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 Technology & Software, Manufacturing, and Retail, with TikTok, Tesla, and Palantir Technologies among the employers posting roles now.

Find Software Developer Internships

Overview

Open roles234+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerTikTok
Top citySan Jose, CA
Work type92% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 234+ Software Developer Internships

IPConfigure, Inc.
Software Technical Support Engineer Intern
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IPConfigure, Inc.
New 1m ago
Software Technical Support Engineer Intern
IPConfigure, Inc.
Norfolk, Virginia
Customer Support
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Technical Product & Program Management
Technical Program Management
On-Site
11-50

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NVIDIA
Performance Engineer Intern, Systems Software- Fall 2026
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NVIDIA
New 1m ago
Performance Engineer Intern, Systems Software- Fall 2026
NVIDIA
St. Louis, Missouri
Software Engineering
Systems Administration
Technical Program Management
$20 - $71/hr
10,000+

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Tesla
Internship, Software Engineer Diagnostics, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)
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Tesla
New 1m ago
Internship, Software Engineer Diagnostics, Energy Engineering (Fall 2026)
Tesla
Palo Alto, California
Backend Engineering
Full-stack Engineering
Software Engineering
$20 - $50/hr
On-Site
10,000+

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Electronic Arts
Rendering Software Engineer Intern
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Electronic Arts
New 1m ago
Rendering Software Engineer Intern
Electronic Arts
Orlando, Florida
Content Marketing
Creative & Design
Multimedia Production
On-Site
10,000+

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Electronic Arts
Rendering Software Engineer Intern - FALL 2026
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Electronic Arts
New 1m ago
Rendering Software Engineer Intern - FALL 2026
Electronic Arts
Orlando, Florida
Product Management
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
Hybrid
10,000+

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Software Developer Internship Market

Who's Hiring

  • TikTok
    TikTok49
  • Tesla
    Tesla43
  • Palantir Technologies
    Palantir Technologies13
  • Amazon
    Amazon8
  • Rippling
    Rippling8

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software87
  • Manufacturing17
  • Retail11
  • E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces11
  • Electronics & Hardware7

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 92% 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 8% 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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