Principal Consultant

About the role

As a Principal Technical Consultant on the Appian Customer Success team, you will engage with customers post-sales to develop software solutions on the Appian platform. These applications help companies drive digital transformation and competitive differentiation. You will lead projects throughout the entire project life-cycle—defining, designing, developing, and implementing custom software and AI solutions using Appian’s platform for commercial clients.

Responsibilities include working within an agile environment to understand client business processes and technical needs, launching new relational data models in production, developing APIs to integrate with multiple systems, partnering with Appian Architects and Technical Delivery Managers, and leading/mentoring consultants through fast-paced software implementations. You will brainstorm AI use cases and implement Appian’s AI tools by applying retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agentic workflows, prompt engineering, and the latest generative models to transform how customers run their organizations. Additionally, you will collaborate with clients’ technical teams and business users throughout the software development life cycle and drive adoption by empowering clients to become self-sufficient in building process applications.

This role is based at our headquarters in McLean, VA. Employees are expected to be in the office 4–5 days per week to foster collaboration, shared ideas, and teamwork. While in-person work with customers is the priority, the office environment also provides opportunities to celebrate wins, collaborate effectively, and build strong relationships across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead post-sale software implementation projects for commercial clients using the Appian platform.
• Define, design, develop, and implement custom software and AI solutions, including relational data models, APIs, and integrations.
• Work in an agile environment to gather functional and technical requirements from clients.
• Collaborate with Appian Architects, Technical Delivery Managers, and client teams throughout the software development life cycle.
• Mentor and lead consultants through fast-paced software implementations.
• Brainstorm and implement AI use cases using Appian’s AI tools (RAG, agentic workflows, prompt engineering, generative models).
• Drive client adoption by empowering them to build process applications independently.
• Travel up to 20% annually to support customer engagements.

Requirements

• 7+ years of hands-on software development or technical consulting experience.
• B.S./B.A. in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Passion for mentoring and developing others, with experience leading teams through post-sale software implementation.
• Ability to work with clients to define business processes and gather functional/technical requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for technology and continuous learning.
• Experience building products using agile methodologies (pair programming, stand-ups, planning sessions, sprints).
• Basic understanding of object-oriented programming, relational databases, and SQL (writing queries, joins, views).
• Knowledge of software testing practices (test-driven development, automated test suites, continuous integration).
• Experience with integrations using APIs (REST, SOAP), JDBC connections, and web services.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud), AI, analytics, machine learning, and developer tools is preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match and retirement/pension plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• Flexible time off and paid parental leave.
• Wellness programs and flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA contributions).
• Tuition reimbursement and learning/development resources (Appian University, leadership programs, mentorship).
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Family-forming benefits.
• Wellness dollars.

Pay

Base salary range: $100,000–$225,000 USD. Actual compensation depends on experience, qualifications, and market conditions. A discretionary bonus may be awarded based on individual and company performance. Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards.

Schedule

This role is based in McLean, VA, with an expectation to work in the office 4–5 days per week. Travel may be required up to 20% annually for customer engagements.

Tools and Resources

• Training and Development: Department-specific onboarding, mentorship programs, and the First-Friend program for new hires. Continuous learning opportunities through Appian University and skills-based training.
• Growth Opportunities: Leadership programs for new/aspiring managers, tuition reimbursement, and a comprehensive library of specialized training.
• Community: Inclusive culture with 8 employee-led affinity groups for networking, social activities, and outreach initiatives.