Mortgage Underwriter
Full-TimeJob Overview
Redwood Credit Union is looking for a Mortgage Underwriter who will be responsible for making a decision after reviewing and analyzing residential mortgage loan applications in compliance with secondary market investors, including FNMA and portfolio guidelines and/or lending guidelines and policies. This role ensures sound credit decisions while balancing risk management with excellent customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Loan File Management:
o Complete a thorough review and analysis of mortgage loan files, including but not limited to credit, income, asset, appraisal, and title reports.
o Determine borrower creditworthiness and ability to repay in accordance with agency, regulatory and underwriting guidelines (e.g., FNMA).
o Issue underwriting decisions including approvals, conditional approvals, suspensions, and denials with clear, well-written conditions.
o Ensure compliance with federal, state, and investor regulations (TRID, ECOA, Fair Lending, ATR/QM, etc.).
o Communicate underwriting decisions and conditions effectively to loan officers, processors, and management.
o Review and clear underwriting conditions prior to final approval and funding.
o Identify potential fraud, red flags, and layered risk factors and escalate as appropriate.
o Maintain quality, accuracy, and thorough documentation in the loan file.
o Meet production, quality, and turnaround time standards.
o Participate in quality control, audits, and workflow improvement initiatives as needed.
o Recognize and evaluate the loan process and recommend changes that will help maintain maximum efficiency.
o Review all denied loans and recommend alternative solutions when appropriate.
o Identify ways to increase engagement of the borrower and make recommendations for cross-sell opportunities.
o Ensure confidentiality and safeguard sensitive Member financial information.
o Determine borrower creditworthiness and ability to repay in accordance with agency, regulatory and underwriting guidelines (e.g., FNMA).
o Issue underwriting decisions including approvals, conditional approvals, suspensions, and denials with clear, well-written conditions.
o Ensure compliance with federal, state, and investor regulations (TRID, ECOA, Fair Lending, ATR/QM, etc.).
o Communicate underwriting decisions and conditions effectively to loan officers, processors, and management.
o Review and clear underwriting conditions prior to final approval and funding.
o Identify potential fraud, red flags, and layered risk factors and escalate as appropriate.
o Maintain quality, accuracy, and thorough documentation in the loan file.
o Meet production, quality, and turnaround time standards.
o Participate in quality control, audits, and workflow improvement initiatives as needed.
o Recognize and evaluate the loan process and recommend changes that will help maintain maximum efficiency.
o Review all denied loans and recommend alternative solutions when appropriate.
o Identify ways to increase engagement of the borrower and make recommendations for cross-sell opportunities.
o Ensure confidentiality and safeguard sensitive Member financial information.
o Perform special projects and duties as assigned.
Join us and discover why you'll love working at Redwood Credit Union!
ABOUT REDWOOD CREDIT UNION (RCU):
At Redwood Credit Union, our mission is to passionately serve the best interests of our Members and communities. Since 1950, we have been dedicated to supporting the financial well-being of our Members through better rates, low or no fees, and best-in-class customer service. Our purpose is to inspire hope and elevate the financial well-being of our communities one person at a time, through good times and bad.
As a not-for-profit financial institution, we are committed to a people-first approach, which is reflected not only in how we serve our Members, but also in how we treat our employees. Our leadership team is deeply focused on fostering a culture of heart and empathy, integrity, passion, inclusion, meaningful relationships, excellence, and ensuring financial well-being for all.
Why work for Redwood Credit Union?
• 27th largest credit union in the U.S. and the largest financial institution based in the North Bay
• Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best Credit Unions 2026"
• Awarded a 5-Star Bauer Rating
• Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2025"
• Top Corporate Philanthropists (#24) - San Francisco Business Times
• Voted Best Places to Work in the North Bay 20 years in a row
• World-class Employee Engagement scores
• Rated Superior in Service by more than 90% of Members, surveyed by SF Gate
• Industry leading Net Promoter Scores across the U.S.
Redwood Credit Union is looking for a Mortgage Underwriter who will be responsible for making a decision after reviewing and analyzing residential mortgage loan applications in compliance with secondary market investors, including FNMA and portfolio guidelines and/or lending guidelines and policies. This role ensures sound credit decisions while balancing risk management with excellent customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Loan File Management:
o Complete a thorough review and analysis of mortgage loan files, including but not limited to credit, income, asset, appraisal, and title reports.
o Determine borrower creditworthiness and ability to repay in accordance with agency, regulatory and underwriting guidelines (e.g., FNMA).
o Issue underwriting decisions including approvals, conditional approvals, suspensions, and denials with clear, well-written conditions.
o Ensure compliance with federal, state, and investor regulations (TRID, ECOA, Fair Lending, ATR/QM, etc.).
o Communicate underwriting decisions and conditions effectively to loan officers, processors, and management.
o Review and clear underwriting conditions prior to final approval and funding.
o Identify potential fraud, red flags, and layered risk factors and escalate as appropriate.
o Maintain quality, accuracy, and thorough documentation in the loan file.
