Software Engineering Internship Program (2027)

About the Role

The Software Engineering Internship Program offers an immersive, learn-on-the-job experience for individuals interested in developing software engineering skills. Interns will be embedded in engineering teams within the Product and Technology departments, assigned a primary project with clear deliverables, and mentored by a manager and a dedicated mentor. The work involves contributing to open-source software that powers Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, impacting how users discover, share, and contribute to free knowledge. The program also provides opportunities to learn about various departments and connect with the Wikimedia community.

• Duration: 4 months (late February 2027 to late June 2027)
• Hours: 40 hrs/week
• Location: Remote (US)*
• Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

Potential Team Opportunities

• Mobile Apps Engineering Team: Focuses on building native Android and iOS applications.
• Editing Team: Works on tools for editing across MediaWiki, including VisualEditor, DiscussionTools, and Edit check. Currently developing Suggestion Mode for VisualEditor.
• Data Platform Engineering: Empowers communities and the Foundation to gain insights through access to privacy-aware data and platform services.
• Release Engineering: Enables developers to confidently build, test, and deploy code changes by creating tools, infrastructure, and automation for fast and reliable software delivery.
• Connection Team: Aims to improve how contributors connect and understand their impact, focusing on the needs of campaign and event organizers and participants.
• Tools Infrastructure (with Observability): Provides a free, reliable, secure, and scalable cloud hosting platform for Wikimedia contributors and developers. The Observability team provides insight into the health, performance, and behavior of production code and systems.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Programming Languages: Basic experience with at least one back-end or front-end language (PHP, Javascript, Python) OR a mobile app language (Kotlin, Swift), OR a demonstrated interest in cybersecurity and/or privacy.
• Databases: Basic experience with databases.
• Scripting Languages: Basic experience with at least one scripting language.
• Additional Skills (for some roles):
• Basic querying and data manipulation with SQL or other query languages.
• Linux/command-line knowledge.
• Understanding of networking, operating systems, or distributed systems concepts (latency, throughput, error rates).

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and be resourceful in solving problems.
• Ability to stay accountable to deliverable requirements and deadlines.
• Effective and inclusive communication skills with diverse cultural and language communities.
• Willingness and hunger to learn, a positive attitude, empathy, and a sense of curiosity.
• The ability to flourish in a highly transparent and collaborative environment.
• A desire to make meaningful contributions to knowledge equity, free culture, and open access to global education.
• Eligible to work remotely in the US. Laptops and necessary software will be provided.

Specific US states and territories where hiring is currently possible are available. Hourly pay range: US$34.32 - $42.13.