Appian System Administrator
Full Time, Remote
Public Trust Clearance
Sign-on bonus- $2,500
Referral bonus- $1,000
We are seeking a self-sufficient professional with Appian System Administration skills to join our small, nimble platform team. This role is pertinent to maintaining, enhancing, and growing our internal Appian environment hosted on AWS GovCloud. You must be a hands-on problem solver who thrives on troubleshooting complex issues independently, continuously learning, and adapting to platform changes.
Core Responsibilities:
Appian Administration
Continuously enhance our internal Appian platform site by adding features, improving performance, and implementing best practices
Perform comprehensive Appian system administration including user management, security configurations, site optimization, and health monitoring
Execute Appian hotfixes and upgrades using custom shell scripts developed by our team
Proactively troubleshoot and resolve Appian application and platform issues with minimal guidance
Read, interpret, and apply Appian documentation to solve emerging challenges as the platform evolves
Adapt platform configurations and custom scripts as Appian releases new versions and deprecates older functionality
Monitor and report operating efficiency, performance, and reliability of Appian applications
AWS Infrastructure & System Administration (Supporting Role)
Provide hands-on support for AWS GovCloud infrastructure including EC2 instances, S3 buckets, RDS databases, and related services as needed
Perform system administration tasks across Windows and Linux environments supporting the Appian platform as needed
Monitor system capacity, health indicators, and performance metrics; troubleshoot infrastructure issues end-to-end as they arise
Support environments with a focus on availability, durability, and uptime
Maintain working knowledge of Application Servers (JBoss, Tomcat) as part of installation and troubleshooting
Collaborate with the platform team on capacity planning and analytics for forecasting
Security & Compliance
Maintain security controls in compliance with VA requirements and conduct remediation from security scans
Assist the platform team in obtaining and maintaining Authority to Operate (ATO)
Ensure VA security and architecture policies are implemented so that the system meets governing VAEC architectural, security, data, and interoperability standards
Automation
REQUIRED: Proficiency with Git and GitHub for version control and configuration management
Participate in CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation (Jenkins)
Troubleshoot and enhance existing automation scripts as requirements and platform capabilities change
Drive continuous improvement in deployment processes and operational efficiency
Operations & Support
Provide break-fix support and incident resolution for all environments
Quickly and efficiently troubleshoot simple and complex issues to provide outstanding support for internal service level objectives
Demonstrate strong pattern recognition to identify recurring issues and implement preventative solutions
Perform detailed troubleshooting across the full stack-from end-user issues through middleware, application servers, and backend infrastructure
Execute both repetitive operational tasks (routine maintenance, monitoring) and sporadic platform projects (feature additions)
Create and maintain runbooks, operating procedures, and system documentation
Ensure all necessary operational processes and procedures are carried out with a high level of attention to detail, expediency, and on-time delivery
Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred
5+ years of combined technical experience in production support, site reliability engineering, system administration, or DevOps roles
2+ years of Appian development experience (process models, interfaces, integrations, data structures) and, or 1-2+ years of hands-on Appian administration experience (system configuration, upgrades, troubleshooting)
2-3 years of proven, hands-on AWS experience
Experience may overlap across these areas
Technical Skills (Non-Negotiable)
Appian Administration: Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve Appian platform and application issues
AWS Expertise: Hands-on experience with AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, IAM, Cloudwatch, in all environments (you'll work alongside our AWS team, but must have foundational knowledge)
Git/GitHub: Proficient in using Git for version control and GitHub for collaboration and configuration management
System Administration: Foundational hands-on Linux administration skills (including shell scripting, user management, package management, system updates and maintenance)
Self-Sufficiency: Proven ability to work independently, critically analyze problems, and execute solutions without detailed step-by-step instructions
Required Competencies
Critical Thinking: Ability to read requirements, analyze problems, and determine solutions autonomously
Pattern Recognition: Identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement
Troubleshooting: End-to-end debugging skills across application, middleware, and infrastructure layers
Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with Appian platform changes, reading documentation, and adapting practices accordingly
Attention to Detail: High level of precision in operational tasks and documentation
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documentation and team collaboration
Pressure Management: Ability to work well under pressure within a technically challenging environment
Mission-Critical Mindset: Experience in working in mission-critical environment
Must be able to obtain Public Trust clearance
Desired Skills & Experience:
Appian Development Skills: If coming from an admin background, development experience (process models, interfaces, integrations) is highly valuable for understanding the platform deeply and contributing to feature development
Cross-Functional Background: Appian expertise (development or administration) with willingness to learn infrastructure is equally valuable as a Linux/AWS system administration background with willingness to learn Appian, we prioritize depth in Appian with the ability to grow into infrastructure responsibilities
Monitoring Tools: Experience with CloudWatch or similar monitoring/logging tools
Agile Experience: 3+ years working in Agile/Scrum/Kanban environments; highly team-oriented and practices collaboration as a key to success
Federal Experience: Prior work on a software development project in a federal government setting
DevOps Tooling: Familiarity with modern DevOps tools and practices
Self Sufficient: High capability to learn, retain knowledge and work independently under minimal supervision
What Success Looks Like:
You can independently execute, and troubleshoot Appian hotfixes and upgrades using our operations
You proactively identify improvements to our platform and implement them
You maintain comprehensive documentation that enables knowledge sharing
You adapt quickly to Appian platform changes and update our processes accordingly
You balance routine operational tasks with strategic platform enhancements
You contribute to maintaining our ATO and security compliance posture
You effectively collaborate with the Platform team to ensure seamless integration and support for the Appian platform
Work Environment:
Small, collaborative platform team where your contributions directly impact the product
Mix of repetitive maintenance tasks and innovative platform improvement projects
Requires reading Appian documentation and staying current with platform evolution
Fast-paced environment supporting mission-critical government operations
About Semper Valens Solutions:
Semper Valens Solutions, Inc. (SVS) is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing Cost Effective Software and Systems Engineering, Field Support, Training and Full Life cycle Support Management to the DOD and VA community.
At Semper Valens, our vision is to remain a creative, cutting edge and cost-effective solutions provider where our shared intellect, industry experience, and technology excellence, make a positive difference in our customer's success. Our solutions help bridge the gap between IT and business prioritizations to optimize budgets, risks, and operational processes.
We search for outstanding technical professionals, hiring at all levels of the experience spectrum; intermediate, journeyman and senior. Consider us for your career plan.
Semper Valens Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Semper Valens Solutions proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital/parental status, pregnancy/childbirth, or related conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information, status as a Disabled Veteran, Recently Separated Veteran, Active-Duty Wartime or Campaign Badge Veteran, Armed Forces Services Medal, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you require reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Semper Valens Solutions through its online applicant system, please contact Semper Valens Solutions Human Resources Department at (830) 899-6870.
Semper Valens Solutions is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer - minorities, females, disabled, and protected veterans are urged to apply. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.
All Jobs at Semper Valens Solutions: https://sempervalens.com/careers