2026 China Software Engineering Internship (Based in Shanghai)

The Trade Desk is a global technology company with a mission to create a better, more open internet for everyone through principled, intelligent advertising. Handling over 1 trillion queries per day, our platform operates at an unprecedented scale. We have also built something even stronger and more valuable: an award-winning culture based on trust, ownership, empathy, and collaboration. We value the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings to The Trade Desk, and we are committed to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Do you have a passion for solving hard problems at scale? Are you eager to join a dynamic, globally- connected team where your contributions will make a meaningful difference in building a better media ecosystem? Come and see why Fortune magazine consistently ranks The Trade Desk among the best small- to medium-sized workplaces globally.

What you’ll do 

• You'll own and deliver a complete software project, participating actively in all stages of design, development, and delivery. At The Trade Desk, we value ownership and are dedicated to ensuring that your time here leads to a significant and impactful contribution for the team.

• Receive close, one-on-one mentorship from an experienced software engineer 

• Collaborate with a globally connected team of engineers, Interns & other teams and departments in cities across the world 

• Work with new technologies across a wide spectrum of computer science, including distributed systems, petabyte-scale data processing, machine learning/AI, and UI/UX 

Who you are 

• You are fluent in one or more modern programming languages, eg, Javascript, Python, Java, PHP, C and C++, SQL

• Have a firm grasp on basic data structures and algorithmic techniques 

• You are comfortable working on an agile, distributed team spanning multiple time zones and continents.

• You have experience of software projects.

• You are a quick and self-directed learner. We provide close support and mentorship, but you will have ownership over the design, plan, and implementation of what you build. 

• You value, seek out, and foster diversity. We are a global team from many diverse backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives. To complement this team, you will welcome ideas that are different from your own and be skilled at finding and building from common ground.

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• Anticipated graduation date between November 2026 and August 2027.

• Availability to work for 12 weeks during Summer 2026 (June–August) in our Shanghai office.

• Open to the possibility of rejoining the same office and team for a future SWE full-time position.

This is a right opportunity for you if you are looking for 

• Work at a Global Technology Company with a Mission: Be part of a company dedicated to making the Internet better for everyone—consumers, content owners, and marketers—by contributing to meaningful and impactful projects that transform how advertising is bought and sold.

• Innovate and Solve Unsolved Problems: Tackle challenges that don’t have predefined solutions, where you take ownership and are responsible for delivering impactful outcomes.

• Engage in Unique, Large-Scale Challenges: Work with cutting-edge technology on a platform that handles over 11 million requests per second, processing more queries than the combined searches on Google, tweets on Twitter, and snaps on Snapchat.

• Be Part of an Award-Winning Culture: Join a collaborative, trust-driven workplace that values empathy, collaboration, and ownership—a culture built to support your growth.

• Explore Future SWE Full Time Opportunities: Outstanding interns may have the chance to return to the same office and team for future SWE full-time position.

The Trade Desk does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm recruiters. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of The Trade Desk. The Trade Desk is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trade Desk is committed to creating an inclusive hiring experience where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please reach out to us at accommodations@​thetradedesk.​com to request an accommodation or discuss any accessibility needs you may require to access our Company Website or navigate any part of the hiring process.

When you contact us, please include your preferred contact details and specify the nature of your accommodation request or questions. Any information you share will be handled confidentially and will not impact our hiring decisions.