o Meet production, quality, and turnaround time standards.
o Participate in quality control, audits, and workflow improvement initiatives as needed.
o Recognize and evaluate the loan process and recommend changes that will help maintain maximum efficiency.
o Review all denied loans and recommend alternative solutions when appropriate.
o Identify ways to increase engagement of the borrower and make recommendations for cross-sell opportunities.
o Ensure confidentiality and safeguard sensitive Member financial information.
o Determine borrower creditworthiness and ability to repay in accordance with agency, regulatory and underwriting guidelines (e.g., FNMA).
o Issue underwriting decisions including approvals, conditional approvals, suspensions, and denials with clear, well-written conditions.
o Ensure compliance with federal, state, and investor regulations (TRID, ECOA, Fair Lending, ATR/QM, etc.).
o Communicate underwriting decisions and conditions effectively to loan officers, processors, and management.
o Review and clear underwriting conditions prior to final approval and funding.
o Identify potential fraud, red flags, and layered risk factors and escalate as appropriate.
o Maintain quality, accuracy, and thorough documentation in the loan file.
o Meet production, quality, and turnaround time standards.
o Participate in quality control, audits, and workflow improvement initiatives as needed.
o Recognize and evaluate the loan process and recommend changes that will help maintain maximum efficiency.
o Review all denied loans and recommend alternative solutions when appropriate.
o Identify ways to increase engagement of the borrower and make recommendations for cross-sell opportunities.
o Ensure confidentiality and safeguard sensitive Member financial information.
o Perform special projects and duties as assigned.
Join us and discover why you'll love working at Redwood Credit Union!
ABOUT REDWOOD CREDIT UNION (RCU):
At Redwood Credit Union, our mission is to passionately serve the best interests of our Members and communities. Since 1950, we have been dedicated to supporting the financial well-being of our Members through better rates, low or no fees, and best-in-class customer service. Our purpose is to inspire hope and elevate the financial well-being of our communities one person at a time, through good times and bad.
As a not-for-profit financial institution, we are committed to a people-first approach, which is reflected not only in how we serve our Members, but also in how we treat our employees. Our leadership team is deeply focused on fostering a culture of heart and empathy, integrity, passion, inclusion, meaningful relationships, excellence, and ensuring financial well-being for all.
Why work for Redwood Credit Union?
• 27th largest credit union in the U.S. and the largest financial institution based in the North Bay
• Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best Credit Unions 2026"
• Awarded a 5-Star Bauer Rating
• Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2025"
• Top Corporate Philanthropists (#24) - San Francisco Business Times
• Voted Best Places to Work in the North Bay 20 years in a row
• World-class Employee Engagement scores
• Rated Superior in Service by more than 90% of Members, surveyed by SF Gate
• Industry leading Net Promoter Scores across the U.S.
Minimum Qualification: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Possess math and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to build knowledge and understanding of all mortgage loan products offered by RCU.
- Strong working knowledge of real estate principles, practices, rules, regulations, and sale practices.
- Strong working knowledge of mortgage lending guidelines and credit analysis.
- Experience underwriting conventional and portfolio loans.
- Proficiency with LOS systems (e.g., Empower) and underwriting tools (DU).
- Solid understanding of income calculations (W-2, self-employed, rental, Restricted Stocks, Asset depletion, retirement, etc.).
- Strong analytical and risk assessment skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to interpret complex financial documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Time management with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Possess sound judgment and decision-making capabilities.
- Must have a collaborative mindset with loan operations teams.
The ideal candidate has a combination of education and experience equivalent to high school diploma and four
years experience in mortgage loan origination or two years as a designated underwriter.
Compensation: Base starting range: $39.00 to $52.00 per hour commensurate with experience.
Our base salary starting range is based on scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity. We offer a competitive total rewards package including a wide range of medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits.
Redwood Credit Union offers a robust benefits package to our eligible employees including:
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings
• Employee performance incentive plan
• Salary Advancement– Merit increase based on performance
• 401(k) program with employer match
• Time Off- Competitive PTO accrual plus 11 paid company holidays and your birthday off!
RCU Discounts and Perks:
• RCU employees are eligible for a .75% discount off RCU standard collateral auto loans
• RCU employees are eligible for a 1% discount on all recreational or boat loan products
• 2% discount off Visas and LOC Loans through RCU
• 0% interest loan to support employees with various immigration related expenses such as visa application fees and relocation costs. Loan amount up to $1,000.
• 0% interest loan to support employees with expenses associated with the naturalization process. Loan amount up to $15,000.
• 0% interest on garment, fitness, or home office equipment loan of up to $500
• 100% financing for employee purchased homes!
Physical Requirements:
• May require extended periods of concentration and document review.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist, and turn.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator.
• Work environment is indoors; majority of the time is spent sitting at a desk.
*Redwood Credit Union is not offering Visa transfers and/or sponsorships for this position.
Internal Team Members: If you are a current Team Member, please apply through the internal careers page located in RCUNET.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer