Software Development Intern Jobs in Palm Harbor, FL

IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• This internship supports U.S. Department of Defense-funded programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who do not meet this requirement cannot be considered for this position.
• Applicants must remain actively enrolled in an undergraduate degree program for the duration of the internship. Individuals who have already graduated prior to the internship start date are not eligible for this position.

Please Note: Authorization to work in the United States (including F-1 OPT/CPT, H-1B, or other employment authorization) does not satisfy this requirement. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for this internship. Applicants who do not meet these eligibility requirements cannot be considered for this internship.
Organization Summary
The University of South Florida (USF) Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) provides agile, best-value engineering solutions to enhance the performance, effectiveness of its sponsors, including the Department of Defense; other federal, state, and local agencies; and industry. These engineering solutions include hardware-and-software-based research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and technical services. The position title for this job application is "Research Data Intern". This internship program will complement CDAO and its component persistent workforce, enabling them to develop solutions to datarelated problems. The Intern will work with the CDAO Team to develop business analytic methodologies and tools to support Special Operations resourcing decisions.
Time Commitment

• Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
• Fall & Spring Semester: 15-20 hours per week.
• Summer Semester: 20-29 hours per week.
• Internship is primarily in-person (Tampa, FL) with limited remote work opportunities.

Opportunities

• Work directly alongside AFS engineers and data scientists.
• Gain hands-on experience with emerging AI and machine learning technologies.
• Build a professional portfolio of data science and software development projects.
• High potential for internship extensions and full-time employment opportunities following graduation.

Pay Rate

• $18.50/hour

Responsibilities
Project Flexibility & Collaboration

• Understand and perform Program Management (PM) functions in support of program development.
• Develop business analytic methodologies and tools to support resourcing decisions.
• Define and implement program and product management processes to improve the effectiveness of the Team.
• Design, prototype, and test various software systems.
• Contribute to the development of user-friendly interfaces for displaying analyzed data and AI model outputs.

Qualifications
Desired Skills and Position Qualifications:
Candidates for this internship should be full-time students in a related field of study. Candidates should have hands-on classroom/team project technical experience. The Institute of Applied Engineering values individuals who demonstrate a passion for problem solving and a willingness to learn.
General Skills:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Current GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Pursuing a bachelor's degree at a local accredited University with a Junior or Senior standing.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.
• Good communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Security Clearance is not required but preferred.

Specific Skills:

• Experience working in groups.
• Must be willing and able to work in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment
• Software Design / Software app experience

About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.