Software Engineering Internship Program for 2025 (Remote).
Software Engineering Internship Opportunity
Location: Remote (United States)
Duration: 4 months (starting late February 2025)
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week (paid)
Apply Now: Software Engineering Internship
Deadline: Submit your application by December 6, 2024.
The Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit behind Wikipedia, one of the world’s most-visited websites with over 1.8 billion monthly users, invites you to join an immersive internship program. This unique opportunity is open to graduates, non-graduates, and those considering a career change who want to build their software engineering skills.
What You’ll Do:
- Join an engineering team within our Product and Technology departments.
- Work on a meaningful project with clear goals that contribute to our open-source software.
- Collaborate with your manager and mentor to understand the technology that powers Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, which serve over 500 million page views daily.
- Gain insight into how free knowledge is shared globally and make an impact on how people discover and contribute to it.
What You’ll Gain:
- Hands-on experience with open-source software development.
- Opportunities to learn about different departments within the Wikimedia Foundation.
- Connections to the global volunteer community that supports Wikimedia projects.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented groups in tech and from communities where free knowledge and Wikimedia projects are emerging.
Program Details
This is a four-month, full-time (40 hours/week) internship running from late February to late June 2025. The position is fully remote, with potential opportunities to attend in-person events to connect with other interns and team members.
Potential Team Opportunities
- Site Reliability Engineering – Infrastructure Foundations Team
This team focuses on building and maintaining the core components of Wikimedia’s bare-metal infrastructure and global network, ensuring systems are reliable and efficient. - Web Team
The Web Team designs and improves reading experiences for Wikimedia users on both mobile and desktop platforms. - Wikimedia Cloud Services Team (WMCS)
WMCS manages and improves Wikimedia’s Cloud Services infrastructure, including the Virtual Private Server (VPS) platform, the Toolforge hosting environment (PaaS), and other technologies that support cloud-based services. - Language and Product Localization Team
This team focuses on creating tools and systems that support multilingualism within Wikimedia. They work to advance localized technical solutions, reduce knowledge gaps, and promote language equity across the platform. - Mobile Apps Engineering Team
The Mobile Apps team develops native applications for Android and iOS, providing mobile users with streamlined access to Wikimedia’s projects.
What We’re Looking For in an Intern
We are building a diverse cohort of interns who bring curiosity, dedication, and the desire to make a difference. Here’s what we value in our candidates:
- Programming Skills: Basic experience with at least one backend or frontend language (e.g., PHP, JavaScript) or a strong interest in cybersecurity and privacy.
- Database Knowledge: Familiarity with databases and their basic operations.
- Scripting Experience: Hands-on experience with at least one scripting language.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to work independently, think critically, and be resourceful.
- Accountability: Commitment to meeting deliverable requirements and deadlines.
- Communication Skills: Effective and inclusive communication, especially when engaging with diverse cultural and language communities.
- Learning Mindset: Willingness to learn, empathy, and a positive attitude.
- Curiosity: A hunger to explore and discover.
- Collaboration: Thrives in a transparent and team-oriented environment.
- Shared Vision: Passion for contributing to knowledge equity, free culture, and global access to education.
About the Wikimedia Foundation
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization behind Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, dedicated to building a world where everyone can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.
We:
- Host Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects.
- Develop software that enhances reading, contributing, and sharing experiences.
- Support the global volunteer community and partners who make these projects possible.
- Advocate for policies that advance free knowledge and access to education worldwide.
The Wikimedia Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to free knowledge and supported by millions of donors worldwide, with an average contribution of $15. In addition to individual donations, we also receive institutional grants and gifts. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization based in San Francisco, California, we rely on this support to host and maintain projects like Wikipedia and its sister platforms.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity in our workforce. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Remote Work and Compensation
As a remote-first organization, our team includes staff and contractors in over 50 countries. Salaries are determined based on a range of factors, including the cost of living in each location, and are competitive, equitable, and aligned with our values.
- For applicants in the United States, the hourly pay range for this position is between $32 and $39.
- For applicants outside the US, pay is adjusted according to the local market and hiring location.
- We do not request or consider salary history during the hiring process. Compensation is based on skills, experience, and location.
Transparency in Pay
Applicants are encouraged to discuss the specific pay range for their location with their recruiter during the interview process. We are committed to clarity and fairness in compensation discussions.
Software Engineering Internship Program for 2025 (Remote)