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IBM Z Engineering System Test Back-End Developer - Systems Assurance Kernel (SAK) Intern 2027

IBM โ€ข Poughkeepsie, Arkansas, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $75,600 - $138,600 / year

Posted Aug 27, 2026Apply by Sep 26, 2026
  • Role & seniority

    • Internship-level (student), Systems Assurance Kernel (SAK) team

    • Work may span OS, Processor/CP, and/or IO verification areas

  • Stack/tools

    • Programming: multiple languages (unspecified)

    • Dev tools: GitHub, Visual Studio Code

    • In-house tooling for compiles and library sessions

    • Testing: pseudo-random test approaches (frameworks unspecified)

    • AI-assisted development: encouraged

    • Nice-to-have ecosystem: AWS/Azure, Docker, Jest/Pytest (not required)

  • Top 3 responsibilities

    • Design, code, test, and debug architecture verification / stress test software for IBM Z

    • Convert IBM Z architecture understanding into functional verification programs (OS/CP/IO side)

    • Collaborate with development and test engineers across simulation โ†’ hardware bring-up โ†’ delivery

  • Must-have skills

    • Ability to quickly learn and use multiple programming languages

    • Ability to read IBM Z architecture and implement verification logic

    • Strong communication skills for a global team

    • Familiarity/interest in using AI to accelerate development

  • Nice-to-haves

    • Exposure to cloud (AWS/Azure)

    • Knowledge of containerization (Docker)

    • Familiarity with testing frameworks (Jest, Pytest)

    • Interest in leadership opportunities

  • Location & work type

    • Not specified in the text

    • Work involves hands-on engineeri

Full Description

Introduction

The Systems Assurance Kernel (SAK) team works in a fast-paced environment. We are working on bleeding edge technology, typically starting two years before the product is announced. Our tooling is used beginning in simulation and continues through initial hardware bring-up testing and ending with customer delivery. SAK plays a key role in every phase of design, test, and delivery.

Your Role And Responsibilities

Ability to create/write architecture verification software for IBM Z systems. Specifically, within the System Assurance Kernel (SAK) team.

Job will entail โ€“ Design, Code, Test and Debug. Collaborate with teams of development & test engineers, programmers and technicians.

SAK is comprised of an operating system, and an ever-growing suite of architecture verification and stress test programs. SAK has the flexibility to be used to locate and debug hardware and firmware issues on IBM Z servers. SAK provides a robust framework for verification of both the processor and input/output architectures.

This role could be working within the OS, Processor (CP) or IO side of the SAK team or a mix depending on defined project for the internship. Example IO would include FICON channel adapters, Networking protocol & adapter, and Coupling Facility. The CP & OS work varies depending on new features, operations, and functions being developed for the latest machine technologies. The SAK team has many years of proven methodology with a pseudo-random test approaches. The SAK test platform is used to verify machines in pre-silicon processor simulation and in all phases of post-silicon testing, including initial bring-up, regression & functional verification, manufacturing builds and field installs. Source code is stored in a Github repository and accessed / managed in the Visual Studio code development platform. In-house tools and processes have been developed to facilitate code compiles and library sessions.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

Quick understand and utilize multiple programming languages

Interest and ability to read IBM Z architecture and turn that into functional verification programs

Excellent communication skills for a global role

Enthusiastic use of AI to accelerate development and transformation

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

Familiarity with Cloud Platforms: Exposure to cloud-based technologies and platforms, such as AWS or Azure, can be beneficial for back-end development.

Knowledge of Containerization: Understanding containerization concepts, such as Docker, can be useful in managing and deploying applications.

Exposure to Testing Frameworks: Familiarity with testing frameworks, such as Jest or Pytest, can aid in writing efficient tests for back-end code. Interest in leadership opportunities

Architecture VerificationBack-End DevelopmentDebuggingSystem TestingProgramming LanguagesCommunication SkillsAI-Assisted DevelopmentCloud PlatformsContainerizationTesting Frameworksmulti-location

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