2027 Software Dev Engineer Intern - ZAF

Amazon Inc.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 201,000 - 268,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Employee benefits

Job summary

Amazon internships across all seasons are full‑time positions, with interns working in office, Monday-Friday, up to 40 hours per week typically between 8am-5pm. Interns are matched to a manager and a mentor, gaining exposure to influential projects and opportunities for personal growth.

The program provides relocation support, competitive monthly salary, and access to a range of employee benefits, learning sessions, and a supportive intern community.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in bachelor's or master's in CS/CE/DS or related STEM fields.
• Knowledge of at least one general‑purpose programming language such as Java, Python, C++, C#, Go, Rust, or TypeScript.
• Knowledge of CS fundamentals such as data structures, algorithms, or object‑oriented design principles.
• Experience using AI‑assisted development tools in academic or professional settings.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary Amazonians to design, build, and operate innovative products and services that delight our customers, while participating in technical discussions to drive solutions forward.
• Break down complex, ambiguous problems into well‑defined, solvable components before implementation.
• Contribute to the design and development of scalable, reliable services, with distributed‑systems scope varying by team.
• Participate in code reviews as a core engineering practice, providing constructive feedback and validating correctness.
• Contribute to clear and accurate technical documentation.
• Use GenAI and AI‑powered tools to enhance development productivity, and critically validate, verify, and integrate AI‑generated code, exercising sound judgement about when to trust AI output.
• Write clean, maintainable code following best practices and design patterns.
• Work in an agile environment practicing CI/CD principles while participating in operational responsibilities including on‑call duties.
• Demonstrate operational excellence through monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues.

Skills

Java

Python

C++

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in CS/CE/DS

Tools

AWS

SQL/NoSQL

Git

Job description

Do you want to solve real customer problems through innovative technology? Do you enjoy working on scalable services in a collaborative team environment? Do you want to see your code directly impact millions of customers worldwide?

At Amazon, we hire the best minds in technology to innovate and build on behalf of our customers. Customer obsession is part of our company DNA, which has made us one of the world's most beloved brands.

Our Software Development Engineer (SDE) interns use modern technology to solve complex problems while seeing their work's impact first‑hand. The challenges SDE interns solve at Amazon are meaningful and influence millions of customers, sellers, and products globally. We seek individuals passionate about creating new products, features, and services while managing ambiguity in an environment where development cycles are measured in weeks, not years.

At Amazon, we believe in ownership at every level. As an SDE intern, you'll own the entire lifecycle of your code - from design through deployment and ongoing operations. This ownership mindset, combined with our commitment to operational excellence, ensures we deliver the highest quality solutions for our customers.

We're looking for curious minds who think big and want to define tomorrow's technology. At Amazon, you'll grow into the high-impact engineer you know you can be, supported by a culture of learning and mentorship. Every day brings exciting new challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

Amazon internships across all seasons are full‑time positions, and interns should expect to work in office, Monday-Friday, up to 40 hours per week typically between 8am-5pm. Specific team norms around working hours will be communicated by your manager. Interns should not have conflicts such as classes or other employment during the Amazon work‑day. Applicants should have a minimum of one quarter/semester/trimester remaining in their studies after their internship concludes.

Key job responsibilities

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with experienced cross-disciplinary Amazonians to design, build, and operate innovative products and services that delight our customers, while participating in technical discussions to drive solutions forward.
• Break down complex, ambiguous problems into well‑defined, solvable components before implementation.
• Contribute to the design and development of scalable, reliable services, with distributed‑systems scope varying by team.
• Participate in code reviews as a core engineering practice, providing constructive feedback and validating correctness.
• Contribute to clear and accurate technical documentation.
• Use GenAI and AI‑powered tools to enhance development productivity, and critically validate, verify, and integrate AI‑generated code, exercising sound judgement about when to trust AI output.
• Write clean, maintainable code following best practices and design patterns.
• Work in an agile environment practicing CI/CD principles while participating in operational responsibilities including on‑call duties.
• Demonstrate operational excellence through monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues.

A day in the life

As an intern, you will be matched to a manager and a mentor and will have the opportunity to influence the evolution of Amazon technology and lead critical projects early in your career.

In addition to working on an impactful project, you will have the opportunity to engage with Amazonians for both personal and professional development, expand your network, and participate in activities with other interns throughout your internship. No matter the location of your internship, we give you the tools to own your project and learn in a real‑world setting.

About the team

Intern Community:

As an Amazon Intern, you'll be part of a vibrant, supportive community that empowers your growth and development. You'll collaborate with interns from around the world, networking and participating in social events to broaden your perspectives. You can also join specialized groups focused on areas like sustainability to explore your diverse interests.

Support:

The internship program provides a robust support system, including weekly intern office hours, dedicated IT and HR support, and a program team committed to your success. This ensures you have the guidance and assistance needed to thrive.

Learning Sessions:

Exclusive learning sessions will further enhance your skills, granting you access to Amazon's cutting‑edge learning platforms and the expertise of industry leaders. These structured development opportunities will prepare you for the next step in your career.

Opportunities:

Upon successful completion of the internship, you may be considered for a graduate role or a second internship, allowing you to continue your journey with Amazon. Additionally, you'll enjoy a competitive monthly salary, relocation support, and access to a range of employee benefits.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in bachelor's degree or master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or related STEM fields
• Knowledge of at least one general‑purpose programming language such as Java, Python, C++, C#, Go, Rust, or TypeScript
• Knowledge of computer science fundamentals such as data structures implementation, basic algorithm development, or object‑oriented design principles
• Experience using AI‑assisted development tools in academic or professional settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous technical internship(s) or demonstrated project experience
• Experience with one or more of the following: Cloud platforms (preferably AWS), Database systems (SQL and NoSQL), Contributing to open‑source projects, Version control systems, Debugging and troubleshooting complex systems
• Strong problem decomposition, problem‑solving, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ownership and initiative in seeing work through from design to operation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly
• Basic understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC)

Amazon is an equal opportunities employer, and we value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. Amazon is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. Amazon requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.