Software Engineer II

At Just Appraised, we're building modern, AI-powered software for local government agencies — specifically around property tax and assessment workflows. These processes are still largely manual, fragmented, and operationally complex, and we're replacing the legacy systems with software that helps governments run more efficiently and make better decisions. Hundreds of agencies across the U.S. run on us.This work directly impacts how local governments operate every day.About the RoleWe're hiring a Software Engineer II to help build and scale the systems behind our platform. You'll work on a small, high-performing team with significant ownership over the features you ship, the production systems you support, and the technical decisions that shape them. We value engineers who move quickly, think pragmatically, and care deeply about building reliable systems that solve real customer problems.If you enjoy building real systems, solving messy data problems, and shipping software that directly impacts how society runs, we'd love to talk.We don't have QA teams, dedicated designers, or product managers. We believe the best software is built by engineers who are empowered to own the entire journey. Here, you won't just execute against a spec — you'll scope the problem, design the solution, build the interface, and support the production systems that customers rely on every day.If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy ownership, and like moving fast while maintaining high standards, you'll fit right in. If you prefer a highly structured roadmap and multiple layers of handoff before shipping, this likely isn't the right environment for you.Examples of problems our engineers tackleReplacing spreadsheet workflows used across thousands of jurisdictionsExtracting structured data from unstructured government documentsDesigning scalable APIs and backend systems that power critical government workflowsBuilding product experiences that simplify complex regulatory processesImproving the performance, reliability, and scalability of systems used daily by government teamsTech StackBackend: TypeScript, Java, PostgreSQL, Node.js Frontend: React, TypeScript Infrastructure: AWS, Docker, Terraform Developer Tools: GitHub, Linear, Claude Code, Cursor, CI/CD, automated testingWe understand engineers may not be experts in every technology on day one. We hire for learning velocity, curiosity, and strong engineering fundamentals.Your RoleOwn systems end-to-end: Build and extend scalable backend systems powering core product workflows using TypeScript, Java, PostgreSQL, AWS, Docker, and Terraform.Build product-facing features: Develop intuitive front-end experiences using React and TypeScript that simplify complex government workflows.Contribute to architecture and technical direction: Help shape decisions across services, infrastructure, and data models as we scale, and grow your scope of ownership over time.Ship product end-to-end: Work directly with teammates and customers to design and deliver impactful features.Improve performance and reliability: Identify bottlenecks, reduce technical debt, and continuously improve system scalability and maintainability.Raise the engineering bar: Write clean, well-tested code and contribute to a strong engineering culture built around ownership and accountability.What We're Looking For3+ years of experience building production softwareBackend engineering experience with languages such as TypeScript, Java, or RubyExperience working with relational databases such as PostgreSQLComfort working across the stack, with experience in at least one modern frontend framework, preferably ReactSolid foundations in API design, data modeling, object-oriented programming, and infrastructure designExperience with cloud infrastructure such as AWSComfort with Docker, CI/CD pipelines, version control systems, and automated testing frameworksExperience shipping customer-facing software in ambiguous, high-ownership environmentsMost importantly, we look for engineers who:Take ownership of problems and drive them to completionAre self-motivated, resourceful, and eager to make an impactThrive in fast-paced environments with high autonomy and accountabilityEnjoy building real systems used by customers every dayCare deeply about writing clean, maintainable codeMove quickly while protecting reliability where it mattersUse AI tools thoughtfully and never blindlyCommunicate directly and make pragmatic tradeoffsBelieve small teams of great engineers can build outsized impact, because we doBenefitsCompetitive compensation and stock equity planComprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insuranceCompany-sponsored pre-tax retirement savings program (401k)A flexible work environment that supports working from homeFlexible PTOParental leaveHome office stipendOriginally posted on Himalayas