UW Team Lead – Scenario Desk

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’re looking for talented individuals who share our commitment to excellence in every transaction.

The UW Team Lead – Scenario Desk position serves as a frontline expert resource for loan officers and operations staff, providing guideline interpretation, scenario analysis, and creative loan structuring across a broad range of products. This position requires deep underwriting knowledge, exceptional communication skills, and a genuine passion for problem-solving. The ideal candidate does not just identify what will not work — they find what will.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact on the Scenario Desk, fielding inquiries from loan officers and operations staff regarding loan eligibility, structuring, and guideline interpretation.
• Evaluate complex loan scenarios across conventional, government (DE/VA/USDA), and non-QM products, providing clear, well-reasoned guidance and actionable solutions.
• Navigate investor guidelines, agency overlays, and regulatory requirements quickly and accurately.
• Calculate income from all sources — including self-employment, rental, commissions, retirement, and non-traditional income streams — with precision and confidence.
• Identify when a scenario will not work as presented and proactively recommend alternative structures, products, or approaches to move the deal forward.
• Communicate decisions and guidance clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally, to audiences ranging from sales originators to senior operations leadership.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships across the sales and operations teams, serving as a trusted resource and advocate for finding solutions.
• Stay current on investor guidelines, product updates, and regulatory changes; proactively share relevant updates with the team.
• Assist in the development of internal resources, checklists, and training materials related to scenario analysis and guideline navigation.
• Mentor junior underwriters and contribute to a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement.
• Maintain customer confidence by providing quality service and keeping all file information strictly confidential.

Qualifications and ExperienceRequired

• 5+ years of residential mortgage underwriting experience, with demonstrated expertise across multiple loan types.
• Active DE (Direct Endorsement) certification required.
• Active VA LAPP certification required.
• Hands-on experience underwriting USDA loans.
• Proven experience underwriting non-QM products (bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion, etc.).
• Expert-level income calculation skills across all income types, including complex self-employment analysis.
• Strong command of investor guidelines, agency guidelines (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA), and applicable regulations.
• High proficiency with technology — comfortable navigating LOS platforms, investor portals, AUS engines, and industry tools with minimal ramp-up time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with sales and operations stakeholders.
• Problem-solver mindset: the ability to both answer questions and identify workable paths forward when a scenario cannot be approved as presented.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a scenario desk, underwriting help desk, or underwriting leadership role.
• Experience training or mentoring underwriting staff.
• 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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to hiring@highlandmtg.com with the subject line “UW Team Lead – Scenario Desk Application.”