2026 US Summer Internships - Backend Engineering

Activision Blizzard

Posted 15 days ago

Internship

San Francisco, California

In Person

Smart Summary

Interns will be responsible for designing and developing a highly scalable, available, and reliable Publisher Ads & Monetization platform capable of handling billions of daily requests. This involves collaborating with architects and other engineers to craft backend systems and translating business needs into technical requirements.

We are looking for talented and innovative students to join our Backend Engineering team for a summer 2026 internship. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in computer science or a related technical field. Experience with Java, database systems, cloud environments (Google Cloud Platform or AWS), and open-source technologies is highly desired.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Backend Engineering

Scalability

Availability

Reliability

Publisher Ads & Monetization

System Architecture

Java

Database Systems

JMeter

Performance Engineering

Cloud Environment

Google Cloud Platform

AWS

CI/CD

Test Automation

Docker

Job Description

Job Title:

2026 US Summer Internships - Backend Engineering

Requisition ID:

R026759

Job Description:

Xbox Advertising  builds the player-first, full-stack monetization technology that powers advertising across Xbox surfaces and ad-supported gameplay. We enable meaningful player engagement, publisher success, and platform growth by delivering trusted, high-quality ad experiences at global scale. Backed by Xbox and Microsoft, our platform blends deep gaming insights, privacy-forward data, and world-class engineering to make Xbox Ads the most effective and trusted ad platform in gaming. 

The Xbox Advertising ads engineering team is an impactful team of problem solvers who are constantly reviewing how and why we do things and learning from each other. We are experimental, trying out new tech and ideas, and willing to do things differently to drive the entire industry forward. We are passionate, some might even say quirky, and while we love what we do, our lives are about more than work. We love creating the best player experience!  

We are looking for talented and innovative students to join our team for summer 2026. All interns will receive a meaningful project and an unparalleled experience. We’ll provide the tools and resources you need to learn. The challenging and creative work you do throughout your internship will directly impact the team. 

 
Internship Program Requirements: 

  • Currently enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program and graduating December 2026 – June 2027     

  • Available to participate in a 12-week internship starting late-May or mid-June   

  • Currently residing in the US or open to relocating oneself to the US   

  • Exhibits learning agility; has the ability to think differently, and/or grasp and apply new skills and concepts   

  • Approaches problems in a clear, well-organized, and solutions-oriented manner   

  • Works well with others and contributes to team tasks   

  • Able to effectively communicate problems, solutions, needs, or priorities   

  • Is engaged, seeks to learn, and is able to manage time effectively   

  • Applicants must apply with a resume and a link to their code samples to be considered   

Internship Positions: 

This internship will be conducted in-person in San Francisco, CA. Hosting managers will determine when and how often interns work in the office. All interns will have the option to opt into relocation services (flights, trains, or car mileage reimbursement). Additionally, all interns will be provided with a living stipend to subsidize housing, utility, commuting, and miscellaneous costs.  

Backend Engineering Internship 

Responsibilities: 

  • Design and develop a highly scalable, available, and reliable Publisher Ads & Monetization platform that handles billions of requests per day 

  • Work with architects and other engineers to craft and architect backend systems 

  • Collaborate with product and peer engineering teams on multi-functional projects 

  • Translate business needs into technical requirements and implementation 

Requirements: 

  • Pursuing degree in computer science or a related technical field 

  • Demonstrated ability leading the development of highly performing services in Java 

  • Experience working with Database systems 

  • Working/General knowledge in Java, JMeter, and performance engineering 

  • Exposure and understanding of the overall architecture of systems 

  • Experience working in a cloud-based environment with Google Cloud Platform or AWS 

  • Knowledge and experience in CI/CD, test automation, Jenkins, Gradle, and related technologies 

  • Experience with open source technologies like Docker, Kubernetes, Google BigQuery 

  • Passionate about usability, maintainability, and quality, building for the long term 

Our World  
Xbox Advertising builds the player-first, full-stack monetization technology that powers advertising across Xbox surfaces and ad-supported gameplay. We enable meaningful player engagement, publisher success, and platform growth by delivering trusted, high-quality ad experiences at global scale. Backed by Xbox and Microsoft, our platform blends deep gaming insights, privacy-forward data, and world-class engineering to make Xbox Ads the most effective and trusted ad platform in gaming. 

A Great Saga Needs All Sorts of Heroes  

King strives to be a place where everyone can be their most authentic self. We recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion is a vital and continuous conversation, and that change only happens when we all come together. It’s our mission to build a diverse and inclusive Kingdom for our people, players, and community. 

Making the World Playful  

Making the World Playful is our mission – it’s the thread that connects our people, our players, and our passion for our games. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a bit of fun? 

Kingsters are seriously playful: creative thinkers who balance art and science to bring moments of magic to millions daily. But our players aren’t the only ones that can level-up. We’re always looking for ways to champion each other and make what’s already great, even better. 

So, if this feels like a fun way to spend your days, and you share our passion, our values, and our hunger to shape the future, join us in Making the World Playful. 

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women, veterans, and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.  

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.  

Applications needs to be in English. 

Discover King at careers.king.com 

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!  Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.  You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $20.00 - $50.00 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

Activision Blizzard

We create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment and are driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. Home to iconic franchises like Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, and Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, we're a global leader in interactive entertainment. Our goal? Delight millions with innovative, fun, and engaging games. With a legacy of success, we're pushing boundaries with cutting-edge technology and inclusive practices. Join us in delivering unforgettable entertainment and seize the chance to level up your career.

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