Mortgage Underwriter

Job Details No time off during training period. Title: Real Estate Lending - Specialist / Mortgage Underwriter Start Date: 8/17 & 9/13 Shift (Time): 8:00am - 4:30pm (In your respective time zone) Overtime: Overtime will be available when there is a business need The expectation is that this is an open-ended contract and not necessarily a contract-perm situation. Please note that hybrid requirement does not apply to candidates that are not within a 60-mile commutable distance to a training facility (Facilities are located in: Vienna, VA | Winchester, VA | Pensacola, FL and Coppell, TX). Applicants must have underwriting experience. Experience in Equity Underwriting would be beneficial as well, but this can be trained if they have underwriting experience. Position Summary The client is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Equity Underwriter to evaluate and underwrite home equity loan and line of credit applications while ensuring compliance with established lending policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards. The Equity Underwriter is responsible for making sound credit decisions, assessing borrower risk, reviewing financial documentation, and delivering exceptional service to members throughout the lending process. The ideal candidate possesses strong underwriting expertise, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to supporting the company's mission of serving members through responsible lending practices. Key Responsibilities Review, analyze, and underwrite home equity loan (HEL) and home equity line of credit (HELOC) applications in accordance with company's lending guidelines and regulatory requirements. Evaluate borrower creditworthiness through analysis of credit reports, income documentation, employment verification, assets, liabilities, and property information. Assess loan-to-value (LTV), combined loan-to-value (CLTV), debt-to-income (DTI), and other key risk metrics. Make independent lending decisions within delegated authority and recommend exceptions when appropriate. Ensure compliance with federal and state lending regulations, including Fair Lending, RESPA, TILA, ECOA, and HMDA requirements. Review appraisals, title reports, and supporting collateral documentation to determine property eligibility. Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and requirements clearly to loan processors, loan officers, and other stakeholders. Identify and mitigate potential credit, operational, and fraud risks. Maintain quality, productivity, and service-level standards while managing a high-volume pipeline. Participate in audits, quality assurance reviews, and compliance examinations as required. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes and enhance member experience. Stay informed of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in mortgage and home equity lending. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 1+ years of residential mortgage underwriting or home equity underwriting experience. Strong knowledge of consumer lending principles and credit risk assessment. Experience analyzing tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and self-employed borrower documentation. Working knowledge of AUS systems and mortgage underwriting guidelines. Understanding of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and portfolio lending concepts. Knowledge of federal and state lending regulations. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with loan origination systems and Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Qualifications 1+ years of home equity or mortgage underwriting experience. Experience underwriting HELOC and HEL products within a financial institution or credit union environment. DE, SAR, VA LAPP, or other relevant underwriting certifications. Familiarity with automated valuation models (AVMs) and collateral risk assessment. Experience working in a highly regulated financial services environment. Core Competencies Credit Analysis Risk Assessment Attention to Detail Regulatory Compliance Member Focus Collaboration Decision Quality Problem Solving Accountability Communication Excellence Success Measures Consistently make accurate and sound credit decisions. Maintain productivity and quality standards. Demonstrate strong risk management practices. Deliver an exceptional member experience. Support organizational goals through efficient and compliant underwriting activities. Work Environment Hybrid or Remote depending on location. This is a hybrid position in Vienna, VA. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vienna, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.02 - $39.93/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer Client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive and support the financial success of our members. Compliance and Additional Information SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. #J-18808-Ljbffr