Data Engineer Intern Jobs in California
Data Engineer Intern jobs in California concentrate heavily in the technology, entertainment, and financial services sectors, with demand running strong across entry-level candidates and advanced graduate students alike. The Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego are the busiest hiring metros, anchored by employers such as Google, Meta, and Salesforce, all of which maintain large California operations with established internship pipelines. The most in-demand specialties are data pipeline development, cloud infrastructure engineering, and machine learning data tooling. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Firework
Join Firework – Where Innovation Meets Impact
Firework is redefining the future of commerce as an AI and video commerce company — combining cutting-edge technology, an exclusive network of enterprise brands and retailers, and a first-mover position to win the agentic commerce race.
We've built the world's most advanced and largest video commerce platform, trusted by global brands and leading retailers. But we're more than software — our compounding network effect grows stronger with every partner we add, bringing the energy of in-store experiences online and transforming how businesses engage, convert, and build lasting customer relationships at scale.
Having raised over $235M to date, led by investors such as SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and operating at global scale, we offer unparalleled opportunities to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful impact in the future of connected commerce.
If you're curious, ambitious, and energized by big ideas — Firework is the place to grow, lead, and shape what comes next. Together.
Summary
We are seeking a motivated and curious Data Engineer Intern to join our engineering team and gain hands-on experience building and maintaining data infrastructure. In this role, you will work alongside experienced engineers to support the development of data pipelines, data processing systems, and analytics tools that power business intelligence, product development, and data-driven decision-making across the organization.
The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in programming and data concepts, enjoys solving technical challenges, and is eager to learn about modern data engineering technologies and best practices.
This internship offers an opportunity to work on meaningful projects, gain exposure to real-world data systems, and develop technical skills in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
What you'll be doing
Assist in designing, developing, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure that support analytics, business intelligence, and machine learning applications
Support the development of ETL/ELT processes to collect, transform, and organize data from various sources
Write and optimize SQL queries and Python scripts to support data processing, reporting, and analysis
Collaborate with data engineers, software engineers, and analytics teams to improve data accessibility, quality, and reliability
Help build and maintain data tools and dashboards that provide actionable insights into business and product performance
Gain hands-on experience with cloud-based data infrastructure, data warehouses, and modern data processing technologies
Assist in troubleshooting data pipeline issues, identifying performance improvements, and implementing solutions with guidance from senior engineers
Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and team meetings while learning engineering best practices
Document data processes, workflows, and technical solutions to support ongoing development and knowledge sharing
We'll be excited if you have
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field
Foundational knowledge of Python and SQL, including experience writing queries, manipulating data, or developing scripts through coursework, projects, or internships
Basic understanding of databases, data structures, and data processing concepts
Familiarity with ETL/ELT processes, data pipelines, or data warehousing concepts
Interest in learning modern AI and data technologies such as Claude, Snowflake, BigQuery, Apache Spark, Flink, or Apache Airflow
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a willingness to learn
Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
A proactive attitude, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for working with data and emerging technologies
Previous technical projects, relevant coursework, or internship experience in data engineering, software development, or analytics is a plus, but not required
Location
The role is on-site and we are looking for candidates in the Bay Area who can go to the San Mateo office.
Compensation
The following represents the expected range of compensation for this role: The estimated pay range for this role is $20-$25 per hour.
The posted pay range represents the anticipated low and high end of the compensation for this position and is subject to change based on business need. To determine a successful candidate’s starting pay, we carefully consider a variety of factors, including primary work location, an evaluation of the candidate’s skills and experience, market demands, and internal parity. Candidates may receive more information from the talent partner.
Don’t hold back
We understand some candidates may see the above and not apply because they don’t meet all the qualifications. We encourage you to apply anyway; we often find talented candidates that fit many other opportunities we have and look for potential too, not just what you did in the past. As an equal employment opportunity employer, we are a diverse team that strives for an inclusive environment for all. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
See All 21 Data Engineer Intern Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Engineer Intern JobsData Engineer Intern Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Data Engineer Intern Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- TikTok11

- ByteDance4

- Meta1

- Cisco1

- MERCOR1

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in data engineer intern jobs across California.
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in computer science or data engineering
- Proficiency in Python or SQL demonstrated through coursework, projects, or prior internships
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure
- Familiarity with big data frameworks including Apache Spark, Hadoop, or Kafka
- Experience designing or working with ETL pipelines and structured data workflows
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
Data Engineer Intern Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a data engineer intern in California?
The concrete path is enrollment in a computer science, data science, or software engineering program at a California university or community college, combined with a portfolio of hands-on projects. California does not require a state-issued license for data engineering roles. Most successful candidates build project experience through university coursework, open-source contributions, or labs at institutions like UC Berkeley, UCLA, or Cal Poly, then apply directly to internship programs during recruiting cycles.
Which companies hire data engineer interns in California?
Employers hiring data engineer interns in California right now include TikTok, ByteDance, and Meta, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of technology headquarters and enterprise software companies means internship openings recur consistently across the Bay Area and Southern California throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most data engineer intern jobs?
San Jose, San Francisco, and San Mateo account for the most data engineer intern openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of the concentration of major technology headquarters there, while Los Angeles is driven by its growing enterprise tech, media analytics, and fintech sectors, and San Diego benefits from its biotech and defense technology industries, which generate strong demand for data infrastructure talent.
Are there remote data engineer intern jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 16% of data engineer intern openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well data engineering work translates to distributed teams. Pipeline development, cloud infrastructure tasks, and data modeling are the sub-areas most commonly offered in fully remote intern formats by California employers.
How can I get hired as a data engineer intern in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is building a portfolio of personal or academic projects involving data pipelines, SQL queries, or cloud storage, then applying to structured new-grad internship programs at large California technology employers. Companies like Google, Apple, and Salesforce run formal early-career programs that explicitly target candidates without prior industry experience. Community college transfer students can also leverage the California Community Colleges system's tech partnerships to access referral networks and internship pipelines before finishing a four-year degree.
Where can I find and apply to data engineer intern jobs in California?
You can find and apply to data engineer intern jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each one without needing to create a profile or sign up first.
See All 21 Data Engineer Intern Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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