SME IT Specialist - Appian

Forge is a global solutions provider. We are a proud, certified woman-owned, service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (WOSB, SDVOSB) ignited to redefine the traditional GovCon mold, deliver innovations, and elevate collective impact. We are known as international problem fixers who only pursue work where we can truly make a difference. We are deeply integrated members of trusted client communities, energized and honored to be partners in questioning and solving human challenges worldwide.

Forge strikes a precise balance between empowering autonomy and emphasizing the necessity of belonging to a connected network of people and initiatives. It's led to a new echelon of collective excellence- one that continues to lead to monumental growth - and built a dream team of top-tier, collaborative, 'get-it-done' experts.

Our culture is everything. People come first. Our culture is built around a diverse group of employees empowered to think in different directions, a leadership team that trusts employees to lean in to unique greatness, and an operations team that deploys programs to support employee well-being and growth - both personally and professionally. We treat Forge like a co-op, where staff input drives corporate action.

With a 93% retention rate, it's evident that once we hire great people, we keep them. We're rated #2 Best Medium Business in all of Virginia, and we are a multi-year, multi-award winner of the Fortune® Magazine Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™, Best Medium Workplaces™, and Best Workplaces for Parents™.  Based on employee feedback and independent analysis, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work™ for six consecutive years. In addition to recognition for top workplace culture, our growth earned us a spot on the 2024 and 2025 Inc. Magazine 5000 List of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America, and the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and J.P. Morgan Chase named us one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies nationally. But most importantly, we're proud to be a company that puts people first.

The future of Forge is exciting and evolving - as capability and community remain the battle rhythm sustaining transformative success. We're searching for those who want to work hard, play hard, give back, and enjoy life. If this resonates with you, then come make a difference at Forge.

Requirement: SME IT Specialist - Appian

Job Description: The candidate will serve as the senior Appian technical authority responsible for solution application architecture, data-fabric design, engineering standards, complex delivery decisions, and technical mentorship for secure Appian capabilities supporting a DoW customer.

Key Responsibilities: Key responsibilities of the candidate will be (but aren't limited to):

• Forge Group requires an Appian Subject Matter Expert to guide low-code solution delivery in a secure DoW customer environment.
• The role will translate mission needs into scalable Appian application architecture; govern record, data, process, interface, and integration design; and ensure solutions are secure, testable, accessible, maintainable, and performant.
• Own Appian application architecture across record types, the data fabric, data models, interfaces, expression rules, process models, sites, and integrations
• Translate functional and nonfunctional requirements into technical designs, object boundaries, dependency maps, and delivery standards
• Establish secure design patterns for object, record, process, and integration security using least-privilege principles
• Lead architecture and code reviews; identify data, security, accessibility, performance, maintainability, and scalability risks before release
• Design integration patterns connecting Appian with APIs, relational data, document services, and Python-based or other microservices
• Define record-type and data-fabric strategy across data access methods, relationships, custom record fields, security, and query patterns
• Set the strategy for unit, UI, regression, performance, accessibility, and production-readiness testing
• Diagnose complex record-sync, query, interface, process-model, expression, and integration issues across controlled environments
• Mentor Appian developers and technical leads while promoting reusable components, coding standards, and technical documentation
• Partner with product, security, testing, data, and integration teams to deliver auditable capability for the DoW customer

Qualifications/Requirements:

• The Candidate must have the ability to think strategically, act tactically, and display strong analytical and critical thinking skills. They must also build strong cross-group working relationships and demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. The Candidate must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment and not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities. We are looking for self-managing candidates who enjoy working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and working with dynamic teams.

What level of DoD Security Clearance is required?: Public Trust

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen (Authorization to Work in the U.S. will not suffice)
• Previous professional experience supporting the U.S. Federal Government, either as a federal employee or contractor
• 12+ years of professional IT experience, including extensive hands-on Appian solution delivery and technical leadership
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent, OR 4 additional years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree.
• Deep hands-on Appian application architecture and development experience across records, the data fabric, interfaces, processes, and integrations
• Expert knowledge of Appian application architecture, record types, SAIL interfaces, process models, expression rules, integrations, and security
• Experience designing scalable, high-performing Appian solutions that integrate with relational databases and external APIs
• Experience designing synced and unsynced record types, relationships, custom record fields, query patterns, and data-fabric solutions within Appian constraints
• Experience establishing Appian engineering standards, leading code reviews, mentoring developers, and resolving complex application defects
• Active CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoW-approved baseline cybersecurity certification, or ability to obtain within the first 30 days of starting
• Active Tier 2 background investigation or higher, completed or favorably adjudicated within the previous 18 months

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Active Secret security clearance preferred
• Previous professional experience supporting a DoW organization, mission, or customer is strongly preferred
• Appian Certified Lead Developer certification and experience delivering Appian applications in IL4/IL5 or comparable Government environments
• Hands-on Python development experience is strongly desired, including secure APIs, microservices, integration services, or data-processing utilities
• Experience with MariaDB or PostgreSQL and event-driven patterns is also valued
• Experience with Appian automated testing, performance testing, CI/CD tooling, and deployment APIs Section 508 accessibility experience and familiarity with axe-core or comparable automated accessibility tools
• Experience modernizing legacy workflows and data while maintaining operational continuity and parity

Job: Full-Time

Location: Remote; candidates must reside in AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, KY, MD, MO, NC, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, or VA. DC Metropolitan area preferred. Travel 4-8 times per year.

Salary Range: $170,000 - $222,600 per year

Assigned Forge Job Title: Subject Matter Expert

Essential Duties:

• Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems promptly; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Written Communication- Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Diversity- Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethics; upholds organizational values.
• Strategic Thinking- Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Planning/Organizing- Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; set goals and objectives; organize or schedule other people and their tasks; develop realistic action plans.
• Professionalism- Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Innovation- Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Qualifications- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, proposals, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Mathematical Skills- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to question activities and issues in all functional areas and make sound business decisions based on that data.
• Physical Demands- The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, type, or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Work Environment- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.

This job posting sets forth the basic authorities and responsibilities of this position, which may be changed from time to time as shall be determined. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfy each essential duty.

Benefits:

Forge fosters a rich company culture built on a diverse, hard-working employee base. Our staff is the core of our success and the impetus behind our decisions. In today's corporate culture, there is no longer a line between work and home life. As a result, we focused our benefits approach on the whole family.

The Forge total compensation model is based on a "choose-your-own-adventure approach" allowing each employee to create a comprehensive package of benefits and perks tailored to his or her needs. Examples of benefits included in our total compensation package include:

• Complete Flextime
• 401k With Employer Matching
• Healthcare, Including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA) And Pre-Tax Premium Options
• Supplementary healthcare and family support
• Extended Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Healthcare Insurance Deductible Paydown
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement, Student Loan Repayment, and Education & Training Stipends
• Cell Phone / Internet Stipends
• College Saving Plans with Employer Contributions
• Alternative Work Locations and Tele-Commuting
• Employee Referral Awards
• Retention, Signing & Performance Bonuses
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Sabbatical

Forge Group, LLC is a proud DoD Skillbridge and V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) certified company committed to hiring and retaining military veterans and spouses.

Forge Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity [and/or] Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or military or protected veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.