Software Engineering Intern, PhD, Summer 2026

This role may also be located in our Playa Vista, CA campus.

The application window will be open until at least September 7, 2026. This opportunity will remain online based on business needs which may be before or after the specified date.

In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:

Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment

Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance

Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability + Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks

Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks

Holidays: 13 paid days per year

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Mountain View, CA, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Austin, TX, USA; Boulder, CO, USA; Cambridge, MA, USA; Bellevue, WA, USA; Chicago, IL, USA; Irvine, CA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; New York, NY, USA; Palo Alto, CA, USA; Portland, OR, USA; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Raleigh, NC, USA; Durham, NC, USA; Reston, VA, USA; Redmond, WA, USA; Redwood City, CA, USA; San Diego, CA, USA; Goleta, CA, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Jose, CA, USA; Santa Cruz, CA, USA; South San Francisco, CA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Washington D.C., DC, USA.

Minimum qualifications:

Pursuing a PhD program in Computer Science or a related technical field.

Experience coding in one of the following programming languages including but not limited to: C, C++, Java, or Python.

Preferred qualifications:

Currently attending a degree program in the US and available to work full time for 12 weeks outside of university term time.

In their penultimate academic year or returning to a degree program after

completion of the internship.

Experience conducting research in Algorithms, Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Compilers, Database, Data Mining, Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, Networking, or Systems.

Experience in computer science, data structures, algorithms, and software design.

About the job

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and it’s in the candidate’s best interest to apply early. The anticipated application window is open until February 26, 2027, but may close earlier if all available projects are full. Applications submitted after the application window or once role is closed/projects are full will not be considered.

Timing on when you can hear back will vary and can take upwards of 90+ days. If you haven’t heard from us in three months about an application, we likely proceeded with other candidates for that particular role. However, our recruiters might reach out if we find a different potential match for your skills, interests, and experience.

Participation in the internship program requires that you are located in the United States for the duration of the internship program.

This internship is intended for students in their penultimate academic year, who are currently pursuing a PhD degree program in Computer Science or a related field.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for this internship program.

To start the application process, you will need an updated CV or resume and a current unofficial or official transcript in English. Click on the “Apply” button on this page and provide the required materials in the appropriate sections (PDFs preferred):

1. In the “Resume Section:” attach an updated CV or resume.

Please ensure your anticipated graduation date (in MM/YY) is listed on the resume.

2. In the “Education Section:” attach a current or recent unofficial or official transcript in English.

Under “Degree Status,” select “Now attending” to upload a transcript.

Join us for a unique 12-14 week paid internship that offers personal and professional development, an executive speaker series, and community-building. The Software Engineering Internship program will give you an opportunity to work on complex computer science solutions, develop scalable, distributed software systems, and also collaborate on multitudes of smaller projects that have universal appeal.

We offer a range of internships in either Software Engineering or Site-Reliability Engineering across North America, including the US and Canada. Our recruitment team will determine where you fit best based on your resume.

As a Software Engineering Intern, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs. Google is working to advance the state of the art in computing and build the next generation of intelligent systems for all Google products. To achieve this, we work on projects that utilize the latest computer science techniques developed by skilled software developers. Whether we're shaping the future of sustainability, optimizing algorithms, or pioneering AI systems, our teams strive to continuously progress science, advance society, and improve the lives of billions of people.

Software Engineering Intern:

As a key member of a versatile team, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs. We need our engineers to be versatile, and enthusiastic in addressing problems as we continue to push technology forward. You will design, test, deploy, and maintain software solutions as you grow and evolve during your internship.

Site Reliability Intern:

Our engineers create, fix, extend, and scale the code to keep it working and to harden it against all the bad actors of the internet. We drive reliability and performance on a massive scale. You will work on software development projects to keep important business generating-critical systems up and running, from code-level troubleshooting of traffic anomalies to maintenance of our services, from monitoring and alerts to building automation infrastructure.

Google is and always will be an engineering company. We hire people with a broad set of technical skills who are ready to address some of technology's greatest challenges and make an impact on millions, if not billions, of users. At Google, engineers not only revolutionize search, they routinely work on massive scalability and storage solutions, large-scale applications and entirely new platforms for developers around the world. From Google Ads to Chrome, Android to YouTube, Social to Local, Google engineers are changing the world one technological achievement after another.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $118000 - $157000 (USD) + 0% bonus target

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

Develop scripts to automate routine tasks.

Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution to effectively solve issues.

Apply knowledge gained in computer science courses to real world challenges.

Create and support a productive and innovative team including working with peers, managers, and teams.