Raft Software Engineering Intern - Summer 2025

Who We Are:
Raft (https://teamraft.com) is a customer-obsessed, non-traditional small business focused on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. Headquartered in McLean, VA, we partner with innovative federal and public agencies to leverage design thinking, cutting-edge technology stacks, and a cloud-native ecosystem. Our digital solutions impact the lives of millions of Americans, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.

About the Role:
As a Software Engineer Raftern, you will contribute to both frontend and backend development for impactful applications, building user-friendly web pages and interfaces using modern frontend technologies like Angular, Ionic, or React. You’ll develop features and functionalities for in-house applications, collaborating closely with experienced engineers on projects designed to challenge and grow your technical skills. Additionally, you’ll utilize CICD pipelines to streamline and automate code deployment, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of application updates.

Qualifications:

• For backend development: Proficiency in Python, Java, or Golang.


• For frontend development: Proficiency with tools and frameworks such as Bootstrap, Ionic, JavaScript, and/or TypeScript.


• Basic understanding of version control tools, such as Git, for collaborative development.


• Collaborate with team members to build scalable, secure software systems for mission-critical projects.


• Conduct research to support software feature design and implementation.


• Document and report on project progress and outcomes.


• Currently enrolled in a Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related degree program.


• U.S. citizenship is required as interns may be exposed to sensitive work related to government operations.

Highly Preferred:

• Familiarity with frontend frameworks such as Vue, React, NodeJS, Angular, and containerization technologies like Kubernetes.


• Eager to gain hands-on experience in either frontend or backend development.


• Knowledge of Agile methodologies or interest in learning Agile project management practices.


• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams on mission-critical projects.


• Excellent communication skills to articulate technical ideas effectively within the team.

Work Type:

• Location: Remote with travel to Raft HQ.


• Duration: June to August 2025.


• Hours: Part-time, up to 29 hours per week


• Compensation: $20 - $24 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Our Vision Statement:  

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission. 

Our Customer Obsession: 

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there? 

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm. 

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.