Software Developer Spring Co-op 2027

IBM; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on projects

Mentorship

Career growth

Job summary

IBM Software invites a Software Developer Co‑op to join engineering teams in a hands‑on role. You will design, build, and test software powering cloud, AI, and hybrid‑platform solutions while collaborating with experienced IBM developers in an Agile environment.

This 16‑week program runs Spring 2027 (Jan 19–May 7) with potential for a full‑time role between December 2027 and August 2028 after degree completion; ideal for students passionate about coding across languages.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and returning to complete it after the co‑op.
• Available to start full‑time between Dec 2027 and Aug 2028.
• Full‑time commitment for 16 weeks (40 hours/week) with no concurrent coursework during the term.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, testing, and debugging of software in frontend, backend, or full‑stack environments.
• Work with multiple languages and contribute to cloud and AI‑powered platforms.
• Build user interfaces with frameworks like React or contribute backend services and APIs.
• Collaborate with team via Git and other tools; participate in Agile ceremonies and code reviews.
• Explore AI/ML, automation, and cloud‑native development within real IBM projects.

Skills

Python

Java

JavaScript

C++

Go

SQL

TypeScript

React

Node.js

Education

Pursuing Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE/Engineering

Tools

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

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.

We are looking for Software Developer Co‑Op students to join our engineering teams. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced IBM developers to design, build, and test software that powers our cloud, AI, and hybrid‑platform solutions. This role is designed for students who are passionate about coding—regardless of which programming language they started with. You will gain hands‑on experience in real‑world projects, learn modern development practices, and collaborate in an Agile environment where your ideas can make an immediate impact.

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.