Distinguished Software Engineer

# Distinguished Software Engineer July 17, 2026

Apply Now Experienced Hire Engineering Mc Lean , Virginia 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 Distinguished Software Engineer at Appian you have the intuition, knowledge, communication and coordination abilities to steer the technical direction of the product. You are a reference to other engineers as a member of feature teams and a trusted advisor to product management. You collaborate with other architects to promote consistency of the platform, inspire design discipline, and continuously advance the state of Appian’s technology.
* 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.
* Responsibilities:
* Autonomously lead transformational technical initiatives that address real, open-ended business problems.
* Identify, understand, and bring to fruition technology trends and innovations relevant to Appian.
* Identify technical constraints to engineering effectiveness and lead initiatives to address them.
* Fully own an operational or functional area within the architecture group.
* Develop product features to the highest engineering standards as a member of teams.
* Spike robust solutions to clear architectural runway ahead of feature development.
* Regularly conduct and report on design reviews.
* Advise product management on technical opportunities and constraints.
* Serve as advisor to multiple engineering teams to provide broad technical expertise and design oversight.
* Mentor and be an example to other engineers.
* Promote, document, and disseminate design best practices for building world-class software.
* Contribute ideas to continuously improve the organization and processes of the architecture function.
* Effectively communicate technical designs and vision verbally, visually and/or in writing for small to large sized technical and non-technical audiences.
* Contribute to Appian's long-term documentation through publishing relevant, high-quality content to Engineering's technical documentation site

Preferred Experience Level:  MS in Computer Science or related field/degree and 7+ years of relevant experience, or a BS and 10+ years of relevant experience;
Experience in a high-volume or critical production service environment;
Fluency in Java, experience with multiple programming paradigms and database technologies. Prior functional and/or operational responsibility a plus.

Education:

B.S. in Computer Science or related field, advanced degree preferred

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  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…