Lead Software Engineer (Kubernetes)

Appian; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & Development

Leadership programs

Hackathons

Affinity groups

Job summary

Appian is seeking a Lead Software Engineer in its Foundational Infrastructure Group to re-architect the platform on public clouds, enabling frequent, high-impact changes. You will ensure scalable, reliable infra for a global, agile team and drive microservices and containerization adoption.

Based at the HQ in McLean, VA, you will work with cutting-edge tools such as Kubernetes, Docker, GitLab, and Prometheus.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years experience designing, building and architecting software in an enterprise software or SaaS/Paas environment.
• Fluency in at least one programming language, such as Python, Golang, or Java
• At least 5 years of experience working in Kubernetes ecosystem
• Bachelors in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Re-architect the platform on public clouds to enable frequent, predictable, high impact changes.
• Ensure infrastructure is available, responsive, and scalable for a dynamic development team.
• Collaborate in an agile, global team to adopt modern services architecture and microservices.
• Review architectures and designs to improve performance, security, and reliability.

Skills

AWS cloud

Kubernetes

Team coaching

Architecture review

CI/CD

Security awareness

Communication skills

DevOps

Education

Bachelors in CS or Engineering

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

GitLab

Prometheus

Terraform

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.

As a Lead Software Engineer in our Foundational Infrastructure Group, you will be helping re-architect the platform on public clouds to allow for frequent, predictable and high impact changes. You will ensure that our world-class infrastructure is always available, responsive, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of a dynamic and high-powered development team. You will work as part of an agile and global team to transform our architecture to a modern services architecture that makes it easy for feature teams to leverage microservices and containerization technologies.

This role is based at our HQ in McLean, VA. 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.

To be successful in this role, you need:

• Expertise in working with AWS or other cloud infrastructures like Azure or Google Cloud, and using Infrastructure-as-Code tools
• Expertise working in Kubernetes ecosystem (e.g. Cilium, Istio, Knative, Keda)
• Experience coaching junior engineers and driving projects to impact
• Fluency in reviewing architecture / designs from team members, identify problems, and make suggestions for better practices
• Familiarity with conducting code reviews looking out for the elegant approach, performance, maintainability, and security
• Familiarity with DevOps, Release Engineering and trends including CI/CD
• Familiarity with infrastructure as code (e.g. Terraform)
• Familiarity with networking and information security in the cloud (e.g. VPN, compliance, etc.)
• Focus on keeping automated infrastructure up-to-date as dependent technologies evolve and scale
• Interest in automating every aspect of our development lifecycle and help us in our mission to achieve continuous delivery
• Excellent spoken and written communication with both technical and non-technical people
• Ability to identify dependencies between multiple teams.
• Ability to communicate blockers and elevate as needed
• Familiarity with leading response for severe issues, minimizing pain for the customer, weighing trade-offs in the moment; communicating clearly and concisely to the customer about the problem and solution

Some of the tools and resources we will equip you with include:

• Leveraging cutting edge technologies like Kubernetes, Docker, Gitlab, Prometheus, etc. to design and build new infrastructure features
• Valuing innovation and investment in our people by providing opportunities for growth and leadership. Whether it’s through Engineering IndieTime (dedicated time to build whatever you want with whomever you want), or annual hackathons, we value activities that inspire others and get creative juices flowing
• A large engineering team where you are made to feel autonomous by our engineering business group model. Working within an agile team allows our engineers and leaders to have a sense of community and accomplishment

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 7 years experience designing, building and architecting software in an enterprise software or SaaS/Paas environment
• Fluency in at least one programming language, such as Python, Golang, or Java
• At least 5 years of experience working in Kubernetes ecosystem
• Bachelors in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent experience

Base Salary Range: $150,000 USD - $300,000 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.

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.

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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