Software Engineer Intern - Berlin (2026)
Software Engineer Intern · Intern · Full Time
Opens Snowflake's application page
Role
What you'll do.
A Software Engineer Intern position at Snowflake's Berlin office focusing on cloud data platform development with hands-on experience in distributed systems, database engineering, and query optimization. The role offers 4-12 month duration with opportunities to work on enterprise-grade software used by global customers.
Responsibilities
- Develop Enterprise Software: Build enterprise-grade, reliable, and trustworthy software services for Snowflake's cloud data platform
- Database Engineering: Implement and test features in database internals, query compilation, and execution engines
- Large-Scale Data Processing: Work on high-performance data processing systems handling massive datasets for global customers
- Distributed Systems Development: Design and implement components for large-scale distributed systems architecture
- Query Optimization: Contribute to query compilation, compiler design, and execution optimization for improved performance
- Cloud Infrastructure Integration: Develop features that integrate with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams across different focus areas including XP, Search Optimization, and SQL Features
- Code Quality Assurance: Participate in code reviews, testing frameworks, and stability performance testing initiatives
- Research and Innovation: Explore cutting-edge database technology and research to enhance platform capabilities
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Programming Languages
Excellent programming skills in C++ or Java with strong understanding of systems programming
Data Structures & Algorithms
Comprehensive knowledge of fundamental computer science concepts and algorithmic problem-solving
Operating Systems
Understanding of operating system concepts, multi-threading, and concurrency programming
Systems Programming
Experience with multi-threading, concurrency, and low-level system optimization techniques
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Completed BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field
Graduate Studies
Currently enrolled in MS or PhD program during the internship period
Core Coursework
Required coursework in algorithms, data structures, and operating systems
Recommended Coursework
Database systems, distributed systems, Geospatial/Geographic IS, cloud computing, compilers
Experience
Academic Standing
Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college/university program during internship
Big Data Experience
Experience working with big data engineering, processing, and data migration projects
Team Collaboration
Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a development team
Bonus Qualifications
Research/publications in databases or distributed systems, geo features processing, open source contributions
Skills
Required
C++ Programming
Advanced proficiency in C++ for systems development and performance optimization
Java Programming
Strong Java skills for enterprise application development and distributed systems
Data Structures
Deep understanding of complex data structures and their optimal usage patterns
Algorithm Design
Ability to design and implement efficient algorithms for large-scale data processing
Problem Solving
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to learn quickly in dynamic environments
English Proficiency
Fluent English language skills for effective communication in international team environment
Preferred
Database Systems
Nice to haveKnowledge of database internals, transaction processing, and data warehouse design principles
Distributed Systems
Nice to haveUnderstanding of distributed computing concepts and large-scale system architecture
Cloud Platforms
Nice to haveExperience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform services and infrastructure
Big Data Technologies
Nice to haveFamiliarity with Spark, Hadoop, and other big data processing frameworks
Research Experience
Nice to haveAcademic or industry research in databases, distributed systems, or geospatial processing
Open Source Contributions
Nice to haveActive participation in open source projects demonstrating collaborative development skills
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Benefits
Competitive Compensation
Paid, full-time internship with competitive salary in the heart of Berlin's tech industry
Career Development
Post-internship career opportunities including full-time positions and additional internship opportunities
Mentorship Program
High level of access to supervisors, dedicated manager and mentor support with detailed guidance
Professional Growth
Exposure to fast-paced startup culture with opportunities to work on challenging projects with world-class experts
Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible working hours, casual dress code, and accommodations to work from home when needed
Team Integration
Full inclusion as Snowflake team member with participation in company meetings, activities, and decision-making processes
Office Perks
Catered lunches, access to gaming consoles, recreational games, and company-branded merchandise
Social Activities
Regular happy hours, company outings, and team building events to foster collaboration and networking
Learning Opportunities
Exposure to cutting-edge database technology, research projects, and enterprise-scale system architecture
Technical Infrastructure
Access to state-of-the-art development tools, cloud platforms, and enterprise-grade software environments
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Application Review
Initial screening of resume, academic transcripts, and portfolio projects focusing on relevant coursework and technical experience
- 02
Technical Phone Screen
45-60 minute technical interview covering data structures, algorithms, and basic systems programming concepts
- 03
Coding Assessment
Take-home coding challenge or live coding session demonstrating C++ or Java proficiency and problem-solving approach
- 04
Technical Deep Dive
In-depth technical interview focusing on distributed systems, database concepts, and systems design fundamentals
- 05
Behavioral Interview
Cultural fit assessment covering teamwork, learning agility, and passion for technology and innovation
- 06
Team Match
Discussion with potential team members to determine best fit among available teams like XP, Search Optimization, or SQL Features
- 07
Final Review
Final decision and offer discussion including internship duration, start date flexibility, and potential team placement
Full posting
Original listing.
