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Software Development Engineer Intern Jobs in State College, PA

Software Engineer

University Park, PA · On-site

$105K - $200K/yr

... Software Engineer to join our AI for Visual Analytics (AIVA) Team at the Applied Research ... This position involves the design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance of a variety of ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$131K - $176K/yr

Responsibilities : • Highly experienced with low-level programming (C/C++) • Experience developing in scripting languages (Python) • Highly experienced in systems software development (Linux ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with ...

Estimating Intern

State College, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Use a computer based software (Agtek, Insite) to take off quantities, field measurements, or obtain ... Knowledge of: * Civil engineering and construction principles. * Estimating techniques, cost ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Development Engineer Intern information

See State College, PA salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do software development engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer intern in State College, PA is $24.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do software development engineer interns typically work on, and how much ownership do they have over their work?

As a Software Development Engineer Intern, you will often contribute to real-world projects that may range from feature development and bug fixes to prototyping new tools or improving existing systems. Interns are usually paired with a mentor and integrated into agile teams, where they are encouraged to take ownership of their assigned tasks and present their solutions. While guidance and code reviews are standard, interns are trusted to design, implement, and test their code, allowing for meaningful hands-on experience and a direct impact on product outcomes.

What does a software development engineer intern do?

A Software Development Engineer Intern assists in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications under the guidance of experienced engineers. Interns typically work on real projects, write code, debug issues, and collaborate with team members to learn the software development lifecycle. This role helps interns gain practical experience, improve programming skills, and understand how software teams operate in a professional environment.

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

AspectSoftware Development Engineer InternSoftware Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fieldUsually holds a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or related discipline
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often part-time or summer roles within tech companiesFull-time employment in software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, and large corporations for entry-level rolesFull-time professional role in similar environments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level experience and career progressionRepresents a standard professional role in software development

The main difference between a Software Development Engineer Intern and a Software Engineer is the experience level and employment status. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Software Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software development engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Development Engineer Intern, you typically need proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, often supported by coursework or personal projects. Familiarity with development tools like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and sometimes cloud platforms or version control systems is expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help interns collaborate and adapt quickly. These skills and qualities enable interns to contribute meaningfully to projects while growing their technical and teamwork abilities in a real-world environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer jobs in State College, PA? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Software Development Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Software Development Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer Intern job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,704 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Software Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our Applied Communications team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you'll implement and integrate advanced algorithms to support cutting-edge research applications addressing critical Department of Defense challenges.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes applications from transitioning military members.
You Will:
  • Develop software solutions for cutting-edge research in communications systems
  • Design applications, libraries, interfaces, and device drivers for diverse system-level requirements
  • Implement and test algorithms across multiple domains: underwater, terrestrial, aerial, and space-based platforms
  • Create signal processing software for advanced communication systems
  • Apply your technical expertise to solve complex national security challenges
  • Expand your skills into new and adjacent technology areas

Required Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Strong computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, networking, distributed systems, memory management, security, databases, and hardware integration
  • Proficiency in C++ and C with strong object-oriented programming principles
  • High-performance algorithm design
  • Software architecture and infrastructure design expertise
  • Advanced Linux environment proficiency
  • Modern development tools: Git, GitLab, Atlassian suite (JIRA, Confluence, Bamboo, Artifactory, BitBucket, SonarQube)
  • Containerization and orchestration experience with Docker and Kubernetes
  • Understanding of mobile app and front-end UI/UX development
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts
  • Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities with exceptional attention to detail
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with structured approaches to solution development

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
  • Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
  • Managing multiple concurrent projects and priorities
  • Signal processing and algorithm development
  • Background in cellular and/or wireless communications
  • FPGA programming
  • Database expertise: SQL, NoSQL, and/or Big Data systems
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and/or Java
  • Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
  • Translating business requirements into technical specifications
  • ATAK or WinTAK plug-in development experience
  • Cyber compliance policies and implementation requirements
  • Offline storage, threading, and performance optimization
  • Additional software languages (Rust, Bash, JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
  • Software libraries (Google Protocol Buffers, ZeroMQ, FastAPI, pytest, React, Tailwind)
  • Software tools (AWS, Vim, CMake, GDB)

You work location will be fully On-site in State College, PA Questions about work flexibility should be discussed with the hiring manager during interviews. Periodic travel required for field testing with small research teams
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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