Backend Software Engineer Intern (Contract) Job Overview DEZAI is looking for a passionate and driven Backend Software Engineer Intern (Contract) to join our Engineering team. This is a remote contract-based internship where you'll work on real production systems using modern backend technologies including Node.js TypeScript Prisma ORM and PostgreSQL. As an intern you'll contribute directly to the development of DEZAI's AI-powered platform by building scalable backend services designing efficient database architectures developing secure APIs and improving system performance. This is not a shadowing internship—you'll work on meaningful features collaborate with experienced developers and gain hands-on startup experience in a fast-paced engineering environment. If you're someone who enjoys solving technical challenges writing clean code and building products that create real impact we'd love to hear from you. Key Responsibilities Design develop and maintain scalable backend services using Node.js TypeScript Prisma ORM and PostgreSQL. Develop secure efficient and well-documented REST APIs. Design and optimize relational database schemas for scalability and performance. Write clean maintainable and production-ready code following industry best practices. Debug test and optimize backend applications to ensure reliability and performance. Collaborate closely with frontend developers and other engineers to deliver high-quality features. Participate in code reviews and contribute to engineering discussions. Support deployments using Git workflows and CI/CD pipelines. Assist with cloud deployments and infrastructure when required. Document technical implementations APIs and development workflows. Participate in Agile development processes including sprint planning stand-ups and retrospectives. Required Qualifications Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science Software Engineering Information Technology or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Strong understanding of JavaScript or TypeScript. Experience with Node.js. Familiarity with SQL and relational databases preferably PostgreSQL. Understanding of REST API development. Experience using Git and GitHub. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and communicate effectively within a remote team. Preferred Qualifications While not required experience with any of the following will be considered a plus Prisma ORM Next.js Docker Redis AWS Azure Railway Vercel or DigitalOcean Authentication (JWT/OAuth) Database indexing and query optimization CI/CD pipelines Open-source contributions or personal software projects Internship Benefits Work on real-world production software. Flexible remote work environment. Mentorship from experienced engineers. Exposure to modern backend technologies and startup workflows. Opportunity to contribute to an AI-driven EdTech platform. Internship Certificate upon successful completion. Performance-based Letter of Recommendation. Potential opportunity for future long-term collaboration. Performance-Based Compensation This is a contract-based internship with a performance-driven growth model. All interns begin under the same internship structure. Throughout the internship performance is evaluated regularly using a structured engineering rubric that includes Technical knowledge and coding proficiency Code quality readability and maintainability Problem-solving ability Ownership and accountability Communication and collaboration Timely completion of assigned tasks Learning attitude and adaptability Overall contribution to DEZAI's engineering goals Interns who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance during these evaluations may become eligible for Performance-based stipend enhancements Additional incentive payments or bonuses Extended paid internship opportunities Long-term contract opportunities Consideration for a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO) or future full-time roles subject to business requirements and performance Compensation decisions are based on measurable performance contribution and overall impact rather than tenure alone. Why Join DEZAI? At DEZAI interns are trusted to build innovate and take ownership from day one. You'll work alongside a passionate team developing technology that empowers students through AI while gaining valuable experience with modern software engineering practices. If you're eager to learn enjoy building scalable systems and want to make a meaningful impact we'd love to have you on the team. Pay $10.00 - $150.00 per month or more if exceptional performance. Benefits Flexible schedule Professional development assistance Work Location Remote Pay $10.00 – $150.00 per month Work Location Remote