Associate Consultant (2027 Graduates, Top Secret Clearance)
Appian Customer Success is obsessed with creating exceptional customer outcomes and driving high-velocity, mission-critical business impact. As the specialized elite consulting branch of Appian, we partner directly with our clients to transform their most ambitious ideas into reality. Joining this team guarantees access to the deep support, mentorship, and foundational growth required to rapidly elevate and evolve your career in corporate technology consulting.
As an Associate Consultant, you are the catalyst that brings our technology to life. You won't just learn about digital transformation - you will build it. From implementing an organization's very first business process to scaling complex operations across an entire enterprise, you will construct modern applications that reshape how corporations operate. This role places you on the fast track to becoming a subject matter expert in AI-Powered Process Automation and a trusted advisor to global business leaders.
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
Deploy Process Solutions: Construct, implement, and deploy custom, process-centric business applications using Appian's leading platform.
Analyze & Architect: Evaluate client business strategies and operations to design high-impact technical solutions that solve complex workflow inefficiencies.
Apply Design Thinking: Leverage modern design thinking to build rapid functional prototypes and map comprehensive end-to-end business models.
Integrate Systems: Drive digital agility by combining vital process improvement disciplines, including application integration, business intelligence, and knowledge management.
Collaborate and Deliver: Partner closely with cross-functional teams and client stakeholders, utilizing elite verbal and written communication skills to ensure seamless project delivery.
Required Qualifications
Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Economics, Systems Engineering, Mathematics or a related STEM field 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.
Clearance Requirements: An active, government-sponsored Top Secret (or higher) clearance is required for this role, along with the ability to work in a SCIF environment.
Technical Aptitude: A strong fundamental foundation of computer systems, structural logic, or a demonstrable passion for emerging technologies.
Analytical Mindset: Proven ability to break down complex business problems, interpret organizational strategies, and translate them into process workflows.
Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills suitable for professional client-facing environments.
Willingness to travel; 20% or less annually to support customer engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Demonstrated leadership experience (e.g. executive roles in student organizations, club leadership, or captaincy of team-based activities).
Foundational experience with relational databases (such as Oracle, SQL, etc.).
At this time, Appian will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Please note that we will officially begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews starting August 2026. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you then.
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.
The base salary range provided represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a government clearance differential. 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.
Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or benefit plans.
Base Salary Range
$90,000—$95,000 USD