Principal Software Engineer

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. Summary: As a Principal Software Engineer at Appian, you will be the primary technical strategist, responsible for shaping the architectural foundation of our platform. Your role involves anticipating future challenges and implementing innovative solutions today. You will drive complex cross-functional initiatives, ensuring Appian remains a leader in the low-code and automation industry. Responsibilities: Define the long-term architectural vision and governance for the Appian platform. Identify systemic technical risks and lead task forces to resolve architectural bottlenecks. Develop internal tools and SDKs to simplify infrastructure and enhance developer productivity. Conduct deep-dive troubleshooting for complex production issues. Promote AI-native engineering practices and integrate AI features into the platform. Lead the development of core platform libraries and high-risk prototypes. Participate in the Architectural Guild and review high-impact design documents. Mentor lead and senior engineers, and represent Appian in the tech community. Ensure operational resilience with self-healing and highly available systems. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field. 15+ years of software engineering experience, with significant experience in architecting large-scale distributed systems. Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. Proven transformational leadership in technological migrations or strategies. Expertise in Java and Cloud-Native ecosystems. Experience with AI/ML at scale and managing AWS multi-region deployments. Expert-level proficiency in Java or similar languages. Hands-on experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD automation. Knowledge of high-performance SQL, NoSQL, and Vector Databases. Understanding of enterprise-grade security and compliance. Soft Skills: Ability to influence without authority and gain buy-in for technical shifts. Business acumen to connect technical decisions to financial outcomes. Skilled in navigating complex technical debates and consensus building. Passion for building a thriving engineering organization. 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 insu