Software Engineer Intern

Job Description

Software Engineer Intern | The Trade Desk

The Tone:
This is a hybrid internship at The Trade Desk, a global technology company, potentially in a North American location such as Denver, CO, that requires 3 days of in-person presence each week. The Trade Desk is dedicated to creating a better, more open internet for everyone through intelligent, principled advertising, operating a platform that handles over 1 trillion queries daily at an unprecedented scale. This role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to a globally connected team, helping to build a better media ecosystem and making a tangible impact within an award-winning culture built on trust, ownership, empathy, and collaboration. The company values the unique experiences and perspectives of its employees, fostering inclusive spaces where authenticity is embraced daily. Fortune magazine consistently ranks The Trade Desk among the best workplaces globally, reflecting its commitment to a creative, energetic, and collaborative environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Hybrid
• Location: Denver, CO (Hybrid)
• Pay: $46–$62 USD (hourly)
• Team: Globally connected team of engineers, interns, and cross-functional departments
• Mission: Own and ship a meaningful project that makes a positive impact while working on complex challenges at scale, contributing to a better media ecosystem.
• Tech Stack: Distributed systems, petabyte-scale data processing, machine learning/AI, UI/UX

What You’ll Actually Do
• Project Ownership: Own and independently ship a meaningful project from conception to completion, ensuring it makes a positive impact for the team.
• Mentorship: Gain valuable experience through one-on-one mentorship from an experienced software engineer, guiding your project development.
• Global Collaboration: Work closely with a globally connected team of engineers, fellow interns, and other departments across various cities worldwide.
• Technology Exploration: Engage with new and complex technologies spanning distributed systems, petabyte-scale data processing, machine learning/AI, and UI/UX.
• Problem Solving: Contribute to solving hard problems at scale within the context of building a better media ecosystem, eager to create new solutions.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program, indicating foundational academic knowledge in computer science or a related field.
• Experience: Expected to successfully graduate between Autumn 2026 and Summer 2027, demonstrating a commitment to pursuing a career in software engineering. Must be available to work 3 days in-person (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) in the office.
• Skills: Possess fluency in one or more modern object-oriented programming languages, coupled with a firm grasp on basic data structures and algorithmic techniques. Display characteristics of a quick and self-directed learner, taking ownership over design, planning, and implementation.