Job Description
About Boxcar Mortgage Boxcar 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 UW Team Lead – Scenario Desk 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. 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 Boxcar Mortgage, its business, and the affairs of its customers. Primary Duties and 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 Experience Required 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. Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. 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 mortg