Backend Software Engineer - Intern (Summer 2026)

An Introduction to Codal

Codal is an award-winning web design and development consultancy that helps enterprise organizations solve complex problems and accelerate growth through elegant, data-driven digital solutions. Our areas of expertise include application modernization, eCommerce, UX/UI design, product strategy, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

At Codal, you’ll collaborate with some of the most innovative organizations in the world and work on cutting-edge technologies that push the boundaries of design and software development. You’ll also be part of a community that promotes long-term success, not just for our clients but for each other. We’ll help you develop a professional roadmap that takes your career to new heights.

Who You’ll be Working With

Codal is seeking a highly motivated Backend Software Engineering Intern. In this role, you will have the opportunity to join live engagements and see consulting and engineering in action. Each intern will be paired with a dedicated mentor and get real feedback from both engineering and product leadership. Strong interns are often given full-time return offers.

As a Backend Software Engineering Intern, you will contribute directly to the implementation of new features, debug issues, and optimize existing code within a production environment. We'll need you to have a strong eagerness to learn and effective communication skills to actively seek feedback, document your technical findings, and successfully collaborate with your mentor and the wider project team.

You can expect to actively research and propose solutions that contribute to the modernization and maintenance of our systems and practices. Working closely with your mentor and team, you will learn how to deconstruct project requirements and tackle specific technical challenges within your primary area of focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement features on client applications under mentor guidance.


• Troubleshoot and debug issues in development, staging, and production codebases.


• Write clean, well-documented code following established best practices.


• Participate in code review processes to give and receive constructive feedback.


• Assist in testing by writing and executing unit, integration, or end-to-end tests.


• Research technical solutions and propose actionable recommendations to the team.


• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Managers and Designers on requirements.


• Document technical processes and contribute to team knowledge sharing.


• Actively participate in project meetings and provide progress updates.


• Seek and incorporate feedback to continuously improve technical skills and process understanding.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or closely related technical field with an expected graduation in Dec 2026 or May 2027.


• Experience or coursework demonstrating working proficiency in Python and/or Node.


• Familiarity with one or more cloud providers: AWS, Azure, and/or GCP.


• Basic understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and experience with version control tools, preferably Git.


• Experience or coursework with Backend Engineering




• Experience with server-side frameworks (e.g., Node.js/Express, Python/Django/Flask) and basic database concepts.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and ask effective questions.


• A strong eagerness to learn, intellectual curiosity, and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving.


• Ability to work in-person on a hybrid basis at our HQ in Chicago, IL for the full duration of the internship (June 1, 2026 - August 7, 2026).


• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional roles.

Benefits and Salary

• Hourly Rate: $34-40 per hour. The rate within this range will be determined based on the candidate's experience level and qualifications.

Need another reason to hit the “apply” button?

• Codal is a global agency with over 200 employees, and offices in the US, UK, and India


• We regularly host happy hours, dinners, excursions, and other company events to unwind after a hard day at work


• Office snacks and drinks + a fancy Bevi water machine with flavored water


• A recreational group that regularly competes in city leagues for softball and volleyball


• An office in the heart of downtown Chicago with a gym, food court, Walgreens, rooftop bar, outdoor sports court, and other amenities


• Working hybrid for in-person collaboration in the Chicago HQ on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays

Note: Codal only communicates with candidates through official @codal.com email addresses. We never request payment during the hiring process. Please be vigilant regarding recruitment scams.

At Codal, we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.