Sr. Mortgage Loan Underwriter - Construction (WA, ID & OR Only)

Is it surprising to hear that a financial institution of 1.5 million members and over $30 billion in managed assets say that success comes from focusing on people, not profits?

Our "people helping people" philosophy has guided us since 1935, driving our deep commitment to serving our members, communities, and each other. When you join our team, you become part of a purpose-driven organization where your work makes a real difference.

While we're proud of our history, we're even more excited about our future. With business and technology transformation on the horizon, there's never been a better time to be part of BECU.

PAY RANGE

BENEFITS - because people helping peoplestarts with supporting you

• 401(k) Company Match (up to 3%)

• 4% annual contribution to your 401(k) by BECU

• Medical, Dental and Vision (family contributions as well)

• PTO Program + Exchange Program

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• BECU Cares volunteer time off + donation match

IMPACT YOU'LL MAKE:

As a Sr. Mortgage Loan Underwriter at BECU, you'll play a meaningful role in helping members achieve homeownership while protecting the integrity and quality of our lending portfolio. Your expertise in underwriting, problem-solving, and relationship-building will directly support members through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.

In this role, you'll use your knowledge of construction lending programs, along with conventional, FHA/VA, and other specialized mortgage programs to make thoughtful, consistent lending decisions that align with investor and agency guidelines while keeping the member experience at the center of every interaction. You'll collaborate across teams, offer creative lending solutions, mentor others, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that shape the future of mortgage lending at BECU.

Your work will help create confidence, trust, and financial well-being for our members while empowering you to grow your expertise and influence within a collaborative, people-first environment.

To join our dynamic team in this role, we require candidates to be residents of WA, ID or OR. If you're located in Washington state and within a reasonable driving distance to our Tukwila Headquarters (TFC), we encourage you come into the office on Tuesdays & Wednesdays each week.For those candidates that live outside the commutable distance to TFC and in any of our approved remote work locations, this role will be primarily remote. Remote or onsite, we are committed to ensuring you are fully engaged and included in our collaborative environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Deliver Sound Underwriting Decisions: Perform prudent underwriting on conventional, FHA/VA, and special loan programs offered by the Credit Union while balancing risk management with exceptional member service.
• Analyze Complex Loan Scenarios: Complete detailed reviews of loan files to ensure compliance with investor, FHA/VA, and BECU guidelines while identifying opportunities to structure solutions that support members' goals.
• Create Member-Focused Solutions: Develop counteroffers and alternative lending options that help members qualify while maintaining underwriting quality and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate Overall Loan Quality: Review the complete credit package and collateral documentation to ensure residential mortgage loans meet investment-quality standards.
• Validate Financial Accuracy: Confirm the accuracy of income calculations, loan-to-value ratios, and other critical financial components to support sound lending decisions.
• Escalate High-Authority Loan Requests: Recommend loan disposition decisions to the Underwriting Manager, Mortgage Credit Administration when loan amounts exceed authorized lending authority.
• Communicate Decisions Clearly: Provide clear and timely written underwriting decisions to submitting processors to support efficient loan processing and a positive member experience.
• Maintain Accurate Documentation: Keep detailed underwriting activity logs and documentation to support operational consistency and compliance.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner closely with Mortgage Loan Origination staff, Processors, LQI, Hotline Team members, and colleagues to resolve challenges and support successful loan outcomes.
• Serve as a Guideline Resource: Provide guidance and interpretation of underwriting standards, policies, and loan scenarios to internal teams across the mortgage process.
• Support Exceptional Member Service: Assist Loan Processors and Loan Officers with customer service inquiries, helping identify ways to restructure transactions that align with both member and Credit Union needs.
• Mentor and Develop Others: Assist in training underwriters, processors, and loan representatives by sharing expertise, best practices, and operational knowledge.
• Manage Loan Conditions: Clear property and credit conditions placed on loans to ensure complete and accurate loan approvals.
• Stay Current on Industry Guidelines: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of mortgage lending guidelines, investor requirements, BECU policies, federal housing programs, veterans administration standards, and private mortgage insurer requirements.
• Build Enterprise Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of Credit Union departments and how they support and interact with Mortgage Loan Origination operations.
• Maintain Product Expertise: Build and maintain thorough knowledge of all mortgage loan products, required forms, and supporting documentation offered by the Credit Union.
• Ensure Regulatory Awareness: Stay informed on all applicable federal and state lending regulations, particularly those related to first-mortgage real property lending.
• Contribute to Innovation: Participate in the development and enhancement of mortgage products, services, and operational improvements.
• Support Operational Excellence: Help ensure written procedures are documented, maintained, and updated to provide staff with clear operational guidance and consistency.
• Provide Additional Team Support: Perform additional duties, as assigned, to support team success and organizational priorities.

This isn't just about ticking off tasks on a list. It's about making a significant, positive change in BECU's journey, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is continually fostered.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:

• Opportunity to influence meaningful homeownership experiences for members
• Exposure to complex and high-impact mortgage lending scenarios
• A collaborative, team-oriented environment where your expertise is valued
• The ability to shape lending decisions at the Senior Officer authority level
• Career growth opportunities through leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration
• Ongoing learning in mortgage guidelines, regulatory changes, and evolving lending practices
• The chance to contribute to innovative mortgage products and process improvements
• A people-first culture focused on professional growth, teamwork, and service excellence
• Opportunities to strengthen leadership, negotiation, analytical, and strategic decision-making skills
• A mission-driven workplace where your work directly supports member financial well-being

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in business or equivalent education or work experience.
• Minimum of five years of underwriting experience.
• Experience underwriting residential construction loans, including analysis of builder qualifications, construction contracts, project timelines, cost breakdowns, and draw management processes.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Washington State lending market.
• FHA DE and/or VA SAR designations highly.
• Proficient mathematical skills, with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to perform complex income analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze complex tax returns, including corporate, partnerships, and sub-s corporations.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a team environment.
• Effective leadership & negotiation skills.
• Proficient verbal and written skills to effectively communicate.
• Ability to perform in a multi-tasked environment, with ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work in high production, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to adapt to change within working responsibilities, be it internal, market, or regulatory driven.

JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to be a part of a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas and contributions don't just fill a role, but fuel the growth and success of BECU? This is more than a job - it's a chance to elevate your career, skills, and future, all while contributing to the robust technological landscape of BECU.

Embrace the opportunity to grow with us. Apply now, bring your expertise to the table, and let's achieve excellence together at BECU. Your journey of influence, innovation, and impactful contribution starts now. #BECU #YourGrowth #BECUJourney

pounds.

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.