Backend Software Developer Internships
Backend software developer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Roles are concentrated in Technology & Software, with TikTok and DELSYS among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Backend Software Developer Internships
Backend Software Engineer Intern (Creation Platform) - 2027 Summer
Location
:
San Jose
Employment Type
:
Intern
Job Code
:
A00235C
Responsibilities
The Creation Platform team, as the cornerstone of TikTok content creation, is responsible for the core content creation ecosystem of TikTok. As a backend team, we collaborate closely with the product team and other cross-functional teams to explore innovative methods of content creation in TikTok, build a trusted content creation platform that prioritizes privacy and security, and drive the evolution of TikTok content creation infrastructure, ultimately providing the best content creation experience for TikTok creators.
We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship. Our internship program offers students hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.
Interns will gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and participate in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two positions across Our Company and its affiliates globally. Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please clearly state your availability in your resume, including your start and end dates.
Responsibilities
- Directly design and develop features touching global users, and bring real-world impact.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to explore innovative product ideas and cutting-edge technologies.
- Work with experts in different technical domains to identify and solve challenging issues in the world-leading multimedia infrastructure.
- Evolve the architecture of global large-scale distributed backend systems to better support TikTok's future.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Master in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Proficient in at least one programming language such as Golang, Java, C++, Python.
- Solid understanding of computer architectures, data structures, and algorithms.
- Hands-on experience in commonly-used technical stacks such as databases, caches, message queues.
- Responsible, self-motivated, and have a growth mindset.
- Experience in building large scale distributed backend services for consumer-facing applications.
- Knowledge of multimedia technologies such as video codecs, media containers.
- Good team communication and collaboration skills.
Job Information
【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern
The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Why Join Us
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.
We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
Diversity & Inclusion
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.
TikTok Accommodation
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at
https://tinyurl.com/RA-request
Backend Software Engineer Intern (Creation Platform) - 2027 Summer
Location
:
San Jose
Employment Type
:
Intern
Job Code
:
A00235C
Responsibilities
The Creation Platform team, as the cornerstone of TikTok content creation, is responsible for the core content creation ecosystem of TikTok. As a backend team, we collaborate closely with the product team and other cross-functional teams to explore innovative methods of content creation in TikTok, build a trusted content creation platform that prioritizes privacy and security, and drive the evolution of TikTok content creation infrastructure, ultimately providing the best content creation experience for TikTok creators.
We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship. Our internship program offers students hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.
Interns will gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and participate in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two positions across Our Company and its affiliates globally. Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please clearly state your availability in your resume, including your start and end dates.
Responsibilities
- Directly design and develop features touching global users, and bring real-world impact.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to explore innovative product ideas and cutting-edge technologies.
- Work with experts in different technical domains to identify and solve challenging issues in the world-leading multimedia infrastructure.
- Evolve the architecture of global large-scale distributed backend systems to better support TikTok's future.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Master in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Proficient in at least one programming language such as Golang, Java, C++, Python.
- Solid understanding of computer architectures, data structures, and algorithms.
- Hands-on experience in commonly-used technical stacks such as databases, caches, message queues.
- Responsible, self-motivated, and have a growth mindset.
- Experience in building large scale distributed backend services for consumer-facing applications.
- Knowledge of multimedia technologies such as video codecs, media containers.
- Good team communication and collaboration skills.
Job Information
【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern
The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Why Join Us
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.
We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
Diversity & Inclusion
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.
TikTok Accommodation
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at
https://tinyurl.com/RA-request
Backend Software Developer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
Tips for Your Backend Software Developer Internship Search
Apply months before your target start date
Large tech employers and financial firms close summer intern applications the preceding fall, often before winter break. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Starting your search early puts you in the first wave for structured programs and leaves room to pursue later-posting roles without rushing.
Build a portfolio before you send a single application
Backend intern screens run on evidence, not credentials. Two or three complete projects hosted on a public GitHub repository, each with a clear README, a defined problem, and the stack you used, give recruiters something to assess before your first conversation. Projects that touch APIs, databases, or system design map directly to what intern teams evaluate.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors or career center advisors often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach, since many internship openings never appear at university events.
Practice your coding screen out loud before you apply
Backend software developer intern interviews almost always include a coding screen focused on data structures and algorithms. Practice problems out loud, narrating your reasoning as you go, because interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you reach the right answer. Practicing silently on your own leaves that skill untrained until the actual interview.
Target structured intern programs at larger employers early
Many large technology and software companies run dedicated intern cohorts designed to train people new to professional backend development. These programs recruit in the fall, fill their first wave fast, and offer structured mentorship and real project ownership. Identify the programs that match your background and apply in the opening weeks, not after the holidays.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the backend software developer internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start reviewing listings so you are not sorting through relocation requirements or remote arrangements that don't fit your situation. Filtering by work type and location first saves time and keeps your focus on roles you can actually accept.
Backend Software Developer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a backend software developer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A public GitHub repository with complete, documented backend projects gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person than for applicants who apply cold online.
Can a backend software developer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for backend software developer interns is performance on real deliverables, available headcount on the team at offer time, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position yourself by treating every project as a permanent-hire audition without counting on an offer before it arrives.
When should I apply for backend software developer internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large tech employers and financial firms recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often closing applications before winter break. Smaller companies, startups, and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings consistently rather than waiting for a single recruiting season gives you the widest window.
Are backend software developer internships paid?
Most professional backend software developer internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show the range where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements are uncommon in the software industry outside of academic credit programs at smaller organizations.
What should a backend software developer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete backend projects with the languages, frameworks, and databases used, plus a linked GitHub repository or deployed URL so reviewers can see the code directly. Add relevant coursework such as data structures, algorithms, and systems design. Keep the entire resume to one page, intern reviewers spend seconds scanning, not minutes reading.
Are there remote backend software developer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the backend software developer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract applicants nationwide, so apply early once you find a fit and use the work-type filter to see only the arrangement you can commit to.
Can international students get backend software developer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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