Federal Proposal Writer at Appian in McLean, VA

Here at Appian, our values of Intensity and Excellence define who we are. We set high standards and live up to them, ensuring that everything we do is done with care and quality. We approach every challenge with ambition and commitment, holding ourselves and each other accountable to achieve the best results. When you join Appian, you’ll be part of a passionate team dedicated to accomplishing hard things, together. Appian is looking for a Technical Proposal Writer, Public Sector to support our U.S. Public Sector sales organization in the coordination, development, and delivery of high-quality technical proposal content. In this role, you will help create product-specific descriptions, solution narratives, technical volumes, and compelling proposal responses that are essential to winning strategic federal contracts. This role is pivotal to supporting high-value opportunities within Appian’s U.S. Public Sector business. You will partner closely with Sales, Solutions, Product, Delivery, and Subject Matter Expert teams to clearly articulate how the Appian Platform addresses complex mission systems programs and federal customer needs. In this role, you will: Lead the drafting, writing, and editing of complex technical proposal sections, including technical volumes, solution descriptions, past performance citations, and management plans. Ensure proposal responses are fully aligned with Request for Proposal requirements and customer expectations. Translate highly technical Appian platform capabilities, architecture, and Public Sector use cases into clear, concise, and compelling proposal language. Interview and collaborate with solutions engineers, architects, product managers, delivery team members, and federal sales account executives to gather critical content. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality across proposal volumes and related customer-facing materials. Partner with sales teams to organize and draft customer-focused technical white papers. Use Appian-provided tools and systems, including AI-enabled tools, to support content generation while ensuring all AI-assisted content is fully fact-checked and validated. Manage the product description and proposal content library, ensuring approved and up-to-date language is readily available. Participate in all phases of the proposal lifecycle, including Pink, Red, and Gold Team reviews, as well as final submission quality assurance. Help define the style, tone, voice, and structure for technical content types. Generate innovative ideas for improving technical content development, delivery, and reuse. Qualifications: 3+ years of experience writing, editing, and managing technical proposals. Strong writing and written communication skills, with the ability to develop complex technical volumes and customer-facing proposal content. Proven understanding of the U.S. Federal Government acquisition process. Specific knowledge of U.S. Navy infrastructure, operations, processes, or logistics systems is highly preferred. Passion for technology and its applicability to today’s business challenges. Ability to support Subject Matter Experts with requirements analysis, system design discussions, and technical content development. Demonstrated proficiency with proposal software and standard documentation tools, such as MS Word, Google Docs, GovWin, or similar tools. Experience using Artificial Intelligence tools for coding, research, writing, or content development. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certifications in Business, Communications, Technical Writing, Computer Science, Business Information Technology, or a related field. Understanding of the federal IT and business landscape, including ERP, CRM, data, workflow, AI, and partner solutions. Preferred experience: Working or theoretical understanding of IT security principles, including FedRAMP and Impact Level authorizations for federal customers. Working or theoretical knowledge of software development practices and principles. Working or theoretical knowledge of U.S. Federal Government contracting processes and terminology. Experience supporting Public Sector, federal, defense, or mission systems proposals. #LI-MB1 Tools and Resources 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. Benefits 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. About Appian Appian provides process automation technology. We automate complex processes in large enterprises and governments. Our platform is known for its unique reliability and scale. We’ve been automating processes for 25 years and understand enterprise operations like no one else. For more information, visit appian.com. [Nasdaq: APPN] Follow Appian: LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook Appian is an equal opportunity employer that strives to attract and retain the best talent. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Appian provides reasonable accommodations to applicants in accordance with all applicable laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at ReasonableAccommodations@appian.com. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Appian's Applicant & Candidate Privacy Notice