Research Development Intern Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We help the world run better
At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

SAP's Industry Business Unit for Public Sector is a global team working with governments to transform how they budget, procure, manage, and deliver public services. We help public administrations move from fragmented, reactive processes to proactive, citizen-centric services powered by cloud technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Working across customers, partners, and SAP product teams, we shape how governments adopt innovation while influencing the future of SAP solutions for the public sector.

As an SAP iXp Intern, you will help shape how our team engages customers, partners, and the wider government technology community. You will contribute to initiatives that connect innovation, customer needs, and business outcomes while gaining hands-on experience in one of SAP's most strategic industries.

You will support:

• Creating thought leadership content, customer-facing materials, and industry insights that position SAP as a trusted advisor in government innovation.

• Translating complex topics—including digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and public service modernization—into compelling narratives for customers and internal stakeholders.

• Building and enhancing prototypes, demonstrations, and proof-of-concepts using SAP technologies to support customer engagements, innovation workshops, and industry events.

• Researching how governments worldwide are adopting AI and digital public services, identifying trends, and transforming findings into actionable recommendations.

• Preparing presentations, supporting executive communications, and assisting with workshops, customer meetings, and industry events.

• Supporting the validation, development, and scaling of AI use cases for government customers.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to combine technology, business, and public sector innovation while working with experienced professionals in a highly international environment.

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Science, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, Business, or a related field.

• A minimum of 12 months remaining until graduation at the start of the internship.

• Strong emphasis on candidates with a background in software development, computer systems, coding, or AI who also demonstrate business acumen and an interest in solving real-world public sector challenges.

• Curiosity, analytical thinking, and a strong interest in government, digital transformation, innovation, or emerging technologies.

• Ability to research complex topics, identify trends, and communicate insights clearly to both customer and internal audiences.

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.

• Fluent English (mandatory).

• Spanish is strongly preferred and will be beneficial as part of a global team.

• Experience with Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, AI, data analytics, or cloud technologies.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn SAP technologies and tools.

• Coursework or experience related to digital transformation, AI, public sector innovation, consulting, or international studies.

• Experience building prototypes, demos, or digital solutions through academic or personal projects.

You will join a high-impact, customer-facing Public Sector team operating at the intersection of industry advisory, emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and business development.

Working alongside experienced professionals and directly supporting government customers, you will gain first-hand exposure to enterprise software, customer engagement, solution design, and innovation strategy. You will work with SAP's latest technologies—including AI, cloud platforms, and intelligent automation—to build demonstrations and prototypes that help shape how governments adopt digital innovation.

Supported by an experienced manager and an international team, you will develop highly transferable skills in technology consulting, stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, AI innovation, and customer communication.

This is a unique opportunity to combine technical development with strategic business impact while working for one of the world's leading enterprise software companies.

Bring out your best
SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.  
We win with inclusion
SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At SAP, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.
SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with SAP and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team: Careers@sap.com.
For SAP employees: Only permanent roles are eligible for the SAP Employee Referral Program, according to the eligibility rules set in the SAP Referral Policy. Specific conditions may apply for roles in Vocational Training.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity,  gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.
Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.

AI Usage in the Recruitment Process

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Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
Requisition ID: 457672  | Work Area: Administration  | Expected Travel: 0 - 10%  | Career Status: Student  | Employment Type: Limited Full Time   | Additional Locations:  #LI-Hybrid