Backend Engineering Intern (Core Systems & AI)

Backend Engineering Intern (Core Systems & AI) - A Call for Future Architects of Digital Infrastructure

Who We Are

At DataLegion AI, Inc., we are not just another AI company. We are forging the fundamental infrastructure for the next generation of intelligent systems. Our mission is to solve the most complex architectural challenges of the digital age: how to impose order on data chaos and build systems that are not just scalable, but antifragile. We are a team of relentless pioneers and first-principles thinkers engineering a paradigm shift in how data is structured, accessed, and valued.

Our vision is monumental, and our team is comprised of pioneers and elite thinkers. Here, you won't be assigned trivial tasks. You will confront the core challenges of architecting the next generation of digital infrastructure.

Program Overview & Learning Outcomes

This internship is designed primarily for educational purposes and will provide participants with structured learning experiences, close supervision, and significant mentorship.
You will be supported at every step by an experienced engineer who will guide your learning and personal development. Our aim is to complement your formal academic education through the practical application of engineering principles in a real-world environment.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this 3-month program, you will be able to:

Explain and apply key concepts in backend architecture, including the design of high-throughput APIs, data modeling, and system resiliency.

Differentiate between relational (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (Redis) data storage solutions and make informed choices based on application requirements.

Develop and document professional software engineering habits, including code quality, testing, and version control.

Collaborate effectively in a technical team using best practices in communication, agile workflows, and pair programming.

Analyze and troubleshoot distributed systems, applying critical thinking and root cause analysis techniques under guidance.

Reflect on and communicate your learning progress and professional growth throughout the program.

Structured Training Components:

Mentorship: Each intern is paired with a dedicated senior engineer who provides weekly 1-on-1 guidance and feedback.

Workshops: Bi-weekly educational sessions on backend system design, data management, and cloud infrastructure.

Project-Based Learning: Interns participate in supervised, small-scale projects that align with their academic coursework and career goals.

Peer Review & Reflection: Regular code reviews and progress check-ins are built into the program, encouraging self-reflection and growth.

Evaluation & Feedback: Midpoint and final evaluations measure progress toward learning goals, not production output.

Supervision and Educational Environment

You will not be expected to perform work that would otherwise be handled by a paid employee.

All activities are designed for your learning benefit and will be closely supervised, in compliance with FLSA internship guidelines.

You will receive routine, constructive feedback on all tasks and projects.

Why This Opportunity is Unique

Forget your stereotypes about "internships." We are not looking for an "intern"; we are searching for a "future architect" with the potential to shape the future alongside us. This is your chance to build a resume that commands attention, but we offer far more than that. You will gain:

• A Career-Defining Portfolio: You will not be working on simulated projects. Under close mentorship, you will contribute to systems and solve problems related to truly cutting-edge technology, building a portfolio asset that will be the most compelling in your future career arsenal.
• An Unparalleled Technical Arena: The problems you will be exposed to here do not have answers in textbooks. You will operate at the edge of known engineering patterns, learning from a world-class team that will push you to your absolute limits.
• A Cognitive Leap: We promise that the learning velocity here is extreme. In a few months, you will gain experience that far surpasses a year in any classroom. You will face complex engineering challenges that will fundamentally elevate your understanding of software architecture.

We do not offer a salary because the value we provide is immeasurable. This is an elite 3-month program designed exclusively for top-tier talent who crave the chance to prove themselves by learning to solve the world's hardest problems.

Your Mission (Learning Objectives)

Under the direct supervision of a senior engineering mentor, your mission will be to learn and grow by:

• Learning to Architect High-Performance APIs: Gain exposure to the design principles behind high-throughput, low-latency RESTful and FastAPIs. You will learn how to think about API contracts, versioning, and security in a real-world context.
• Exploring the Universe of Data Persistence: Learn the critical trade-offs between relational (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (Redis) databases by assisting in the design and analysis of data models for complex applications.
• Developing Gold-Standard Coding Habits: Through rigorous, one-on-one code reviews and pair programming sessions, you will learn to write clean, efficient, and elegant code in languages like Python or Go, meeting a standard far beyond academic requirements.
• Understanding System Resiliency: Assist in developing tests and learn the principles of observability and monitoring. You will learn why robust testing is non-negotiable for building unbreakable systems.
• Analyzing and Troubleshooting Complex Systems: Learn root cause analysis by shadowing engineers as they diagnose production-level challenges, gaining invaluable insight into the art of debugging distributed systems.

Who You Are

We are only accepting applications from current undergraduate, Master's, or Ph.D. students enrolled at top-tier universities in the following or related fields.

• Target Majors: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Qualifications:
  • You possess a deep, foundational understanding of computer science principles (data structures, algorithms) that sets you apart from your peers.
  • Your portfolio of academic or personal projects, while perhaps nascent, must showcase sparks of intellectual fire and engineering potential.
  • You have a strong command of at least one programming language and an almost greedy appetite for learning new technologies.
  • You are a natural communicator, able to articulate complex technical ideas with clarity and confidence.
  • You are a relentless self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, highly ambiguous environment. We don't need people who wait for instructions; we need pioneers who proactively identify problems and ask the right questions to find solutions.

To Apply

Submit your resume and a link to your GitHub profile or online portfolio. In your cover letter, we want to understand: What is the most challenging technical project you have worked on (academic or personal), and what did you learn from it? Why are you the 1% talent we are looking for?

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At DataLegion AI, Inc., we believe the greatest innovations are born from a diversity of thought. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team and providing equal opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We believe diverse perspectives are essential to our success and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work.

Important Note on Compensation

This is a strictly educational, unpaid internship designed to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines. The program is structured for the primary benefit of the intern, providing experience that complements their academic coursework. This role does not displace any paid employee, and you will receive close supervision and mentorship throughout the program. We are happy to work with your academic institution to provide credit for this internship.