Backend Software Engineer Intern Jobs in Charleston, WV

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping learners around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

What you'll do here:

As a Software Engineer, you will deliver a world-class experience for learners and instructors on our Cengage Learning Platforms (CLP). Working on a cross-functional team, you will implement an innovative, AI-first roadmap.

Following the Product Operating Model (POM), you will collaborate with product managers, designers, engineers, and testers to deliver high-quality, accessible, solutions to improve customer outcomes.

• Work on a high-performing engineering team focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Design, develop, and maintain end-to-end features across both backend services (Java/Spring) and frontend applications (React) supporting higher education platforms and products

• Build dynamic, responsive, and accessible user interfaces using React that enhance the learning experience for students and instructors

• Develop scalable, high-performance backend services and RESTful APIs to support frontend functionality

• Collaborate closely with Product, UX, QA, and other engineers to deliver cohesive, user-centered solutions

• Write clean, maintainable, and testable code, demonstrating modern frontend patterns (hooks, component composition) and scalable backend practices

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the stack, including UI bugs, API failures, and performance bottlenecks

• Contribute to platform modernization efforts, including frontend architecture evolution and backend service improvements

Skills You Will Need Here:

Generative AI & Emerging Technologies

• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and emerging technologies, including generative AI and LLM-based tools

• Experience integrating with or consuming AI-powered services (e.g., APIs for generative AI or intelligent workflows)

• Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools in day-to-day engineering workflows (e.g., code generation, refactoring, test creation, CI/CD augmentation)

• Practical experience working with agentic AI workflows, including using LLMs to perform multi-step tasks, invoke tools/APIs, and integrate with existing systems

Architecture & Cloud Platforms

• Experience building and consuming APIs that integrate legacy systems with modern solutions

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker; Kubernetes a plus)

Software Engineering & Product Delivery

• Experience developing full-stack applications using Java (Spring/Spring Boot) and modern JavaScript (ReactJS)

• Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including testing, debugging, and performance optimization

• Experience working in agile environments (Scrum, Kanban), contributing to iterative delivery

Collaboration & Communication

• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross functional and distributed teams

• Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and contribute to team discussions and decision-making

• Willingness to learn, take ownership, and continuously improve both individually and as part of a team

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

• 2-5+ years of professional experience in software engineering, with exposure to full-stack development

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.

Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com.

About Cengage

Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.