Software Developer Intern - Summer 2027

POET; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

On-site fitness centers or reimburse

Gear reimbursements

Job summary

POET is seeking a Software Developer Intern in Sioux Falls, SD, to join our software engineering team. You will help build, test, and improve internal applications while gaining exposure to the full software lifecycle under mentorship.

You’ll learn C# and the .NET platform, relational databases, and SQL, with guidance from experienced developers. This on-site role emphasizes collaboration, code reviews, and practical problem solving in a corporate setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Currently pursuing a degree in computer science, software engineering, MIS, or related field.
• Familiarity with programming fundamentals and code writing through coursework or projects.
• Interest in learning C# and the .NET platform.
• Desire to learn relational databases and SQL.
• Basic understanding of web applications and how front-end/back-end components work together.
• Willingness to learn development tools such as Visual Studio and source control.
• Clear communication skills and ability to manage work and ask for help when needed.
• Curiosity about how software can solve real business problems.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Willingness to learn unfamiliar systems and adapt as needs change.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and improve features in POET’s applications with team guidance.
• Investigate bugs, support requests, and help resolve issues.
• Translate business needs into software solutions with analysts and end users.
• Use source control and participate in code reviews.
• Write and update technical documentation.
• Collaborate with teammates to plan work and share progress.

Skills

Curiosity

Problem-solving

Independence

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pursuing degree in computer science / software engineering / MIS

Tools

C#

.NET

SQL

Visual Studio

Source control

Job description

ABOUT POETAt POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.CULTURE IS KING AT POETWe’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIESAs a Software Developer Intern, you will work alongside POET’s software engineering team to build and improve applications used across the organization. You’ll contribute to new features, resolve bugs, support existing software, and help develop integrations between systems.You’ll gain experience throughout the software development lifecycle, including understanding a business need, designing a solution, writing code, testing it, and incorporating feedback. You’ll also work with developers, application analysts, and business partners to see how software supports POET’s operations. Most importantly, you'll have a mentor to ask questions and get feedback along the way.This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD and is not open to remote locations. Responsibilities include:Develop, test, and improve features in POET’s custom applications with guidance from the team.Investigate bugs and support requests, and help resolve issues.Work with application analysts and end users to understand business processes and translate needs into software solutions.Use source control and participate in code reviews.Write and update technical documentation.Collaborate with team members to plan work, share progress, and ask questions when needed.Look for practical ways to improve applications and team processes.The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLSHigh school diploma or equivalent requiredCurrently pursuing a degree in computer science, software engineering, management information systems, or a related field.Familiarity with programming fundamentals and experience writing code through coursework, personal projects, or prior work.Interest in learning C# and the .NET platform. Experience with them is helpful but not required.Desire to learn relational databases and SQL. Experience with Microsoft SQL Server is a plus.Basic understanding of web applications and how front-end and back-end components work together.Willingness to learn development tools such as Visual Studio and source control.Clear communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage assigned work and ask for help when needed.A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVECuriosity about how software can solve real business problems.A desire to learn from experienced developers and apply feedback.Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.The ability to work independently and collaborate with a team.A willingness to learn unfamiliar systems and adapt as needs change.Personal integrity and respect for the people who use and support our software.WORK ENVIRONMENTThis position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIESAt POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.PERKSA multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spirituallyOn-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursementsSafety and cold-weather gear reimbursementsPOET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.