Product Manager Spring Co-op 2027

IBM; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM is seeking a Product Manager Co‑op in Durham, NC, to work with engineering, design, and data science partners to support product strategy and define user needs. You will help deliver features that provide real value and gain hands‑on exposure to the product lifecycle during a 16‑week term.

The role emphasizes research, experimentation, prioritization, and stakeholder collaboration, with opportunities to join IBM in a full‑time role after completion of the degree.

Qualifications

• Must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at the time of application and returning to complete the degree after the co‑op.
• Available to start full-time between December 2027 and August 2028.
• Available to work full‑time (40 hours/week) at an IBM location for 16 weeks between Jan 19 - May 7.
• Co‑op requires a full‑time commitment; students should not be enrolled in concurrent coursework during the co‑op term.
• Understanding of product management principles and user‑centered thinking.
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts or data workflows through coursework or projects.
• Experience with Agile practices and collaborative work environments.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate insights clearly.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support product strategy, roadmap planning, and prioritization.
• Translate technical concepts—such as APIs, ML models, and data flows—into clear user stories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and refine features.
• Use analytics and user feedback to assess product performance.
• Apply responsible and ethical AI practices.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, research activities, and design reviews.
• Communicate updates and findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Product management

User-centered thinking

Agile practices

Data analysis

Strong communication

Problem-solving

AI/ML concepts

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Introduction

At IBM Software, we transform client challenges into solutions. Building the world’s leading AI-powered, cloud-native products that shape the future of business and society. Our legacy of innovation creates endless opportunities for IBMers to learn, grow, and make an impact on a global scale. Working in Software means joining a team fueled by curiosity and collaboration. You’ll work with diverse technologies, partners, and industries to design, develop, and deliver solutions that power digital transformation. With a culture that values innovation, growth, and continuous learning, IBM Software places you at the heart of IBM’s product and technology landscape. Here, you’ll have the tools and opportunities to advance your career while creating software that changes the world.

At IBM Software, we transform client challenges into solutions. Building the world’s leading AI-powered, cloud-native products that shape the future of business and society. Our legacy of innovation creates endless opportunities for IBMers to learn, grow, and make an impact on a global scale. Working in Software means joining a team fueled by curiosity and collaboration. You’ll work with diverse technologies, partners, and industries to design, develop, and deliver solutions that power digital transformation. With a culture that values innovation, growth, and continuous learning, IBM Software places you at the heart of IBM’s product and technology landscape. Here, you’ll have the tools and opportunities to advance your career while creating software that changes the world.

Your Role And Responsibilities

This is a 16‑week Co‑Op position designed for actively enrolled undergraduate students who are interested in gaining hands‑on, practical experience in their field while contributing to real IBM projects. To be eligible, candidates must be currently enrolled at an accredited university and able to pause their coursework for the duration of the Co‑Op, as students may not be enrolled in classes while participating. This role requires full‑time availability (40 hours per week) during the Spring 2027 semester between Jan 19 - May 7. Eligible candidates should also be available to join IBM in a full‑time role between December 2027 and August 2028 upon successful completion of their degree. We’re looking for Product Manager Co‑Op students to help build AI‑enabled and data‑driven software products across our teams. As an intern, you will work closely with engineering, design, and data science partners to support product strategy, define user needs, and deliver features that provide real value. This role offers hands‑on exposure to the product lifecycle while developing skills in research, experimentation, prioritization, and stakeholder collaboration.

What You’ll Do

• Support product strategy, roadmap planning, and prioritization.
• Translate technical concepts—such as APIs, ML models, and data flows—into clear user stories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and refine features.
• Use analytics and user feedback to assess product performance.
• Apply responsible and ethical AI practices.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, research activities, and design reviews.
• Communicate updates and findings to stakeholders.

Location Flexibility

By applying to this requisition, you acknowledge and agree to be considered for any of the listed locations associated with this position and are willing to work at the location where you are ultimately assigned.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program at the time of application and returning to complete the degree after the co‑op.
• Available to start full-time between December 2027 and August 2028.
• Available to work full‑time (40 hours/week) at an IBM location for 16 weeks between Jan 19 - May 7.
• Co‑op requires a full‑time commitment; students should not be enrolled in concurrent coursework during the co‑op term.
• Understanding of product management principles and user‑centered thinking.
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts or data workflows through coursework or projects.
• Experience with Agile practices and collaborative work environments.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate insights clearly.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Exposure to product analytics or data visualization tools.
• Coursework or projects related to AI, data, or software engineering.
• Familiarity with responsible AI or ethics frameworks.