Description

The Back-End Software Engineering Intern will support the design, development, and improvement of server-side services and APIs. This role contributes to backend codebases, helps implement database updates, and assists in troubleshooting production issues using logs and metrics. The ideal candidate is eager to learn modern backend development practices using Java (Spring Boot), relational and NoSQL databases, and event-driven communication patterns.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Build, enhance, and maintain RESTful APIs and backend services.

Contribute to server-side codebases by implementing features, refactoring, and improving reliability.

Implement relational database improvements/updates, including schema changes and query optimization (as appropriate).

Debug production code and support issue resolution using logs, metrics, and monitoring tools.

Collaborate with product and engineering teammates to deliver backend functionality that meets requirements.

Create or update basic technical documentation (API behavior, data models, runbooks).

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Currently pursuing, or recent graduate with, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Development/Engineering, or related field.

Experience or working knowledge of:

Java

JavaScript and/or Python

SQL and/or NoSQL concepts

Familiarity with backend frameworks such as Spring Boot (Java 21 preferred).

Experience (academic, internship, or personal project) with databases such as:

MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB (or similar)

Basic understanding of:

Linux/Unix-based systems

Networking fundamentals (HTTP, DNS, TCP/IP)

Git and version control workflows

Preferred Qualifications / Nice-to-Have

Exposure to ORM concepts and tools such as Spring Data JPA / Hibernate

Understanding of authentication processes and protocols (e.g., sessions, OAuth2/OIDC, JWT)

Exposure to event streaming / messaging patterns and tools (Kafka familiarity helpful)

Familiarity with Apache Avro for Kafka message encoding

Exposure to WebSocket concepts (real-time server/client communication)

Experience writing unit/integration tests (JUnit, Mockito, etc.)

Personal projects or GitHub portfolio demonstrating backend/API development

Competencies / Attributes

Curiosity, coachability, and a strong willingness to learn

Strong problem-solving and debugging mindset

Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate within a team

Attention to detail with a focus on quality, reliability, and maintainability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in progress or completed (Computer Science, Software Engineering/Development, or related)

Summary

At CenCore Group, we take security solutions from the industry standard to the CenCore standard. CenCore Group specializes in designing, building, securing, and maintaining AI ecosystems at the intersection of big technology and national security. CenCore Group strives to be the trusted and primary source for insight, analysis, and implementation of physical and digital security solutions associated with the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the NatSec space. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and qualified (Insert Job Here) with a (Insert Clearance Here) to join our dedicated team.

Cencore Group is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit and qualifications and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics. We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth. If you possess the necessary qualifications and a Top-Secret security clearance or higher, we encourage you to apply for the position of Access Control Officer with our esteemed organization.