Software Developer Intern - Summer 2027

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Software Developer Intern, you will work alongside POET’s software engineering team to build and improve applications used across the organization. You’ll contribute to new features, resolve bugs, support existing software, and help develop integrations between systems.

You’ll gain experience throughout the software development lifecycle, including understanding a business need, designing a solution, writing code, testing it, and incorporating feedback. You’ll also work with developers, application analysts, and business partners to see how software supports POET’s operations. Most importantly, you'll have a mentor to ask questions and get feedback along the way.

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD and is not open to remote locations. Responsibilities include:

• Develop, test, and improve features in POET’s custom applications with guidance from the team.
• Investigate bugs and support requests, and help resolve issues.
• Work with application analysts and end users to understand business processes and translate needs into software solutions.
• Use source control and participate in code reviews.
• Write and update technical documentation.
• Collaborate with team members to plan work, share progress, and ask questions when needed.
• Look for practical ways to improve applications and team processes.
  
  

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Currently pursuing a degree in computer science, software engineering, management information systems, or a related field.
• Familiarity with programming fundamentals and experience writing code through coursework, personal projects, or prior work.
• Interest in learning C# and the .NET platform. Experience with them is helpful but not required.
• Desire to learn relational databases and SQL. Experience with Microsoft SQL Server is a plus.
• Basic understanding of web applications and how front-end and back-end components work together.
• Willingness to learn development tools such as Visual Studio and source control.
• Clear communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage assigned work and ask for help when needed.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• Curiosity about how software can solve real business problems.
• A desire to learn from experienced developers and apply feedback.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate with a team.
• A willingness to learn unfamiliar systems and adapt as needs change.
• Personal integrity and respect for the people who use and support our software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

PERKS

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.