Information Security Engineer (2027 Graduate)

Appian Corporation; North Dakota; On-site; USD 115,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Appian is seeking an information security Engineer to join our in-house team in McLean, VA. You will build, monitor, and scale security tooling to defend our AI-powered Process Automation ecosystem against modern threats.

You'll own intrusion detection capabilities, analyze security data from diverse sources, and drive detection improvements across Appian's cloud and on-prem environments. Strong collaboration and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, or Computer Engineering with strong academic record.
• Experience: Progressive internship, co-op, or academic project experience centered on Cybersecurity Engineering or threat analysis.
• Technical Experience: Hands-on programming or scripting experience in one or more languages, specifically Java, Python, or C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale internal security systems to enable Appian InfoSec to quickly adapt, monitor, and defend against modern attacker techniques.
• Analyze and investigate complex security-related data pulled from a wide range of security products, logging devices, and endpoint monitors.
• Design and implement enhanced detection technologies across various Appian systems to proactively surface potential anomalies and vulnerabilities.
• Conduct comprehensive risk analysis on infrastructure assets and provide actionable recommendations for remediation or mitigation.
• Execute dedicated security engineering projects that directly improve Appian’s overarching intrusion detection, scanning, testing, and response capabilities.

Skills

Java

Python

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, or Computer Engineering

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.

The Appian Information Security department continuously evaluates the global threat landscape to protect Appian operations and service offerings. Our mission is to build, monitor, and scale robust security tools and processes that shield critical corporate and customer assets from emerging threats, international security concerns, and vulnerabilities. This role offers an unparalleled launchpad to transition academic knowledge into real-world impact, giving you direct ownership over intrusion detection capabilities and cloud-based defense strategies for our AI-Powered Process Automation ecosystem.

This role is based at our headquartered 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

• Build and scale internal security systems to enable Appian InfoSec to quickly adapt, monitor, and defend against modern attacker techniques.
• Analyze and investigate complex security-related data pulled from a wide range of security products, logging devices, and endpoint monitors.
• Design and implement enhanced detection technologies across various Appian systems to proactively surface potential anomalies and vulnerabilities.
• Conduct comprehensive risk analysis on infrastructure assets and provide actionable recommendations for remediation or mitigation.
• Execute dedicated security engineering projects that directly improve Appian’s overarching intrusion detection, scanning, testing, and response capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or Master's in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, or Computer Engineering with strong academic record.
• Experience: Progressive internship, co-op, or academic project experience centered on Cybersecurity Engineering or threat analysis.
• Technical Experience: Hands-on programming or scripting experience in one or more languages, specifically Java, Python, or C/C++.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a professional environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Core Fundamentals: A strong, foundational understanding of network fundamentals and internet protocols, including TCP/IP networking, DNS, and DHCP.
• Familiarity with administration and security best practices for both Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Fundamental knowledge of cloud-based infrastructures (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) and modern network security architectures.
• 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).

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

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Please note that we will officially begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews starting August 2026. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you then.

At Appian, we embrace AI as part of how we work and innovate. While candidates are encouraged to use AI for preparation and learning, we restrict AI usage for live interviews and assessments unless otherwise specified. In some cases, AI use may be part of the assessment, and expectations will be communicated in advance.

The base salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. 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

$115,000 — $118,000 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 with 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]

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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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