Software Developer Intern at LAIKA Studios, 2026

Job Overview

• Company: LAIKA Studios
• Job Title: Software Developer Intern
• Job Type: Internship (Temporary / Full-Time)
• Location: Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
• Work Model: 100% On-Site
• Seniority Level: Internship / Entry-Level
• Required Experience: Junior/Senior Standing, Recent Graduate, or Certified Professional
• Salary Range: USD $20.00 per hour (Fixed / Non-negotiable)
• Reporting Structure: Reports to Core Technology Lead / Senior Software Engineer
• Industry: Animation, Feature Film, and Information Technology

Company Overview: Engineering the Imagination

LAIKA Studios is a world leader in stop-motion and CG hybrid animation, globally recognized for pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the big screen. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, we are a collective of artists, technologists, and innovators who believe that the best storytelling is supported by robust, cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of our LAIKA Studios lies the Core Technology Department . While our audiences see beautiful puppets and sweeping digital landscapes, our developers see the complex data structures, deployment pipelines, and custom applications that make those visuals possible. We operate in a highly dynamic production environment where software isn’t just a utility—it is the engine of creativity. We pride ourselves on a culture of excellence, where transparency and collaborative problem-solving lead to the development of tools used by the world’s most talented artists.

Role Overview

The Software Developer Intern is an immersive technical role designed to bridge the gap between academic computer science and production-grade software engineering. As an intern within our Core Technology team, you will move beyond theoretical exercises to work on high-stakes systems and tools used to build and deploy custom applications for feature film production.

This position offers a rare opportunity to see how software impacts the creative pipeline in real-time. You will be supported and challenged by a team of skilled professionals, gaining hands-on experience in a full-stack environment that values clean code, efficient algorithms, and scalable architecture. This is a role for a curious, logic-driven individual who is passionate about both technology and the cinematic arts.

Key Responsibilities & Production Duties

The Software Developer Intern will be fully integrated into the software development life cycle (SDLC), contributing to the stability and evolution of our studio’s technical ecosystem.

I. Full-Cycle Software Development

• Application Engineering: Participate in all phases of the SDLC, including requirements gathering from artists and technical directors, software design, rapid prototyping, development, testing, and eventual deployment.

• Code Refactoring: Work with senior engineers to identify and refactor existing code bases to improve performance, maintainability, and scalability.

• Unit Testing: Develop and maintain comprehensive unit tests to ensure the reliability of custom production tools and prevent regressions in a fast-paced environment.

II. Systems & Tool Management

• Configuration & Dependency Management: Learn the intricacies of managing software dependencies and configurations within a complex, multi-platform production environment.

• Third-Party Integration: Lead independent projects involving the research, testing, and integration of new 3rd-party software tools and APIs into our existing pipeline.

• Technical Documentation: Maintain high standards of documentation for all code, ensuring that tools are accessible and maintainable for current and future team members.

III. Collaboration & Professionalism

• Best Practices: Adhere to industry-standard best practices, including rigorous use of style guides and participation in peer code reviews.

• Cross-Departmental Support: Work closely with Technical Directors to understand the specific needs of the animation and fabrication departments, translating those needs into technical requirements.

Required and Preferred Qualifications at LAIKA Studios

Academic and Certification Standards

• Educational Status: Currently enrolled as a Junior or Senior in an accredited college or university, or a recent graduate within the last 12 months.

• Field of Study: A focus in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Alternative Paths: We also accept candidates who have recently completed intensive Computer Science or Engineering-related certificates from reputable non-degree programs.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Programming Proficiency: Proficiency in at least one major programming language such as Python, C++, or Node.js .

• Foundational Knowledge: A strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming (OOP) principles.

• Graphics Exposure: Prior experience or a strong interest in 3D graphics, rendering, visual effects (VFX), or video encoding is highly desirable.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position is on-site at our Hillsboro studio to ensure direct collaboration with our engineering team and access to our secure production servers.

• Physical Demands: Standard office tasks including the use of computers and standard office equipment. The role involves walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.

• Visual Acuity: Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are required for extensive coding and debugging tasks.

• Work Environment: Typical professional office conditions with quiet to moderate noise levels and variable indoor temperatures.

Benefits and Perks

• Mentorship: Work directly with Senior Software Engineers who are leaders in the field of animation technology.

• Cutting-Edge Stack: Gain exposure to proprietary tools and industry-standard software used in Academy Award-winning productions.

• Studio Culture: Access to exclusive screenings, guest speakers, and a collaborative environment where art and technology collide.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities to own independent research projects that contribute directly to the studio’s technical roadmap.

Application Process & Deadlines

Deadline for Submission: Friday, March 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM PDT.

To be considered for the Summer 2026 Software Developer Internship, please submit a professional resume highlighting your programming projects, GitHub repository links (if applicable), and any relevant coursework or certifications.

Note on Compensation: This position is paid at a set, non-negotiable rate of $20.00 per hour .

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