Software Developer II (hybrid in AZ, MI, or PR)

At Agate Software, we are building a better world by revolutionizing how government agencies and nonprofits manage their grant processes. Our solutions empower our customers to maximize their resources, drive compliance, and focus on their core missions of distributing millions of dollars in funding for critical social services.

Our success is built on three pillars: Innovation, Integrity, and Impact. For over 20 years, Agate Software has been at the forefront of transformative innovation in the grant management industry. Our journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a commitment to pushing boundaries. By simplifying complex workflows, enhancing transparency, and turbo-charging efficiency, we enable our customers to maximize the impact of their funding.

Always challenging the status quo, we strive to set new industry standards and we are seeking the brightest minds to join us in this mission. If you're ready to apply your expertise in a dynamic, growth-oriented, mission-driven environment, read on to see how this position aligns with your skills and interests!

What We're Looking For

Agate is hiring a Software Developer II to help build and improve a mission-critical product in a fast-moving, evolving environment. This is a hands-on, mid-level role for a builder who thrives when things are imperfect: requirements evolve, priorities shift, and the team needs someone who can take ownership, make sound technical decisions, and drive work to completion.

You’ll work across the stack - SQL is a must-have - and you’ll also contribute to our application layers (backend services/middle tier and front-end). You don’t need to have spent your whole career in .NET, but you do need meaningful experience building and maintaining real web applications using a backend language and database-driven systems.

This role is ideal for a solutions-oriented developer who enjoys solving hard problems with limited oversight, values pragmatic engineering and continuous improvement, and is comfortable operating in an Agile delivery model.

What You'll Do

• Deliver end-to-end features across the database, backend/middle tier, and front-end layers (SQL + .NET + HTML/CSS/JS).
• Own medium-to-high complexity work from refinement through implementation, testing support, and release.
• Write and maintain SQL stored procedures, functions, and scripts , including indexing basics, query tuning, and performance-minded design.
• Contribute to backend logic in VB.NET or C#.NET (or bring strong transferable backend experience and ramp quickly).
• Build and enhance front-end components using HTML, CSS/Bootstrap, and JavaScript .
• Collaborate with QA to improve test coverage and ensure the completeness of authored work.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies (refinement, estimation, planning) and help the team deliver predictably.
• Perform code reviews , reinforce patterns/standards, and raise overall code quality
• Support requirement clarity by partnering with Product/BA peers on technical approaches and acceptance criteria .
• Mentor Software Developer I teammates through pairing, reviews, and practical guidance.

What You'll Bring

• Professional experience building production software where you’ve shipped and supported real features (not just prototypes).
• Strong SQL capability : stored procedures, basic indexing, query optimization, and validation/testing.
• Experience contributing to a web application at one or more layers beyond the database, including meaningful backend development (language/framework may vary).
• Working proficiency in VB.NET or C#.NET (or a close equivalent with the ability to ramp quickly).
• Front-end fundamentals: HTML, CSS (Bootstrap), JavaScript .
• Practical experience working in Agile (Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe).
• Able to work with limited direction , turn ambiguity into action, and communicate tradeoffs clearly.
• Strong problem-solving skills—debugging, root cause analysis, and performance troubleshooting mindset.
• Solid grasp of intermediate engineering concepts such as modular design, state management, asynchronous patterns , and managing dependencies.
• Can analyze requirements and propose sound technical approaches before writing code.
• Comfortable contributing in an environment where priorities can shift quickly and outcomes matter more than ceremony.

What Success Looks Like (within your first year)

• Delivered multiple meaningful features end-to-end (database → backend → UI) with minimal rework and strong quality.
• Demonstrated SQL performance competence - you can identify inefficient queries, tune stored procedures, and apply indexing basics appropriately.
• Become a trusted contributor in the backend codebase, able to implement complex business logic and troubleshoot defects across layers.
• Improved team throughput through strong Agile participation (refinement, estimation, planning) and proactive risk/blocker identification.
• Positively influenced code quality through thoughtful reviews , adherence to patterns/standards, and pragmatic engineering decisions.
• Supported growth of junior teammates through mentoring and guidance .

What Makes This Role Exciting

• High ownership, real impact: You’ll work on core systems where your improvements show up quickly in performance, reliability, and customer experience.
• Builder-friendly environment: If you’re the kind of developer who likes rolling up your sleeves, untangling complexity, and shipping practical solutions, you’ll have plenty of room to do that here.
• Broader scope than a typical mid-level role: You’ll touch SQL and application layers - not just one narrow slice - building strong “how the whole thing works” instincts.
• Opportunity to level up fast: You’ll be surrounded by real-world problems (performance, maintainability, evolving requirements) that accelerate learning and technical maturity.
• Autonomy with clear expectations: We’re hiring for someone who can contribute in more than one area of the system and take ownership of meaningful work, who want a strong step-up in ownership and responsibility, without being expected to operate as a fully senior “architect/lead everything” profile.

At Agate Software you'll be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference through cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to our impactful work. If you're ready to make a significant contribution to communities in need and grow your career in an inspiring and challenging environment, apply today!

Diversity Commitment:

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where an expansive range of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are the foundation for innovation. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the brightest minds from all walks of life, and we encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, and all those who can provide different perspectives that contribute to the diversification of our team. Individuals who embrace innovation and intellectual curiosity are invited to bring their unique personal and professional experiences to the table to enrich our creativity, thought leadership, and discovery.

To all recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.