Software Developer Spring Co-op 2027

IBM; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 38,573,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM Software, Lowell, MA, invites undergraduates to join a 16-week co-op designed to gain hands-on software development experience while contributing to real IBM projects. Candidates must pause coursework and be enrolled, with full-time availability during Jan 19–May 7 and potential transitions to a full-time role between December 2027 and August 2028.

The role supports front-end, back-end, or full-stack work across languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, C++, Go, Rust, Swift, or

Qualifications

• Must be actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program and returning to complete the degree.
• Available to start full-time between December 2027 and August 2028.
• Available to work 40 hours/week for 16 weeks during Jan 19–May 7.
• Co-op requires a full-time commitment with no concurrent coursework.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, testing, and debugging of software in various environments.
• Work with languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, or others depending on project.
• Help build user interfaces with React or contribute to backend services and APIs.
• Use Git and collaborate with cloud technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Data structures & algorithms

Front-end/Back-end exposure

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

REST APIs

CI/CD pipelines

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.

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.

What You'll Do

• Support the design, development, testing, and debugging of software in front-end, back-end, or full-stack environments.
• Work with a variety of programming languages depending on the project (examples: Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, C++, Go, Rust, Swift, Kotlin, or others).
• Help build user interfaces using frameworks like React or contribute to back-end services and APIs.
• Use Git and other version-control and collaboration tools.
• Work with cloud and container technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, and REST APIs.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, code reviews, and technical discussions.
• Explore emerging technologies, including AI/ML, automation, and cloud-native development.

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.

(Guidelines - transferable skills are encouraged)

• Coursework or project experience in software development using any programming language.
• Familiarity with fundamental concepts such as data structures, basic algorithms, or debugging.
• Exposure to front-end or back-end technologies (React, Node.js, Python, Java, SQL, etc.).
• Experience using Git or similar version control tools.
• Interest in cloud computing, containers, or modern deployment practices.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and learn quickly in a team environment.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Experience with cloud services (IBM Cloud, AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Familiarity with REST APIs and databases (relational or NoSQL).
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines or automation tools.
• Personal or open-source projects that demonstrate creativity and initiative.
• Understanding of Agile development methods.