Senior Underwriter & Portfolio Manager- Aerospace/Aviation Lending (remote)

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office based in NY, NJ, CA, AZ, MA, IL FL, GA, TX, NC. 

First Citizens Aerospace, Defense & Government—part of the Commercial Finance group—delivers asset-backed lending solutions for commercial aircraft, engines, and parts, along with cash flow financing for manufacturers, service providers, and private equity sponsors across the sector. With over 20 years of specialized expertise, the team is recognized for its deep industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and disciplined execution.  We are seeking a highly skilled professional to join our team and support continued growth in this dynamic and specialized market.

Position Overview

The Vice President, Underwriting Portfolio Manager is responsible for both underwriting and portfolio management of ADG financing transactions. This role includes evaluating, monitoring, and optimizing portfolio performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and market conditions. The VP will lead analysis, reporting, and asset management activities to maximize value and minimize risk, while communicating portfolio insights to key stakeholders through reports, dashboards, and presentations.

Underwriting

• Lead the underwriting of credit transactions in accordance with established policies and regulatory standards
• Partner directly with clients to gather and assess financial and operational information
• Analyze financial statements and performance to determine creditworthiness and repayment capacity
• Recommend credit structures, risk ratings, covenants, and loan terms
• Communicate underwriting progress and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders
• Provide leadership and expertise in credit analysis and underwriting execution

Portfolio Management

• Drive portfolio performance through strategic transaction recommendations and execution
• Ensure appropriate liquidity is maintained to support balance sheet growth
• Monitor portfolio risk and confirm that transactions align with acceptable risk levels
• Support stress testing, model validation, and ongoing assumption updates
• Develop and present reports for management and regulatory stakeholders on portfolio composition, returns, and risk

Financial Analysis

• Conduct detailed financial and market analysis to support loan structuring and approvals
• Compile and interpret borrower data, industry trends, and collateral valuations
• Assess key risks and mitigants to develop a comprehensive view of borrower performance
• Apply analytical insights to support underwriting of complex financing structures

Risk Management

• Identify and evaluate risks across new and existing credits
• Collaborate with internal partners to resolve risk-related issues
• Manage credit review and renewal cycles, ensuring timely and thorough evaluations
• Support development and execution of portfolio risk management strategies

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience in credit analysis, underwriting, or risk management
  OR
• High school diploma/GED with 10+ years of relevant experience

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field
• 8 years of experience in commercial banking, asset-based lending, corporate lending, or investment banking
• 4 years of experience in aviation or aerospace lending
• Experience structuring bilateral, syndicated, and asset-backed (collateralized) financing transactions
• Formal credit training program completion

If hired in New York or San Francisco, California, the base pay for this position is generally between $145,000.00 and $185,000.00. If hired in Illinoin or Texas, the base pay for this position is generally between $138,000.00 and $163,000.00 . If hired in New Jersey, Los Angeles, Santa Monica or Massachusetts the base pay for this position is generally between $151,000.00 and $178,000.00. If hired in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina or Arizona, the base pay for this position is generally between $132,000.00 and $155,000.00. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

#LI-NK1

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.