2026 Software Dev Engineer Intern - ZAF

Do you want to solve real customer problems through innovative technology? Do you enjoy working on scalable services in a collaborative team environment? Do you want to see your code directly impact millions of customers worldwide?

At Amazon, we hire the best minds in technology to innovate and build on behalf of our customers. Customer obsession is part of our company DNA, which has made us one of the world's most beloved brands.

Our Software Development Engineer (SDE) interns use modern technology to solve complex problems while seeing their work's impact first-hand. The challenges SDE interns solve at Amazon are meaningful and influence millions of customers, sellers, and products globally. We seek individuals passionate about creating new products, features, and services while managing ambiguity in an environment where development cycles are measured in weeks, not years.

At Amazon, we believe in ownership at every level. As an SDE intern, you'll own the entire lifecycle of your code - from design through deployment and ongoing operations. This ownership mindset, combined with our commitment to operational excellence, ensures we deliver the highest quality solutions for our customers.

We're looking for curious minds who think big and want to define tomorrow's technology. At Amazon, you'll grow into the high impact engineer you know you can be, supported by a culture of learning and mentorship. Every day brings exciting new challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

Amazon internships across all seasons are full-time positions, and interns should expect to work in office, Monday-Friday, up to 40 hours per week typically between 8am-5pm. Specific team norms around working hours will be communicated by your manager. Interns should not have conflicts such as classes or other employment during the Amazon workday.



Key job responsibilities
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with experienced cross-disciplinary Amazonians to design, build, and operate innovative products and services that delight our customers, while participating in technical discussions to drive solutions forward.
- Design and develop scalable solutions using cloud-native architectures and microservices in a large distributed computing environment.
- Participate in code reviews and contribute to technical documentation.
- Build and maintain resilient distributed systems that are scalable, fault-tolerant, and cost-effective.
- Leverage and contribute to the development of GenAI and AI-powered tools to enhance development productivity while staying current with emerging technologies.
- Write clean, maintainable code following best practices and design patterns.
- Demonstrate operational excellence through monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving production issues.


A day in the life
As an intern, you will be matched to a manager and a mentor and will have the opportunity to influence the evolution of Amazon technology and lead critical projects early in your career.

In addition to working on an impactful project, you will have the opportunity to engage with Amazonians for both personal and professional development, expand your network, and participate in activities with other interns throughout your internship. No matter the location of your internship, we give you the tools to own your project and learn in a real-world setting.


About the team
Intern Community:
As an Amazon Intern, you'll be part of a vibrant, supportive community that empowers your growth and development. You'll collaborate with interns from around the world, networking and participating in social events to broaden your perspectives. You can also join specialized groups focused on areas like sustainability to explore your diverse interests.

Support:
The internship program provides a robust support system, including weekly intern office hours, dedicated IT and HR support, and a program team committed to your success. This ensures you have the guidance and assistance needed to thrive.

Learning Sessions:
Exclusive learning sessions will further enhance your skills, granting you access to Amazon's cutting-edge learning platforms and the expertise of industry leaders. These structured development opportunities will prepare you for the next step in your career.

Opportunities:
Upon successful completion of the internship, you may be considered for a graduate role or a second internship, allowing you to continue your journey with Amazon. Additionally, you'll enjoy a competitive monthly salary, relocation support, and access to a range of employee benefits.

Basic Qualifications

- Are enrolled in a Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields at time of application
- Knowledge of programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Java or Perl
- Knowledge of computer science fundamentals such as object-oriented design, operating systems, algorithms, data structures, and complexity analysis

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience from a technical internship
- Experience with distributed, multi-tiered systems, algorithms, and relational databases
- Experience in optimization mathematics such as linear programming and nonlinear optimization
- Ability to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions
- Adept at handling ambiguous or undefined problems as well as ability to think abstractly

Amazon is an equal opportunities employer, and we value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. Amazon is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. Amazon requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.