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Backend Engineer Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Backend Engineer Intern information

What is a backend engineer intern?

Backend Engineer Interns are students or entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side components of web applications. They work with databases, APIs, and server logic to ensure smooth data flow and application performance. During their internship, they often collaborate with senior engineers to learn industry best practices, debug code, and help implement new features. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in backend technologies and prepares interns for a career in software engineering.

What types of projects and tasks can a backend engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Backend Engineer Intern, you will typically work on tasks such as building and maintaining APIs, optimizing database queries, writing unit tests, and assisting with the integration of new backend features. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, learning best practices for scalable and maintainable code. You may also participate in code reviews and contribute to ongoing projects, giving you exposure to real-world production environments and the software development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend engineer intern?

To thrive as a Backend Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like Python, Java, or Node.js, along with foundational knowledge of algorithms, databases, and APIs. Familiarity with version control systems (such as Git), cloud platforms, and frameworks like Django or Express is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills set top candidates apart in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable backend systems, integrating with other software, and ensuring efficient team collaboration.

What is the difference between Backend Engineer Intern vs Software Developer Intern?

AspectBackend Engineer InternSoftware Developer Intern
Required SkillsKnowledge of server-side languages, databases, APIsProficiency in programming languages, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentFocus on backend systems, server managementBroader software development tasks, front-end and back-end
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies with backend servicesWidespread across various software development roles

While both roles involve software development internships, a Backend Engineer Intern specializes in server-side and database work, whereas a Software Developer Intern may work on both front-end and back-end tasks. The Backend Engineer Intern role is more focused on backend systems, making it ideal for those interested in server management and APIs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Backend Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Backend Engineer Intern job openings:

AI/ML Research and Development Intern

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Graduate Student Intern

We are seeking graduate students with artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) experience to join the Visualization and Decision Support Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Interns will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies, participate in a Kaggle-style competition, and develop solutions to problems in computer vision and geospatial understanding.

Students selected will serve as active, hands-on, contributing members of the research staff at ARL. As part of this position, the candidate may:

  • Work within an agile development environment with other developers, scrum master, and product owners to scope, develop, and deliver quality software solutions.
  • Contribute to the research and development of unique algorithmic solutions for a wide array of sponsor requirements, with a focus on machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • Contribute to the development, testing, and transition of front and back-end software applications to various IT environments.
  • Support machine learning model development using tools and technologies such as: PyTorch, Pandas, PostgreSQL, AWS, Docker and similar technologies.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate machine learning models into existing systems and develop new ones to meet specific project needs.

Students studying Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Mathematics are encouraged to apply. Must have a bachelors degree and be enrolled in a masters or higher level degree program. Experience in machine learning is preferred.

Successful candidates will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and 40 hours/week over the summer. This is a paid internship located at either State College, PA or Reston, VA. Relocation and housing are not provided.


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