Intern, Backend Engineering

Job Description

Job Title: Intern, Backend Engineering

Location: Cleveland (Onsite – 4 days in office)

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Manager, Software Engineering

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance

At CHAMP , we are redefining the technology used by Motor Vehicle Agencies and their stakeholders. We do so with innovative, cloud-based software that enhances efficiency, security, and interoperability. Our solutions replace outdated processes with modern, scalable platforms, enabling organizations to operate with greater speed and accuracy in an increasingly digital world.

The Internship

At CHAMP , our mission is to give interns a hands-on, immersive, and collaborative experience where their work contributes to real business goals. From day one, you’ll take on a project connected to CHAMP ’s current priorities, build practical skills alongside our team, and share your accomplishments at an intern showcase at the end of the 10-week program.

You’ll have a dedicated buddy and mentor to support you along the way, plus opportunities to connect face-to-face with executives and senior leaders. CHAMP also hosts lunch & learns twice a month that interns are invited to attend.

A midpoint evaluation will help you understand your strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and set priorities for the remainder of the program. A final evaluation will reflect on your contributions, progress, and continued development.

Building connections is part of the experience, too. Each summer program includes multiple social events, including a summer party and a Cleveland Guardians game. These gatherings give you time to get to know fellow interns and CHAMP employees beyond your day-to-day work, build friendships, and feel part of the CHAMP community.

Join a company recognized as #379 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 , one of Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers for 2026 , and a member of the 2026 Inc. Regionals Midwest list . We’re investing in our future and yours, with the goal of creating opportunities for interns to continue with CHAMP through an extended internship or a full-time role.

Your Impact

As a Backend Software Engineering Intern, you’ll work alongside CHAMP ’s Product Engineering team on meaningful projects that contribute to our technology and business. You’ll help develop the backend services, APIs, and application logic that power CHAMP ’s products, primarily using Java and Spring Boot. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges and see how your work supports CHAMP ’s technology and business.

What You’ll Do

• Work on a defined backend software engineering project with real business impact.
• Design, develop, test, and maintain backend software alongside experienced engineers.
• Write and test code primarily using Java and Spring Boot.
• Help build and enhance APIs and backend services that support CHAMP ’s products.
• Apply software engineering concepts, including data structures, algorithms, APIs, object-oriented programming, and software design principles.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, debugging, and other stages of the software development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with engineers, product teams, fellow interns, and other stakeholders throughout your project.
• Participate in team meetings and communicate project progress, challenges, and results.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field.
• Available to complete a 10-week internship of approximately 40 hours per week in Cleveland from early June through early August 2027.
• Academic or hands-on experience with at least one programming language, along with a willingness to learn and work in Java.
• Foundational understanding of software engineering concepts, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn new technologies, ask questions, and incorporate feedback.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Java, Spring Boot, or the Spring Framework.
• Experience with REST APIs, SQL, databases, or cloud technologies.
• Familiarity with Python for scripting or automation.
• Previous technical experience through coursework, internships, hackathons, research, or personal projects.
• Familiarity with Git or other version-control tools.
• Interest in backend development and working in a fast-paced, collaborative software company.

Our Values

Our values guide how we work and grow: Excellence Always, Better Together, No is a Stumbling Block on the Way to Yes, and Set the Standard. As an intern, you’ll put these values into practice by taking pride in the quality of your work, sharing ideas and learning from others, approaching challenges with curiosity and persistence, and finding ways to improve how we work. You’ll have the support of teammates who will help you learn, contribute, and build confidence along the way.

Hourly Rate

The expected hourly rate for this position is $22.50 per hour. This is a good-faith estimate, and financial compensation may vary based on experience and skills.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re here to help.

By joining CHAMP , you will be an integral member of our team, with many opportunities for personal growth and upward mobility in a growing organization. We have a culture that is flexible, collaborative, and welcoming.