Entry Level Back End Developer : 2026
Introduction
At IBM, we're redefining what's possible through technology-and as a Back-End Developer Intern, you'll be part of that transformation. This internship offers hands-on experience building the server-side logic, APIs, and infrastructure that power enterprise-grade applications used across industries.
You'll work alongside experienced engineers and cross-functional teams to design scalable systems, integrate cloud technologies, and contribute to the development of secure, high-performance software solutions. Whether you're optimizing data flow, building RESTful services, or supporting DevOps pipelines, your work will help shape the digital backbone of IBM's global innovation.
Your role and responsibilities
As a Back-End Developer Intern, you'll be part of a dynamic team building the core logic and infrastructure behind IBM's enterprise applications. Your responsibilities may include:
- Software Development Lifecycle Participation Contribute to design, implementation, testing, and support of backend systems.
- API Development Create clean, well-documented, and user-friendly APIs (especially RESTful APIs).
- Cloud & DevOps Integration Work with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) environments. Use tools like Git and Jenkins.
- Server-Side Programming Develop scalable, reusable server applications and databases using languages like Java, Python, C++, Golang, and SQL.
- System Design & Architecture Help design large-scale systems that support continuous delivery both on-premises and in the cloud.
- Agile Methodologies Collaborate in Agile and DevOps workflows to deliver iterative improvements.
- Open Source Contribution Opportunity to engage with open-source communities across multiple disciplines.
- Technical Troubleshooting & Support Assist in debugging, performance tuning, and system optimization.
Required education
Bachelor's Degree
Preferred education
Bachelor's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
Must have basic knowledge in one or more of the following technology areas:
- Familiarity with one or more programming languages such as C++, C, Java, Ruby, Python, Perl, SQL
- Knowledge working with servers, applications and databases.
- Familiarity with APIs
- Basic knowledge of operating systems and how they work (i.e. Operating systems courses); Container technologies; Internet Services; and/or Managed Services
- Development Tools: Experience with software development tools such as Git, IDEs (e.g., Eclipse, IntelliJ), and version control systems.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a keen attention to detail.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Adaptability: Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing project requirements.
- Teamwork: Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Quick learner and a strong team player with good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Self-Driven and Proven ability to work effectively in a global team environment.
- Ability to make decisions and multitask.
Preferred technical and professional experience
- 1 year experience in one or more of the following technology areas
C++, C, Java, Ruby, Python, Perl, SQL, PLX
- 1 year experience with APIs
- Familiarity with MLOPs (Machine Learning Ops).
ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT
IBM Systems helps IT leaders think differently about their infrastructure. IBM servers and storage are no longer inanimate - they can understand, reason, and learn so our clients can innovate while avoiding IT issues. Our systems power the world's most important industries and our clients are the architects of the future. Join us to help build our leading-edge technology portfolio designed for cognitive business and optimized for cloud computing.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
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Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for up to 8 paid holidays, minimum of 56 hours paid sick time and the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan. IBM offers paid family medical leave and disability benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 15 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion
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