Software Engineer (2027 Graduates)

Appian; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

flexible time off

paid parental leave

medical plans

dental plans

vision plans

life insurance

disability insurance

wellness programs

flexible spending accounts

health savings account contributions

employee referral bonus program

learning and development resources

equity awards

Job summary

Appian is seeking a Software Engineer to contribute to a high‑impact AI‑powered automation platform. You will build robust full‑stack components, leverage AI tools for faster development, and maintain code quality in a collaborative, enterprise‑grade environment.

The role emphasizes strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and OO design, with a focus on productive teamwork and delivering reliable software at scale.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelors or Masters in CS/CE with strong academic record.
• Experience in professional/academic/technical settings (internships, research, capstones, or part-time/full-time work).
• Effective written and verbal communication for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop Clean Software using data structures, algorithms, and OO design patterns.
• Engineer with AI to leverage AI coding tools for faster, quality delivery.
• Diagnose root causes and fix defects to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate in technical designs and refine product features and engineering decisions.

Skills

Data structures

Algorithms

Object‑oriented design

AI & LLMs

Code quality

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science 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. Appian Engineering spans the full depth of our platform: from the foundational layers that power enterprise scale, to the AI capabilities redefining what automation can do, to the developer tooling and enablement that makes it all accessible. We operate in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on technical precision, continuous learning, and high code quality. By joining our team, you will solve real-world problems that directly shape how Appian delivers our AI-Powered Process Automation platform to enterprises around the world. As a Software Engineer, you will transition your foundational computing skills into high-impact production deliverables. Where you land depends on your strengths and the team’s needs - but in every case, you will join a small, highly skilled team equipped with cutting-edge AI tooling to design features of increasing sophistication and learn what it means to engineer software at a true Enterprise-Grade Orchestration scale. 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

• Develop Clean Software: Leverage your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design patterns to write robust full-stack software components.
• Engineer with AI: Use AI coding tools fluently as a force multiplier: generating, reviewing, and critically evaluating AI-assisted code to ship faster without compromising quality or correctness.
• Stop Bugs in Their Tracks: Respond quickly to new system challenges, diagnose root causes, and write clean code to eliminate software defects and prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate and Communicate: Participate in technical designs and collaborate cross-functionally to refine product features, acceptance criteria, and engineering decisions.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Salary and Benefits

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.

Base Salary Range $115,000—$118,000 USD

• 401(k) plan with company match
• flexible time off
• paid parental leave
• medical plans
• dental plans
• vision plans
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• wellness programs
• flexible spending accounts
• health savings account contributions
• employee referral bonus program
• learning and development resources

Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards.

• 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

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

• a leadership program tailored for new and aspiring managers
• a comprehensive library of specialized department training through Appian University
• skills-based training
• tuition reimbursement

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 Package

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

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.

Appian’s Applicant & Candidate Privacy Notice