Backend Engineer Intern

Tinder; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Tinder is seeking a Backend Engineer Intern to join our hybrid program in California. You’ll partner with senior engineers to design and improve Tinder’s backend, building scalable services on AWS and tackling data-heavy challenges that touch billions of events daily.

You’ll gain access to Generative AI tools and contribute to real-world engineering solutions while learning from a world-class team committed to safety and innovation.

Qualifications

• Aspiring backend developer excited by large-scale challenges.
• Proficiency in at least one language (Java, Python, Scala, TypeScript, Node.js).
• Foundational CS knowledge: data structures and algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across Tinder Engineering to expand the service platform.
• Develop and operate scalable distributed services on AWS.
• Build large-scale distributed systems handling billions of events daily.
• Write unit and integration tests.
• Explore Generative AI tools and apply them to real projects.

Skills

Backend development

Distributed systems

AWS

Generative AI

Unit testing

Education

BS/BA in Computer Science or related field

MS/PhD in Computer Science (nice to have)

Tools

Kafka

gRPC

Protobuf

Elasticsearch

Redis

DynamoDB

S3

RDS

ElastiCache

Job description

Our Mission

As humans, there are few things more exciting than meeting someone new. At Tinder, we’re inspired by the challenge of keeping the magic of human connection alive. With tens of millions of users, hundreds of millions of downloads, 2+ billion swipes per day, 20+ million matches per day, and a presence in 190+ countries, our reach is expansive—and rapidly growing.

We work together to solve complex problems. Behind the simplicity of every match, we think deeply about human relationships, behavioral science, network economics, AI and ML, online and real-world safety, cultural nuances, loneliness, love, sex, and more.

Our Values

• Take the Lead: We don't ghost our work or each other. Just as users don't leave their matches hanging, we don't let each other down.
• Move Fast: We have a bias for action and urgency. Something that could be done tomorrow would be better if done today.
• Better Together: We keep connection at the heart of dating and at the heart of how we work. Just as our users are better when they connect with others, so are we when we collaborate.
• Real Talk: We say the hard thing the human way. Just as we ask our users to behave with kindness and candor in our community, we expect Team Tinder to do the same.
• Safety First: We act with integrity, transparency, and consistency so people feel safe—whether they're swiping, matching, or working alongside us.
• Spark Fun: We have fun to unlock creativity, fuel innovation, and help us build better experiences for daters.

Program Duration

The internship program will run from June 1 through August 31, 2027.

Where you’ll work

This is a hybrid role that requires in-office collaboration three days per week in either Los Angeles or Palo Alto, California.

About the Role

As a Backend Engineer Intern at Tinder, you will partner directly with senior members of the engineering team and be empowered to contribute solutions to Tinder’s backend system. We are deeply invested in improving architecture design, exploring and leveraging new technologies in interesting ways to deliver an app that continues to shape how people connect globally.

What you'll do:

• Collaborate across Tinder Engineering on the expansion of our service platform.
• Develop and operate scalable and resilient distributed services that run on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Build large scale distributed systems that handle billions of data events a day.
• Write unit and integration tests.
• Access to cutting-edge Generative AI tools and the opportunity to apply them in real-world engineering work.

What we're looking for:

• Aspiring backend developer who’s excited to work on large scale challenges with cutting-edge technology.
• Proficiency in coding with at least one language (Java, Scala, Python,Typescript, Nodejs, etc.).
• Foundational knowledge of basic Computer Science principles: data structures and algorithms.
• Curiosity and creativity in leveraging Generative AI to reimagine feature building and development workflows.
• Currently pursuing a BS/BA, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or a related field.

Nice to have:

• Prior internship or work experience on backend systems.
• Completed relevant project experience (i.e. hackathons, personal projects, GitHub, Open Source, volunteer coding experience etc.).
• Knowledge of technologies such as; Protocol Buffers, gRPC, Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, ElasticSearch, Redis.
• Aware of AWS technologies like; DynamoDB, S3, RDS, ElastiCache.

Commitment to Inclusion

At Tinder, we don’t just accept difference, we celebrate it. We strive to build a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of our members around the world, and we value unique perspectives and backgrounds. Even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications, we invite you to apply and show us how your skills could transfer. Tinder is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace where we welcome people of all sexes, gender identities, races, ethnicities, disabilities, and other lived experiences. Learn more here: https://www.lifeattinder.com/dei

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition Partner directly.

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