Software Engineering Intern at Appian in McLean, Virginia

Job description

• Appian Engineering spans the full depth of our platform—from foundational systems that power enterprise-scale performance, to AI capabilities redefining automation, to the developer tooling that makes it all accessible. We operate in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment focused on technical rigor, continuous learning, and high code quality. As an intern, you will contribute to real engineering work that helps shape how Appian delivers its AI-powered Process Automation platform to enterprises around the world.
• As a Software Engineering Intern, you will build on your academic foundation and gain hands-on experience contributing to production-adjacent engineering work. You will be embedded within a small, high-performing team where you’ll learn how modern enterprise software is designed, built, tested, and shipped at scale. You will also work alongside engineers who leverage cutting-edge AI tooling to accelerate development while maintaining strong standards for quality and correctness.
• This internship is based at our headquarters 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. Interns in this program are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to fully experience our culture, learn directly from peers and mentors, and contribute to projects in a collaborative environment. Being in the office provides more opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the exceptional people across Appian.

Responsibilities

• Develop Clean Software: Apply your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming to contribute to full-stack components and engineering tasks.
• Engineer with AI: Use AI coding tools as a learning and productivity multiplier-generating, reviewing, and critically evaluating AI-assisted code to improve speed and quality.
• Debug and Learn Systems Thinking: Support issue investigation, learn how to identify root causes, and contribute to fixing software defects under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Collaborate and Communicate: Participate in design discussions, stand-ups, and code reviews, and learn how to translate requirements into well-defined technical solutions.

Requirements

• Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a strong academic record.Must be returning to school following the completion of the Summer 2027 internship to continue degree requirements.
• Program Availability: Ability to commit to a full-time (40 hours/week) schedule for the duration of the 10-week summer program.
• 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.
• Prior experience in a technical internship or a portfolio of significant personal/academic projects.

Skills

Required

• Data structures
• Algorithms
• Object-oriented programming
• AI and LLMs
• AI coding tools

Preferred

• Prior technical internship experience

Benefits

• 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.
• 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 insurance, an Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), a retirement/pension plan, wellness dollars, tuition reimbursement, family-forming benefits and more. Benefits vary by country—please ask your Talent Acquisition contact for details specific to the location you are applying to.
• This internship pays $50.00 per hour ($8,666 per month). Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, bonus, or benefit plans.