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Backend Software Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington, DC

The Senior Backend Software Engineer will build backend systems that support cyber capabilities, working on high-performance APIs and complex data modeling to improve operational effectiveness.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer Gaithersburg, MD Active TS clearance (SCI eligibility) and eligibility to obtain a CI poly required At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver impact to the ...

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer Gaithersburg, MD Active TS clearance (SCI eligibility) and eligibility to obtain a CI poly required At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver ...

Backend Software Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$100/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Design, develop, and maintain scalable and ... Optimize system performance and ensure high reliability and availability of backend services.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD ยท On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer Gaithersburg, MD Active TS clearance (SCI eligibility) and eligibility to obtain a CI poly required At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver ...

Backend Software Developer

Northern Virginia, VA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software engineer or equivalent practical experience * Hands-on experience developing backend services using: o Python o JavaScript / Node.js o Java (for enterprise integrations and services)

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Washington, DC ยท Remote

$65 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Senior Backend Software Engineer Location: Remote Employment Type: Contract Pay Rate : $65 - $70/ hour Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). The Role We are ...

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Washington, DC ยท Remote

$65 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Senior Backend Software Engineer Location: Remote Employment Type: Contract Pay Rate : $65 - $70/ hour Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). The Role We are ...

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Washington, DC ยท Remote

$65 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Senior Backend Software Engineer Location: Remote Employment Type: Contract Pay Rate : $65 - $70/ hour Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). The Role We are ...

Showing results 21-40

Backend Software Engineer Intern information

See Washington, DC salary details

$68.5K

$167.2K

$225.4K

How much do backend software engineer intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend software engineer intern in Washington, DC is $167,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,400.00 and $194,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectBackend Software Engineer InternBackend Software Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in CS or related fieldBachelor's or higher in CS or related field, with relevant experience
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, learning-focused, supervisedFull-time professional role, responsible for developing and maintaining backend systems
ResponsibilitiesAssist in coding, testing, and debugging under supervisionDesign, implement, and optimize backend services independently
Usage in IndustryEntry-level position for students or recent gradsCore role in software development teams

The main difference between a Backend Software Engineer Intern and a Backend Software Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and employment status. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Backend Software Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for core backend development tasks.

What does a backend software engineer intern do?

A Backend Software Engineer Intern assists in developing and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They work closely with senior engineers to write efficient code, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth data flow between users and servers. Interns may also participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation to support the overall software development process. This role provides hands-on experience with backend frameworks, database management, and industry best practices.

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

To thrive as a Backend Software Engineer Intern, you typically need a solid understanding of programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, along with knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and database fundamentals. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), RESTful APIs, and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns stand out in team settings. These competencies are crucial for building reliable backend services, collaborating efficiently, and contributing meaningful code in a fast-paced development environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a backend software engineer intern?

As a Backend Software Engineer Intern, you'll typically work on tasks such as designing and implementing APIs, optimizing database queries, and supporting the integration of backend services. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers, participate in code reviews, and contribute to team meetings and sprint planning. While you'll be given guidance and mentorship, you'll also be encouraged to take ownership of smaller features or bug fixes within larger projects, providing valuable hands-on experience with scalable systems. This role offers insight into how backend systems are architected and maintained in a real-world environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Backend Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What job categories do people searching Backend Software Engineer Intern jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Backend Software Engineer Intern jobs in Washington, DC are:

Backend Software Engineer - GenAI

Rune Technologies

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Rune Technologies builds mission-critical software for military logistics and sustainment, aiming to modernize the logistics technology backbone for U.S. and allied militaries. As a Backend Software Engineer focused on GenAI systems, you will design and implement production-grade AI systems to enhance the logistics domain, collaborating with a team of engineers and military stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Design, build, and deploy production-grade GenAI systems -- including RAG architectures, vector databases, LLM integrations, and tool-call frameworks -- in support of Saga, Rune's AI agentic product layer.
โ€ข Build and maintain evaluation and testing harnesses to validate LLM output quality and catch regressions in production.
โ€ข Collaborate with the broader platform and product teams to integrate AI capabilities into TyrOS workflows.
โ€ข Participate in technical design discussions and code reviews, contributing to a culture of engineering rigor and mission focus.
โ€ข Triage and debug issues in production, ensuring reliability and rapid iteration in support of operational needs.
โ€ข Work closely with engineers, product managers, and military stakeholders to ensure AI systems meet real-world sustainment requirements.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข 4+ years of experience in software engineering, with a strong backend foundation -- distributed systems, APIs, production-grade software.
โ€ข Hands-on experience building GenAI systems: vector databases, LLM integration, RAG architectures, and evaluation harnesses for LLM output.
โ€ข Familiarity with tool routing, tool-call validation, and common LLM failure modes.
โ€ข Understanding of the science underlying the systems you build -- not just how to wire them together, but why they work and where they break.
โ€ข Background at an AI-native company, or a clear transition from backend engineering into AI specialization.
โ€ข Strong sense of ownership and a bias for action.
Preferred:
โ€ข Experience with fine-tuning or model evaluation workflows.
โ€ข Familiarity with AI infrastructure: embedding pipelines and inference optimization.
โ€ข Experience working on software in defense, aerospace, or other complex operational domains.
โ€ข Experience deploying software to production environments, including cloud (AWS, Kubernetes) and edge infrastructure.
Company:
Rune Technologies develops AI-enabled predictive logistics solutions for military operations. Founded in 2024, the company is headquartered in Arlington, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.