Underwriter

Job Description

Job Description

About Highland Mortgage

Highland Mortgage is a trusted name in residential lending, dedicated to helping families achieve their homeownership goals. We pride ourselves on a culture of integrity, collaboration, and professional growth. As we continue to expand, we are looking for talented individuals who share our commitment to excellence in every transaction.

Position Overview

The Non-QM Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and rendering sound credit decisions on non-qualified mortgage loans across a range of alternative-documentation programs, including bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion/asset utilization, profit-and-loss, 1099, and full-documentation non-QM products. This position requires strong analytical judgment, a thorough command of investor guidelines, and the ability to assess layered risk on borrowers whose profiles fall outside agency standards.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented decision-maker who can independently analyze complex income and credit scenarios, structure workable file conditions, and communicate clear, well-supported decisions. They understand that non-QM lending rewards thoughtful analysis — the goal is not simply to identify what will not work, but to find a compliant path to yes wherever the file supports it.

Organizational Expectations

All employees are expected to adhere to organizational policies and procedures, maintain a positive and respectful attitude, communicate regularly with their supervisor, demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, consistently report to work on time, meet department productivity standards, and maintain confidentiality regarding Highland Mortgage, its business, and the affairs of its customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite non-QM loan files to a sound, well-documented credit decision, applying investor guidelines, program matrices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate borrowers across non-QM programs — bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion/asset utilization, P&L, 1099, ITIN, and full-doc non-QM— including jumbo and investor/business-purpose scenarios.
• Calculate qualifying income from all sources, with particular emphasis on self-employment, bank statement analysis, rental/DSCR cash flow, and asset-based qualification.
• Analyze credit, collateral, capacity, and layered risk factors, ensuring each decision is supportable and consistent with program parameters and investor overlays.
• Review appraisals and property documentation for accuracy and identify collateral or valuation concerns that affect the credit decision.
• Issue clear, accurate loan conditions and review submitted documentation to clear conditions promptly and move files to final approval.
• Identify exceptions where a file does not meet guidelines as presented, recommend alternative structures, programs, or compensating factors to move the deal forward.
• Communicate decisions and conditions clearly and professionally to loan officers, processors, and operations staff, both in writing and verbally.
• Ensure each file complies with company policy, investor requirements, and all applicable federal and state lending regulations, including TRID, ATR, and fair lending.
• Stay current on non-QM investor guidelines, product updates, and regulatory changes, and apply them accurately in day-to-day decisions.
• Meet or exceed department turn-time, quality, and productivity standards.
• Maintain customer confidence by providing quality service and keeping all file information strictly confidential.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• 3+ years of residential mortgage underwriting experience, including hands-on experience underwriting non-QM products.
• 5+ years of mortgage underwriting experience.
• Demonstrated expertise with non-QM programs such as bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion/asset utilization, P&L, and 1099 documentation.
• Strong income calculation skills across all income types, with particular strength in complex self-employment and cash-flow analysis.
• Solid command of investor and program guidelines, non-QMoverlays, and applicable lending regulations (TRID, ATR/QM, fair lending).
• Sound analytical judgment and the ability to independently render supportable credit decisions on files with layered risk.
• High proficiency with technology — comfortable navigating LOS platforms, investor portals, and industry tools with minimal ramp-up time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex decisions and conditions clearly and professionally.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a pipeline to department turn-time and quality standards.

Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred

• Experience underwriting jumbo non-QMand investor/business-purpose (DSCR) loans.
• Familiarity with agency and government products (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA); DE and/or VA LAPP certification a plus.
• Background working in a fast-paced, remote mortgage environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• A supportive, team-oriented work culture focused on career growth.

This job description describes the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or balance workload. This job description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” working relationship.

Highland Mortgage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.