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Game Programming Internships Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Games and operates under the brands Atos, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos offers a broad ... internships and graduate opportunities. For more information, please see the Atos corporate web ...

... around gaming, entertainment, music, sports, cooking, and more. It is where thousands of ... internship, school or solo projects. * Working knowledge of modern programming languages and ...

We provide interns with the skills and tools to be successful as they start their careers ... Breakroom supplied with games, couches, workout equipment + weekly in-office exercise classes ...

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Game Programming Internships information

What is the difference between Game Programming Internships vs Game Development Internships?

AspectGame Programming InternshipsGame Development Internships
FocusWriting code, developing game mechanics, optimizing performanceDesigning game features, creating assets, overall game design
Skills RequiredProgramming languages (C++, C#), software developmentDesign tools, creativity, understanding of game design principles
Work EnvironmentTypically in software or game studios, coding teamsDesign teams, collaborative environments, cross-disciplinary roles

Game Programming Internships focus on coding and technical development, while Game Development Internships encompass broader design and creative tasks. Both roles often overlap but target different skill sets within the game industry.

What are game programming internships?

Game programming internships are temporary positions within video game development companies that allow students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in programming for games. Interns typically work alongside experienced developers, contributing to coding, debugging, and developing gameplay features or tools. These internships provide valuable exposure to industry-standard software, workflows, and collaborative environments, helping interns build their portfolios and professional networks. They are an excellent way for aspiring game programmers to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

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

To thrive as a Game Programming Intern, you generally need a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, programming languages like C++ or C#, and coursework or experience in game development. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, source control systems like Git, and a portfolio of game projects are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing effectively to development teams, learning quickly, and making a meaningful impact on game projects.

What kinds of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during a game programming internship?

As a game programming intern, you'll typically assist with tasks such as debugging code, creating or refining gameplay features, and collaborating with designers and artists to implement new mechanics. You may also be involved in optimizing game performance, writing scripts for game events, or supporting the QA team in identifying and fixing bugs. Interns often work closely with experienced programmers, gaining insight into the full development cycle and contributing to both small and large-scale projects. This hands-on experience is valuable for building your portfolio and understanding real-world workflows in a game studio.
What are popular job titles related to Game Programming Internships jobs in California? For Game Programming Internships jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Programming Internships jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Programming Internships jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Programming Internships jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Programming Internships job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Programming Internships job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 50% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Software Engineer Intern (Ads Infrastructure) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Software Engineer Intern (Ads Infrastructure) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

TikTok

San Jose, CA • On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Medical, Life

Posted 29 days ago


TikTok rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Responsibilities
Global Monetization Product and Technology teams are building the next-generation monetization platforms to help millions of customers grow their businesses, utilizing our products like TikTok. Our team develops a wide variety of advertisements for numerous uses including feeds, live streaming, branding, measurement, targeting, search, vertical solutions, creative solutions, and business integrity. We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at our Company aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at our Company. Internships at TikTok aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order your apply. The application limits is applicable to TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date). Summer Start Dates: May 11th, 2026 May 18th, 2026 May 26th, 2026 June 8th, 2026 June 22nd, 2026 Key Responsibilities: - Participate in the development of a large-scale Ads system. - Responsible for the development of state-of-the-art software engineering projects. - Own key targeting components or strategies in the TikTok ads monetization ecosystem. - Work with product and business teams on product vision.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: - Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Master in Computer Science or a related technical discipline. - Excellent programming, debugging, and optimization skills in one or more general-purpose programming languages, including but not limited to: Go, C/C++, Python, and Java. - Ability to think critically and to formulate solutions to problems in a clear and concise way. - Deep understanding of computer architectures, data structures, and algorithms. - Very strong teamwork skills (e.g. communication, ownership, empathy, honesty). - Must be able to commit to a 12-week full-time work period during Summer 2026. Preferred Qualifications: -Experience in the advertising, e-commerce or gaming industry. By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here: https://careers.tiktok.com/legal/privacy
Job Information
[For Pay Transparency]Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern
The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $60.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Why Join Us
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect - and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.
We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
Diversity & Inclusion
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.
TikTok Accommodation
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at

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