Intern - IT Software Engineer - R&D Innovation Focus

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Join Nelnet as an intern and do real work that matters to our business. All Nelnet interns receive one-on-one mentorship, competitive pay, casual dress, flexible schedule, intern-specific programming, and meaningful work experience.

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Software Engineer Interns will support Nelnet’s Technology Diversification and Rapid Innovation Pod. As part of a broader technology strategy, the Tech Diversification group is evaluating the technical requirements necessary to deploy AI-assisted and pre-built applications into secure enterprise environments. This initiative focuses on backend systems, enterprise integrations, DevOps automation, and responsible AI-enabled development practices.

As an IT Software Engineer Intern – R&D Innovation Focus, you will research, evaluate, test, analyze, and document engineering approaches related to backend service development, build automation, CI/CD workflows, Git-based source control practices, containerization, and deployment strategies across both on-premise and cloud-based environments.

Under the guidance of senior engineers, you will assist in assessing how AI-generated and rapid-development applications can be securely validated, integrated, deployed, and maintained in alignment with enterprise standards for security, compliance, and operational reliability.

Interns will contribute meaningfully to a cross-functional team focused on developing new technology capabilities and evaluating potential business solutions. This role provides structured exposure to enterprise software engineering processes while supporting research and documentation of emerging development methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and maintaining backend services using modern programming languages.

• Support implementation of APIs and system integrations.

• Participate in Git-based workflows including branching, pull requests, and code reviews.

• Assist with configuration and validation of CI/CD pipelines.

• Support containerization efforts (e.g., Docker) and environment setup activities.

• Contribute to testing activities, including unit and integration test development.

• Participate in evaluation and validation of AI-assisted code under supervision.

• Document findings related to engineering practices, deployment procedures, and system integration requirements.

• Assist with deployment activities in development and test environments.

• Support analysis of on-premise and cloud deployment considerations.

• Gain exposure to cloud service configuration and basic infrastructure concepts.

Education:
Pursuing degree in an IT-related field including software development, computer science, or other related major.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

• Foundational knowledge of one or more modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go, or similar).

• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.

• Basic understanding of Git version control.

• Familiarity with REST APIs and backend development concepts.

• Understanding of basic DevOps concepts such as build, deploy, and CI/CD.

• Familiarity with cloud service platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure.

• Familiarity with container-based environments.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to backend frameworks or server-side development.

• Experience with GitHub or other Git-based systems.

• Familiarity with Docker or container-based environments.

• Exposure to deploying or configuring services in AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure environments.

• Interest in AI-assisted development tools and emerging software engineering practices.

• Experience working on academic, open-source, or personal coding projects.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.