IT Associate Software Engineer 2026… at Ace Hardware · Oak Brook

IT Associate Software Engineer 2026 Summer Internship (Full Time/Paid/12 weeks) Location: IL - Oak Brook Compensation Details: $22.00 per hour Why should you join our team? We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don’t often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand. Job Description: About This Role The Software Engineering Associate intern designs, modifies, develops, writes and implements software programming applications and components; supports and/or maintains software applications and components; works from written specifications and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job and maintains documentation of application processes. Primary Responsibilities: Utilize established development tools, guidelines and conventions including but not limited to Visual Studio, GitHub, C#.NET, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, AJAX, XML, REACT, SOLR; SQL; Python Cloud-based data pipelines; REST APIs; Cloud services (Databricks/Azure/AWS) Read and understand business and functional requirements Design, code and test new business applications across verticals (Merchandising, Retail Support, Finance, etc.) Enhance existing systems by analyzing business objectives, preparing an action plan and identifying areas for modification and improvement Maintain existing software systems by identifying and correcting software defects Troubleshoot production incidents and recover production systems Create technical specifications and test plans Create new and extend existing operational documentation Skills requirements: Working toward a technology-oriented bachelor’s degree, such as Computer Science Completing Senior year of college (Graduating December ’26 or May ‘27) Must be able to work in Oak Brook, IL from 5/18 through 8/7) Strong academic record Passionate about technology and a desire to focus on IT End Users satisfaction Exposure to real-world AI/ML projects such as RAG/GenAI, Machine Learning/NLP, and Data Engineering workflows on Databricks/Azure would be a plus Strong oral and written communication skills Analytical and problem-solving skills Adaptability and ability to learn quickly in high-pressure environments Ambitious self-starter who has demonstrated the ability to contribute as an effective team member Takes ownership and accountability of projects and responsibilities Excellent time management and organizational skills Demonstrated motivation and initiative to succeed Knowledge and interest in Ace Hardware Corporation Ability to work 40 hours per week, Monday -Friday for 12 weeks Willingness and ability to give presentations to colleagues, managers and directors Location Description Ace Hardware corporate headquarters is about 20 miles west of Chicago and you’ll get the very best of city and suburban life – prestigious shopping, dining, recreation, performing arts and historical neighborhoods. Our brand new corporate facility opened in September 2023 and has state of the amenities such as a work-out facility, underground parking and upscale cafeteria.  We work in the office the majority of the week and enjoy everything our new facility has to offer together as a team. 2026 Summer Internship Program Overview The Ace Internship program allows you to apply skills and knowledge you're learning in College today, while contributing in a hands-on environment to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning. Here’s what you will take away from your experience: Real hands-on experience in your assigned department/function with day-to-day projects, responsibilities, accountabilities and deadlines. Opportunity to display your skills during your “Final Pitch” presentation Q & A with Ace’s CEO and Senior Leadership team Resume Workshop to help you prepare for future opportunities Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation Teambuilding activities Hourly competitive compensation 12-week full time program Your internship experience at Ace will give you the knowledge and skills future employers will look for! Want to hear more? Please review our Glassdoor comments from former interns! Want to be notified when new jobs are posted? Follow the link below to create an account and set up custom job alerts: Create Job Alert We want to hear from you! When most people think of career opportunities with Ace Hardware, they often think of the helpful cashiers and sales associates at their local store. However, have you also considered the people behind the scenes who select, promote, ship and process the invoices for more than 75,000 products? Maybe you haven't, but we'd like you to. Because together we help our customers take care of their homes. Come find out why a career with the Ace Hardware Corporation is one of America's best kept secrets. Equal Opportunity Employer Ace Hardware Corporation is committed to a policy of promoting equal employment opportunities. The company recognizes the importance of diversity and leveraging the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. The company is committed to the prevention of employment discrimination related to race, religion, color, sex (including sexual harassment), gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws. Disclaimer The pay range for this position starts as listed in the job posting, but could be higher based on education and experience. Please note, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as an individual’s education, training and experience, the position’s work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires. Be aware that salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Ace position description for the accurate starting pay range information and feel free to discuss this with a Talent Acquisition professional if you are chosen to move forward with an interview. This written “Position Description” is not intended to cover all aspects of the position listed. It is meant to cover the basic/general essential job functions of a particular position. Ace Hardware Corporation reserves the right to change job duties, including essential job functions, according to business necessity. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.