan applications in accordance with company policies, investor guidelines, and regulatory requirements. This role requires the application of advanced credit analysis, sound risk assessment, and independent decision-making to determine loan eligibility and structure.

Responsibilities include:

• Underwriting a high volume of primarily agency loans (including Fannie Mae), with demonstrated capability to evaluate and approve portfolio loans using sound credit judgment and risk assessment.
• Applying advanced full-documentation underwriting expertise, including specialized programs such as Bridge to Homeownership, ensuring adherence to agency and investor requirements.
• Performing comprehensive reviews of loan files to validate accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies, federal regulations, agency guidelines, and applicable state and local requirements.
• Conducting in-depth analysis of borrower creditworthiness, including loan-to-value (LTV), debt-to-income (DTI) or debt-to-asset (DTA) ratios, credit profiles, income and asset verification, and source of funds, while proactively identifying potential fraud or misrepresentation risks.
• Evaluating residential appraisals to confirm collateral adequacy and ensure alignment with secondary market standards, investor overlays, and internal quality expectations.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Loan Officers, Processors, and Operations teams to resolve file deficiencies, streamline documentation collection, and ensure efficient loan progression.
• Exercising independent judgment in determining when additional documentation or clarification is necessary to support sound underwriting decisions; issuing clear, concise, and actionable conditions.
• Providing informed guidance on loan structuring and program options, supporting optimal borrower outcomes while mitigating risk exposure.
• Maintaining current knowledge of regulatory changes, underwriting guidelines, and market trends to ensure compliant and consistent decision-making.
• Ensuring data integrity by validating system input accuracy and reconciling loan information against Automated Underwriting System (AUS) findings.
• Serving as a subject matter expert and resource for junior underwriters and team members, providing guidance, resolving escalations, and promoting underwriting consistency and best practices.
• Contributing to operational excellence through participation in process improvement initiatives, quality control efforts, and adherence to service level expectations.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• At least 5+ years of extensive experience underwriting increasingly complex mortgage transactions.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college courses/technical training related to Business, Finance/Accounting, Legal, or related field is preferred.
• Prior experience using internal data entry systems, loan origination systems, Microsoft Office, and PDF/Document Retention programs. Experience working within Encompass preferred.
• Expert knowledge of end-to-end mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, processing, and funding.
• Advanced expertise in evaluating borrower documentation (e.g., tax returns, financial statements, income and asset verification) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Deep understanding of underwriting standards and regulatory requirements, including federal, state, agency, and internal controls governing residential mortgage lending.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex data, draw sound conclusions, and evaluate downstream risk impacts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high sense of urgency and accountability.
• Solid numerical aptitude to support financial and credit analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and disciplined in maintaining accuracy and quality.

East West Bank is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Compensation: The base pay range for this position is USD $20.00/Hr. - USD $46.00/Hr. Exact offers will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.