Software Engineering Intern, PhD, Summer 2026

Google is seeking PhD students for their Summer 2026 Software Engineering Internship program, offering a unique 12-14 week paid opportunity that combines hands-on engineering experience with professional development and networking. As an intern, you'll work on critical projects developing scalable, distributed software systems and complex computer science solutions.

The role offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the chance to make real impact at scale. You'll join a team working on Google's core products and services, with opportunities in either Software Engineering or Site Reliability Engineering. The program includes mentorship, an executive speaker series, and community-building activities.

This position is perfect for PhD candidates in Computer Science or related fields who want to apply their research expertise in areas like AI, distributed systems, machine learning, or algorithms to real-world challenges. You'll get to collaborate with world-class engineers while working on projects that affect billions of users.

The internship requires full-time commitment for 12-14 weeks and includes competitive compensation ($113,000-$150,000 base salary range). Locations are available across major tech hubs in the US, including Mountain View, Seattle, New York, and many others. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until February 27, 2026.

Google offers a collaborative environment where interns can grow their technical and professional skills while contributing to meaningful projects. The company's commitment to innovation, scale, and technical excellence makes this an ideal opportunity for PhD students looking to gain industry experience at a leading tech company.

Note that candidates must be located in the US during the internship and have strong English communication skills. The role requires programming experience in languages like C++, Java, or Python, plus a solid foundation in computer science fundamentals.