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Backend Software Engineering Intern, Summer 2026 at Wing · Palo Alto
Skills
Job Description
About Wing:
Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics. Consumer appetites for on-demand services are increasing, but current delivery methods are inefficient, costly, and contribute to road accidents and air pollution. Wing’s fleet of highly automated delivery drones can transport small packages directly from businesses to homes on-demand, in minutes. We design, build, and operate our aircraft, and offer drone delivery services on two continents. Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks, offering a scalable drone delivery solution for a broad range of businesses. Wing is a part of Google's parent company, Alphabet, and our mission is to create the preferred means of delivery for the planet. If you're ready to do the greatest work of your life, come join us.
About the Wingtern Program:
Join Wing's 12-week paid summer internship! This is a hybrid, in-person program based in Palo Alto, CA, with start dates in May or June. Eligible candidates must be a current student enrolled in a degree program and intend to return to the program after the completion of the summer internship.
About the Role:
Wing is looking for a motivated Backend Software Engineer Intern to join our Operational Tooling Team based in Palo Alto, CA. This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to the backend infrastructure that underpins Wing's complex drone delivery operations. You will be embedded within a team of experienced engineers, working on impactful projects that enhance the tools and systems used to manage our global fleet, automate key workflows, and ensure a scalable and efficient delivery network. This role is ideal for a student passionate about backend development, C++, and applying software engineering to solve real-world logistical and operational challenges.
About the Operational Tooling Team:
The Wing Operational Tooling Team is a software engineering team focused on building and maintaining the critical systems that power Wing's global drone delivery operations. Our mission is to provide reliable, traceable, safe, and performant software solutions that enable efficient fleet management, streamline aircraft maintenance, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the overall logistics network. We tackle the unique challenges of a rapidly growing, safety-critical, and highly regulated industry.
In this role, you will:
- Design, develop, test, and deploy features for backend services and APIs, primarily using C++.
- Collaborate with mentors and team members on code reviews, design discussions, and sprint planning.
- Contribute to systems that manage fleet inventory, streamline aircraft maintenance logistics, and support autonomous flight operations.
- Work with technologies such as gRPC, Spanner, and Google's distributed systems infrastructure.
- Assist in troubleshooting and resolving issues within the team's backend systems.
- Document your work, including design choices and implementation details.
What You’ll Need:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
- Solid foundation in software engineering principles, data structures, and algorithms.
- Experience/comfort with C++.
- Understanding of API design principles (e.g., gRPC, REST).
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to learn new technologies and systems quickly.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an eagerness to work in a team environment.
- Willingness to ask questions and seek guidance.
This is your chance to:
- Gain hands-on backend software engineering experience in the innovative and rapidly expanding drone delivery industry.
- Contribute to meaningful projects that have a direct impact on Wing's global operations and ability to scale.
- Learn from a talented and supportive team of engineers at an Alphabet company.
- Develop your skills in C++, API design, and working with large-scale distributed systems.
- Be at the forefront of shaping the future of autonomous logistics.
The US base salary range for this internship position is the salary range below + benefits. Wing’s salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.
Wing is an equal opportunity employer and it is Wing's policy to comply with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. Employment at Wing is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. Wing does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by law.
If you have a need that requires accommodation during the interview process due to a disability or special need, please let us know by completing our Candidate Accommodations Request Form.