IBM Z Engineering System Test Back-End Developer - Systems Assurance Kernel (SAK) Intern 2027

Introduction

The Systems Assurance Kernel (SAK) team works in a fast-paced environment. We are working on bleeding edge technology, typically starting two years before the product is announced. Our tooling is used beginning in simulation and continues through initial hardware bring-up testing and ending with customer delivery. SAK plays a key role in every phase of design, test, and delivery.

Your role and responsibilities

Ability to create/write architecture verification software for IBM Z systems. Specifically, within the System Assurance Kernel (SAK) team.

Job will entail - Design, Code, Test and Debug. Collaborate with teams of development & test engineers, programmers and technicians.

SAK is comprised of an operating system, and an ever-growing suite of architecture verification and stress test programs. SAK has the flexibility to be used to locate and debug hardware and firmware issues on IBM Z servers. SAK provides a robust framework for verification of both the processor and input/output architectures.

This role could be working within the OS, Processor (CP) or IO side of the SAK team or a mix depending on defined project for the internship. Example IO would include FICON channel adapters, Networking protocol & adapter, and Coupling Facility. The CP & OS work varies depending on new features, operations, and functions being developed for the latest machine technologies. The SAK team has many years of proven methodology with a pseudo-random test approaches. The SAK test platform is used to verify machines in pre-silicon processor simulation and in all phases of post-silicon testing, including initial bring-up, regression & functional verification, manufacturing builds and field installs. Source code is stored in a Github repository and accessed / managed in the Visual Studio code development platform. In-house tools and processes have been developed to facilitate code compiles and library sessions.

Required education

High School Diploma/GED

Preferred education

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

Quick understand and utilize multiple programming languages

Interest and ability to read IBM Z architecture and turn that into functional verification programs

Excellent communication skills for a global role

Enthusiastic use of AI to accelerate development and transformation

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Familiarity with Cloud Platforms: Exposure to cloud-based technologies and platforms, such as AWS or Azure, can be beneficial for back-end development.
• Knowledge of Containerization: Understanding containerization concepts, such as Docker, can be useful in managing and deploying applications.
• Exposure to Testing Frameworks: Familiarity with testing frameworks, such as Jest or Pytest, can aid in writing efficient tests for back-end code.
• Interest in leadership opportunities

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Systems helps IT leaders think differently about their infrastructure. IBM servers and storage are no longer inanimate - they can understand, reason, and learn so our clients can innovate while avoiding IT issues. Our systems power the world's most important industries and our clients are the architects of the future. Join us to help build our leading-edge technology portfolio designed for cognitive business and optimized for cloud computing.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for up to 8 paid holidays, minimum of 56 hours paid sick time and the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan. IBM offers paid family medical leave and disability benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 15 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Job Title

IBM Z Engineering System Test Back-End Developer - Systems Assurance Kernel (SAK) Intern 2027

Date posted

27-Aug-2026

Job ID

129929

City / Township / Village

POUGHKEEPSIE

State / Province

New York

Country

United States

Work arrangement

Hybrid

Area of work

Infrastructure & Technology

Employment type

Co-Op (Fixed Term)

Contract type

Internship

Projected Minimum Salary per year

75,600.00

Projected Maximum Salary per year

138,600.00

Position type

Internship

Travel required

No Travel

Company

(0147) International Business Machines Corporation

Shift

General (daytime)

Is this role a commissionable/sales incentive based position?

No