Software Developer Internships

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. Openings are concentrated in {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Meta, Tesla, and Innovative Defense Technologies among the employers posting roles now.

Find Software Developer Internships

Overview

Open roles129+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerMeta
Top cityPalo Alto, CA
Work type45% Hybrid
Top credentialDoctoral degree in Computer Science

Showing 4 of 129+ Software Developer Internships

Bose
Embedded Software Engineer Co-op - Audio Tech
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Bose
New 23h ago
Embedded Software Engineer Co-op - Audio Tech
Bose
Framingham, Massachusetts
Project Management
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Technical Product & Program Management
$29 - $37.25/hr
Bachelor of Science
1,001-5,000

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Keysight Technologies
Software Development Engineer Intern - 6G Digital Twin and Visualization Platform
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Keysight Technologies
Added 1d ago
Software Development Engineer Intern - 6G Digital Twin and Visualization Platform
Keysight Technologies
Santa Rosa, California
Business Development
Marketing
Sales
$38.31 - $48.62/hr
10,000+

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Amazon.com
Software Development Engineer (Embedded Systems) Intern, Amazon Leo - Summer 2027 (USA)
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Amazon.com
Added 1d ago
Software Development Engineer (Embedded Systems) Intern, Amazon Leo - Summer 2027 (USA)
Amazon.com
Northridge, California
Business Operations
Program Management
Project Management
$109k - $119k/yr
10,000+

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Raytheon
Software Engineer Co-op (January 2027)
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Raytheon
Added 1d ago
Software Engineer Co-op (January 2027)
Raytheon
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
Technical Program Management
$57k - $109k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Software Developer Internship Market

Who's Hiring

  • Meta
    Meta14
  • Tesla
    Tesla11
  • Innovative Defense Technologies
    Innovative Defense Technologies9
  • Amazon
    Amazon7
  • Keysight Technologies
    Keysight Technologies5

Tips for Your Software Developer Internship Search

Apply in the fall for summer internships

Large technology and finance employers open summer intern recruiting as early as August and fill cohorts before the calendar year ends. If you wait until spring, the most structured programs are already closed. Set a reminder at the start of each fall semester and treat early applications as your highest-priority ones.

Build a GitHub portfolio before you apply

Recruiters assessing software developer intern candidates want to see code, not just a list of languages on a resume. Publish two or three complete projects, each with a clear README, the tools used, and working code, so every application you send includes a link to something concrete they can evaluate.

Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time

Campus career fairs surface structured university-recruiting programs you might not find posted publicly, and professors or career center staff often know which companies recruit from your school before roles go live. Applying directly to smaller employers running their own cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach without doubling the effort.

Practice coding screens out loud before your first interview

Software developer intern interviews almost always include a coding screen focused on data structures and algorithms. Interviewers weigh how you explain your reasoning as much as the final answer, so practice talking through your approach while you code, not just solving problems silently. Use timed sessions to simulate real interview pressure.

Target structured rotational and university cohort programs early

Many larger employers run dedicated software engineering internship pipelines, rotational programs, university cohort programs, and new grad tracks, designed to train people new to the field. These programs recruit months ahead of start dates and fill fast. Identify the ones that fit your timeline and apply in the first recruiting wave.

Set your work-type filter before you start searching

On-site roles are 38% of the software developer internships listed here, so decide what you can actually commit to before you start sorting through openings. Filter by location and work type first so you are only reviewing roles you can take, which makes it faster to spot the right ones and apply without hesitation.

Software Developer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a software developer internship?

Lead with coursework, personal projects, and a portfolio rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A linked GitHub repository or live project gives recruiters something concrete to assess your code and problem-solving before an interview. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.

Can a software developer internship turn into a full-time job?

Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for software developer interns is consistent performance on real work, whether the team has open headcount, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position for a return offer by treating every assignment seriously, without counting on one before the internship ends.

When should I apply for software developer internships?

Earlier than most expect. Large employers, particularly in technology and finance, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, sometimes as early as August or September. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking regularly and applying as soon as a role opens puts you ahead of later waves.

Are software developer internships paid?

Most professional software developer internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid internships do exist, primarily at nonprofits or very early-stage startups, but they are the exception in software development rather than the norm.

What should a software developer internship resume include?

Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects with the languages and frameworks used and a link to the code, a public GitHub repository is the standard proof for software developer candidates. Add relevant coursework, any technical skills, and a brief education section. Keep it to one page.

Are there remote software developer internships?

Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 62% of the software developer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract applicants from across the country, so apply early once you decide remote works for you. Use the work-type filter to see only remote or hybrid openings.

What is a software engineering new grad rotational program?

Rotational engineering programs place interns or new graduates on two or three different teams over six to twelve months, exposing them to areas like backend infrastructure, product development, and platform tools before they settle into a permanent team. They are designed for people early in their careers, recruit well ahead of the start date, and are competitive, apply in the first recruiting wave.

Can international students get 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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