Technical Consultant (Commercial)

As a Technical Consultant (Commercial) at Appian, your primary responsibilities include engaging with clients post-sales to develop and implement custom software solutions using the Appian low-code platform. You'll work throughout the entire project life cycle, collaborating with client teams to understand their business processes, gather functional and technical system requirements, and automate workflows that drive digital transformation. Additionally, you’ll be involved in integrating APIs, creating relational data models, and ensuring that our clients become self-sufficient in utilizing our applications.

To qualify for the Technical Consultant (Commercial) role at Appian, candidates should have a minimum of 1+ years of experience in software development or technical consulting. A strong background in object-oriented programming, SQL, and working with relational databases is essential. Candidates should possess a B.S./B.A. in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Furthermore, strong communication skills and an eagerness to learn and adapt within an agile environment are crucial for success in this position.

Yes, the Technical Consultant (Commercial) role at Appian includes travel requirements, which are expected to be around 20%. This travel is essential for supporting customer engagements and providing on-site assistance as needed. Candidates should be willing to travel to effectively partner with clients and deliver impactful software solutions.

At Appian, we prioritize the growth and development of our employees. As a Technical Consultant (Commercial), you'll have access to various learning programs, including department-specific training during onboarding. Continuous learning is encouraged, with mentorship programs and professional development resources available. Additionally, Appian offers a leadership program tailored for those aspiring to management roles and tuition reimbursement for further education, providing a holistic approach to career growth.

Appian provides a supportive environment for Technical Consultants through ongoing training and development initiatives, including the First-Friend program for new hires. The company fosters an inclusive community through employee-led affinity groups, allowing Consultants to connect with colleagues and build strong networks. Furthermore, mentoring and specialized training resources equip Technical Consultants with the skills necessary to thrive in their roles and achieve exceptional outcomes for clients.

In gathering requirements, I prioritize active listening and open communication. I start by asking probing questions to understand the client's business processes and goals. Engaging stakeholders through workshops or interviews allows me to gather detailed insights, which I document meticulously. I also ensure that I'm summarizing and confirming the requirements back to the client to avoid misunderstandings.

I have worked in several agile environments, which included participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospective meetings. I value the collaborative spirit of agile teams and embrace practices like pair programming and test-driven development. By staying flexible and embracing feedback, I help the team deliver high-quality software solutions rapidly.

My experience with low-code platforms comes from my time at previous jobs where I built applications using similar technologies. I appreciate how low-code solutions can accelerate development and empower users to participate actively in the process. At Appian, I can leverage my knowledge to help clients create efficient applications tailored to their specific needs.

In one particular project, we encountered significant scope creep due to miscommunication with the client about their evolving needs. To address this, I organized a series of meetings to reevaluate the project scope and timelines. By clearly defining the project requirements and managing expectations, we regained clarity and direction, ultimately delivering a successful solution.

To ensure effective integration with other systems, I begin by thoroughly understanding both the existing system and the APIs available for integration. I develop a detailed integration strategy, which includes defining data mapping and transformation processes. Testing each integration point rigorously is vital to ensure seamless communication across platforms.

To ensure quality, I advocate for implementing testing throughout the development lifecycle. This includes unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing. I also promote the use of automated testing frameworks to increase efficiency and reduce human error. Regular code reviews and feedback sessions help identify potential issues early on.

I stay updated by dedicating time each week to read industry blogs, participate in online forums, and attend webinars. I’m also a member of several tech communities, which provide valuable networking opportunities and insights. Continuous learning is essential, especially in the fast-paced tech landscape.

Communication is fundamental to a Technical Consultant's success. It is crucial for building strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned throughout the project. Transparent communication fosters trust and allows for addressing concerns proactively, significantly contributing to the project's overall success.

I have solid experience with SQL, including writing complex queries, joins, and views to manage data effectively. I'm familiar with database design and data modeling principles, which allows me to structure databases for optimal performance. This background enables me to seamlessly work with relational databases on projects.

In such situations, I prioritize understanding the client's dissatisfaction by actively listening to their concerns. I engage in open dialogue to ascertain what aspects specifically need adjustment. Collaboratively, we can identify solutions or alternate approaches, ensuring that we align our work with their expectations and desired outcomes.