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Entry Level Software Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Optiver

Software Engineer Intern (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

As a Software Engineer Intern, you'll work side-by-side with your mentor and teammates to build real-world applications that power a global trading firm. Your projects will be scoped based on your ...

Jump Trading

Campus Software Engineer (Intern)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

Our software engineering internship is an intensive 10-week experience with our technology team that designs, codes, tests, and maintains our distributed trading system and one of the world's largest ...

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Entry Level Software Engineer Intern information

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$13

$26

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How much do entry level software engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level software engineer intern in Chicago, IL is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $29.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level software engineer intern do?

An Entry Level Software Engineer Intern assists in developing, testing, and maintaining software applications under the guidance of experienced engineers. Interns often work on coding tasks, debugging, and participating in team meetings to learn about the software development lifecycle. This role provides hands-on experience with programming languages, tools, and collaboration within a professional tech environment, helping interns build foundational skills for a software engineering career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Software Engineer Intern vs Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Software Engineer InternSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fieldUsually holds a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often part-time or summer roles, in tech companies or startupsFull-time employment in software development teams across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and corporate IT departments for training and talent pipelineWidely used across industries for building and maintaining software products and systems

In summary, an Entry Level Software Engineer Intern is a temporary, learning-focused role often held by students or recent graduates, while a Software Developer is a full-time professional responsible for designing, coding, and maintaining software applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level software engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and typically a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, coding languages such as Python, Java, or C++, and development environments is expected. Curiosity, teamwork, and effective communication help interns learn quickly and collaborate well with peers and mentors. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to projects, adapting to workplace demands, and building a strong foundation for a software engineering career.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level software engineer intern?

As an Entry Level Software Engineer Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks ranging from fixing bugs and writing unit tests to assisting with the development of new features or internal tools. You'll often collaborate closely with experienced engineers, participate in code reviews, and attend team meetings to discuss project requirements and progress. Interns are usually given manageable, well-defined assignments that contribute to larger team goals, providing valuable hands-on experience with real-world codebases. This structure helps you build both technical and teamwork skills, while receiving mentorship and guidance from senior team members.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Software Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Software Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Software Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Software Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Software Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Engineer Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,460 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Software Engineer, Intern (Summer 2027)

Aquatic Capital Management

Chicago, IL

Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

As a Software Engineering Intern at Aquatic, you will join a fast-moving team building high-performance, distributed systems that power our research and trading infrastructure. You'll work closely with experienced engineers and quants to design tools, improve system reliability, and optimize our platform for low-latency, high-throughput data processing. This is a hands-on, impactful role-your work will directly influence live systems and research workflows.

Requirements:

  • Active student pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science, or other scientific disciplines with an expected graduation date between Fall 2027 and Summer 2028.
  • Solid programming skills in Python and/or C++
  • Strong understanding of algorithms, systems, and computer architecture
  • Curiosity about how things work, and a desire to build systems that do things better
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
  • Learn software design and testing techniques, such as Refactoring and Test Driven Development

Candidate qualities: 

  • Strong bias for action
  • Driven by accountability and internal urgency
  • Desire to independently seek best solutions
  • Preference for working in a team that focuses on delivering results aligned with Research goals
  • Comfortable providing and receiving actionable feedback in a collaborative team setting
  • Motivated by an ambitious environment and driven colleagues 

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