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Backend Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Backend Intern information

What are some common challenges Backend Interns face when joining a new development team?

Backend Interns often encounter challenges such as understanding existing codebases, adapting to various development tools, and learning team-specific workflows. Integrating with ongoing projects may require quickly grasping the architecture and deployment processes used by the team. Open communication with mentors and proactive learning are key to overcoming these hurdles and contributing effectively. Many teams offer onboarding sessions and pair programming to help interns acclimate and build confidence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backend Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like Python, Java, or Node.js, and a basic grasp of database concepts, often supported by coursework or personal projects. Familiarity with version control systems (such as Git), RESTful APIs, and cloud platforms is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication make candidates stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for rapidly adapting to real-world development environments and contributing effectively to team-based software projects.

What does a Backend Intern do?

A Backend Intern assists in developing and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They typically work with programming languages like Python, Java, or Node.js and interact with databases such as MySQL or MongoDB. Their responsibilities may include writing clean code, testing and debugging applications, and collaborating with front-end developers to ensure seamless integration. Backend Interns also help optimize application performance and may participate in code reviews and documentation.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Backend Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Backend Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Backend Intern job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.
AI/ML Research and Development Intern

AI/ML Research and Development Intern

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

We are seeking graduate students with artificial intelligence/ machine learning (AI/ML) experience to join Visualization and Decision Support Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. looking to support our mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate.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.

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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