K12 Zone Engineering Intern

Job Description

K12 Zone Engineering Intern

The K12 Zone Engineering Intern supports the design and development of SDK-based applications for the K12 Zone, Stride's virtual student engagement environment. This role focuses on building experimental prototypes that create new ways for students to interact with each other in virtual spaces.

The intern will gain software engineering experience in a real education product environment by turning early ideas into working prototypes, supporting database-driven features, testing new interaction models, and documenting what can be reused or scaled.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Build and test SDK-based applications and interactive features for the K12 Zone.
  

• Prototype new ways for students to interact with each other in virtual spaces, activities, and events.
  

• Support experimental R&D projects that explore new student engagement models.
  

• Assist with database-supported features used by Zone applications and experiences.
  

• Translate product ideas into working prototypes, proof-of-concept builds, or reusable tools.
  

• Test and document prototypes, including behavior, technical setup, issues, and lessons learned.
  

• Identify opportunities to reduce manual work and improve team efficiency.
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing, or interested in pursuing, education or training in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, Interactive Media, or a related field.
  

• Basic understanding of software engineering concepts, including programming logic, testing, and debugging.
  

• Experience building software projects through coursework, personal projects, externships, clubs, or self-directed learning.
  

• Interest in building interactive digital experiences for students.
  

• Ability to learn new SDKs, platforms, and technical workflows.
  

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work through ambiguous technical challenges.
  

• Ability to work independently while communicating progress and blockers clearly.
  

• Ability to work up to 40 hours per week during the internship.
  

• Ability to clear required background check.
  

Desired Qualifications

• Experience building interactive applications, games, simulations, virtual experiences, or web-based tools.
  

• Experience working with SDKs, APIs, databases, or platform-specific development tools.
  

• Interest in virtual worlds, student engagement, online communities, or education technology.
  

• Ability to explain prototype behavior and technical decisions clearly.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a virtual internship open to residents of the 50 states and D.C.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Stride, Inc. considers a person's education, experience, and qualifications, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value when determining a new employee's salary level. Salaries will differ based on these factors, the position's level and expected contribution, and the employee's benefits elections. Offers will typically be in the bottom half of the range.

We anticipate the hourly range to be $18.00 - $22.00. Eligible employees may receive a bonus. This salary is not guaranteed, as an individual's compensation can vary based on several factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions. Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

The above job is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. All employment is "at-will" as governed by the law of the state where the employee works. It is further understood that the "at-will" nature of employment is one aspect of employment that cannot b