Associate Consultant (2027 Graduates, Top Secret Clearance)

Appian; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Life and disability insurance

Employee referral bonus program

Tuition reimbursement

Equity awards eligibility

Job summary

Appian seeks an Associate Consultant at our McLean, VA headquarters. You will deploy process solutions, analyze client needs, apply design thinking, integrate systems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact projects.

You will pursue or hold a STEM degree, gain experience in professional or academic settings, and demonstrate strong communication. Travel up to 20% may be needed; Appian offers training, mentorship, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Economics, Systems Engineering, Mathematics or a related STEM field with a strong academic record.
• Prior experience in a professional, academic, or technical setting (internships, research, capstones, or consistent part-time/full-time employment).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a professional environment.
• An active Top Secret (or higher) clearance is required for this role, with the ability to work in a SCIF environment.
• Strong foundation in computer systems or a passion for emerging technologies.
• Ability to break down complex business problems and translate them into workflows.
• Willingness to travel 20% or less annually.

Responsibilities

• Deploy Process Solutions: Build and deploy custom, process-centric business applications using Appian’s platform.
• Analyze & Architect: Evaluate client strategies to design high-impact technical solutions.
• Apply Design Thinking: Create rapid prototypes and map end-to-end business models.
• Integrate Systems: Combine development disciplines including BI and knowledge management.
• Collaborate and Deliver: Work with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in STEM fields

Tools

Relational databases (Oracle/SQL)

Job description

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together. Appian Customer Success is obsessed with creating exceptional customer outcomes and driving high-velocity, mission-critical business impact. As the specialized elite consulting branch of Appian, we partner directly with our clients to transform their most ambitious ideas into reality. Joining this team guarantees access to the deep support, mentorship, and foundational growth required to rapidly elevate and evolve your career in corporate technology consulting.

As an Associate Consultant, you are the catalyst that brings our technology to life. You won't just learn about digital transformation - you will build it. From implementing an organization's very first business process to scaling complex operations across an entire enterprise, you will construct modern applications that reshape how corporations operate. This role places you on the fast track to becoming a subject matter expert in AI-Powered Process Automation and a trusted advisor to global business leaders.

This role is based at our headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Appian was built on a culture of in-person collaboration, which we believe is a key driver of our mission to be the best. Employees hired for this position are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to foster that culture and ensure we continue to thrive through shared ideas and teamwork. We believe being in the office provides more opportunities to come together and celebrate working with the exceptional people across Appian.

What You’ll Do

• Deploy Process Solutions: Construct, implement, and deploy custom, process-centric business applications using Appian's leading platform.
• Analyze & Architect: Evaluate client business strategies and operations to design high-impact technical solutions that solve complex workflow inefficiencies.
• Apply Design Thinking: Leverage modern design thinking to build rapid functional prototypes and map comprehensive end-to-end business models.
• Integrate Systems: Drive digital agility by combining vital process improvement disciplines, including application integration, business intelligence, and knowledge management.
• Collaborate and Deliver: Partner closely with cross-functional teams and client stakeholders, utilizing elite verbal and written communication skills to ensure seamless project delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Economics, Systems Engineering, Mathematics or a related STEM field with a strong academic record.
• Experience: Prior experience in a professional, academic, or technical setting (includes internships, research, capstones, or consistent part-time/full-time employment).
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a professional environment.
• Clearance Requirements: An active, government-sponsored Top Secret (or higher) clearance is required for this role, along with the ability to work in a SCIF environment.
• Technical Aptitude: A strong fundamental foundation of computer systems, structural logic, or a demonstrable passion for emerging technologies.
• Analytical Mindset: Proven ability to break down complex business problems, interpret organizational strategies, and translate them into process workflows.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills suitable for professional client-facing environments.
• Willingness to travel; 20% or less annually to support customer engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven fluency in AI and LLMs, encompassing both the strategic development of AI-powered platform capabilities and the hands-on application of AI tools to accelerate daily workflows.
• Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g. executive roles in student organizations, club leadership, or captaincy of team-based activities).
• Foundational experience with relational databases (such as Oracle, SQL, etc.).

At this time, Appian will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a government clearance differential. Actual compensation will be dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market and business conditions that exist when extending an offer. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance. In addition, Appian provides generous benefits offerings that include a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, an employee referral bonus program, and learning and development resources. Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or benefit plans.

Base Salary Range

$90,000 - $95,000 USD

Tools and Resources

Training and Development: During onboarding, we focus on equipping new hires with the skills and knowledge for success through department-specific training. Continuous learning is a central focus at Appian, with dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program being widely utilized resources for new hires.

Growth Opportunities

Appian provides a diverse array of growth and development opportunities, including our leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers, a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University, skills based training, and tuition reimbursement for those aiming to advance their education. This commitment ensures that employees have access to a holistic range of development opportunities.

Community

We’ll immerse you into our community rooted in respect starting on day one. Appian fosters inclusivity through our 8 employee-led affinity groups. These groups help employees build stronger internal and external networks by planning social, educational, and outreach activities to connect Appianites and larger initiatives throughout the company.

Benefits Appian offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and financial future.

Benefits may include health coverage, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support, life and disability insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to.

About Appian

Appian provides AI automation for mission-critical work. We automate complex processes in large enterprises and governments. Our platform is known for its unique reliability and scale. We’ve been automating processes for more than 25 years and understand enterprise operations like no one else.

For more information, visit appian.com. [Nasdaq: APPN] Follow Appian: LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook

Equal Opportunity Statement

Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail]. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

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