Snowflake is about empowering enterprises to achieve their full potential — and people too. With a culture that’s all in on impact, innovation, and collaboration, Snowflake is the sweet spot for building big, moving fast, and taking technology — and careers — to the next level.
Snowflake started with a clear vision: develop a cloud data platform that is effective, affordable, and accessible to all data users. Snowflake developed an innovative new product with a built-for-the-cloud architecture that combines the power of data warehousing, the flexibility of big data platforms, and the elasticity of the cloud at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions. We are now a global, world-class organization with offices in more than a dozen countries and serving many more.
We’re looking for dedicated students who share our passion for ground-breaking technology and want to create a lasting future for you and Snowflake.
WHAT WE OFFER :
Paid, full-time internships in the heart of the software industry
Post-internship career opportunities (full-time and/or additional internships)
Exposure to a fast-paced, yet fun, startup culture
A chance to work with world-class experts on challenging projects
Opportunity to provide meaningful contributions to a real system used by customers
High level of access to supervisors (manager and mentor), detailed direction without micromanagement, feedback throughout your internship, and a final evaluation
Stuff that matters: treated as a member of the Snowflake team, included in company meetings/activities, flexible hours, casual dress code, accommodations to work from home, swag and much more
Catered lunches, access to gaming consoles, recreational games, happy hours, company outings, and more
Embraced as a full member of the diverse Snowflake engineering team
WHAT WE EXPECT :
Must be actively enrolled in an accredited college/university program during the time of the internship
Required: A completed BS degree, with an MS or PhD in progress
Desired Majors: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field
Required coursework: algorithms, data structures, and operating systems
Recommended coursework: Database systems, distributed systems, Geospatial/Geographic IS, cloud computing, compilers,
Bonus experience: Research or publications in databases or distributed systems, experience with geo features processing, and contributions to open source.
Experience working with big data (engineering / processing) and data migration
Duration: 4 month minimum, 6 months recommended, up to 12 months supported, start date flexible
Target start dates: February 2026 and onward
Excellent programming skills in C++ or Java
Knowledge of data structures and algorithms
Strong problem solving and ability to learn quickly in a dynamic environment
Fluent English language skills (oral and written)
Experience with working as a part of a team
Dedication and passion for technology
Systems programming skills including multi-threading, concurrency, etc.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN/GAIN :
How to build enterprise grade, reliable, and trustworthy software/services
Exposure to SQL and/or other database technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop)
Understanding of database internals, large-scale data processing, transaction processing, distributed systems, and data warehouse design
Implementation, testing of features in query compilation, compiler design, query execution
Experience working with cloud infrastructure, AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud in particular
Learning about cutting edge database technology and research
POSSIBLE TEAMS/WORK FOCUS AREA :
Execution platform (XP), Search Optimization (SO), SQL Features (Geo, Collations)
Database engineering, service runtime, streaming (data pipelines), metadata, Streamlit and cloud engineering teams.
High performance large-scale data processing
Large-scale distributed systems
Query compilation and optimization
Software-as-a-Service platform
Software frameworks for stability and performance testing
Snowflake is growing fast, and we’re scaling our team to help enable and accelerate our growth. We are looking for people who share our values, challenge ordinary thinking, and push the pace of innovation while building a future for themselves and Snowflake.
How do you want to make your impact?
For jobs located in the United States, please visit the job posting on the Snowflake Careers Site for salary and benefits information: careers.snowflake.com
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