About this role
Architecting, building, and optimizing high-performance software systems forms the core daily routine for the Principal ML Platform Engineer at Appian Corporation. Operating within an engineering department that builds AI capabilities for process automation platforms, the individual filling this role designs multi-tier application layers, leads modernization initiatives, and leverages AI coding assistants as productivity multipliers. Serving as a technical linchpin, the engineer drives architectural decisions, scales production services, and guides the technical growth of peers across the organization.
This role exists to establish high technical standards and ensure enterprise-grade orchestration for global deployments. An ideal candidate brings extensive background in cloud-native architecture, distributed systems, and core programming languages like Java, Python, or Go. Someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and enjoys mentoring other engineers will find success in advancing Appian's engineering objectives.
What you will do
- Design, build, and optimize high-performance software systems while maintaining a strong hands-on coding presence.
- Spearhead strategic technological changes and refactor core codebases to keep platforms modern and performant.
- Utilize AI coding tools to generate, review, and evaluate code for faster shipping without sacrificing quality.
- Manage availability, latency, scalability, and system reliability through advanced tuning and infrastructure management.
- Perform meticulous code reviews and establish automation frameworks to prevent recurring issues.
- Coach and mentor engineers at multiple levels while closing skill gaps across the team.
- Publish domain knowledge and technical documentation across the engineering department.
What you need
- Hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
- Possess at least ten years of relevant software development experience with a Bachelor's degree, or eight years with a Master's degree.
- Demonstrate expert coding, scripting, and debugging proficiency in Java, Python, or Go.
- Exhibit deep working knowledge of distributed systems and cloud infrastructure at a senior individual contributor level.
- Show a proven track record of driving technical decisions and shaping engineering practices beyond a single team scope.
- Bring practical experience using AI coding assistants within a production engineering context.
- Display a history of developing, optimizing, and maintaining high-volume, mission-critical production services.
- Communicate complex technical architectures clearly through verbal, visual, and written mediums.
Nice to have
- Experience designing microservices with Docker and Kubernetes
- Familiarity implementing modern CI/CD pipelines
- Infrastructure operation experience across AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Background working with enterprise platforms like Salesforce or ServiceNow
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible time off
- Paid parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Life and disability insurance
- Health savings account contributions
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work policy for this role?
This position is located remotely within the United States.
What is the salary range for this position?
The base salary range is between $175,000 and $325,000 USD, with actual compensation dependent on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and internal peer equity.
What kind of onboarding and training support is provided?
New hires receive a robust onboarding experience designed to integrate them smoothly into Appian's technology, culture, and leadership model. Continuous learning is supported through dedicated mentorship, department training, and the First-Friend program.
Are there opportunities for professional development and certifications?
Appian provides access to premier learning resources, dedicated learning time, full corporate sponsorship for professional technical certifications, and tuition reimbursement options.
The application is on the official Appian Corporation careers page.
Apply on company site