NextGen Academy – Entry-Level Engineer (Northwest AR) 

Ignite your career with our NextGen Academy in Northwest Arkansas! 

Start your next big adventure with Rocket Software’s NextGen Academy - a paid training and career development program designed for early-career technologists. Whether you're a recent graduate or a passionate self-learner, you’ll join a collaborative cohort in our Northwest Arkansas location and gain hands-on experience with enterprise software used by some of the world’s biggest companies. 

Throughout the six-month program, you’ll receive structured technical training, work on real-world projects, and be mentored by experienced engineers. Upon successful completion, you will have the opportunity to transition into a full-time engineering role in software development, testing, or product support. 

Our NextGen Academy, starting in October 2025, has openings available for individuals interested in starting careers in software development, technical product support and software testing in our new location in Rogers, AR, working for an organization ranked in Newsweek’s Best Places to Work! 

What You’ll Do: 

• Participate in a paid, immersive training program that covers software development, operating systems, and enterprise technologies 

• Learn core programming languages and tools used in large-scale software systems 

• Build your understanding of different enterprise operating systems including Linux, Windows and IBM z/OS 

• Complete individual and team assignments to solve real-world business problems 

• Learn professional software practices including Agile methodology, DevOps principles and secure development 

• Collaborate with teammates across departments and geographies 

• Receive ongoing mentoring, feedback, and learning opportunities throughout the academy 

Who You Are: 

• A recent graduate or career starter or career changer with a passion for tech (bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field) preferred.  

• Proficient with at least one programming language (e.g., Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript) 

• Demonstrates interest in technology through internships, bootcamps, academic work, or personal projects (e.g., coding at home, building apps, contributing to GitHub) 

• Curious, self-motivated, and eager to learn about systems, networks, and software engineering 

• A collaborative team player with good communication and interpersonal skills 

• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future 

Nice to Have (but not required): 

• Exposure to scripting (Linux Shell, Batch, PowerShell) 

• Familiarity with relational databases (SQL, DB2, Oracle, PostgreSQL) 

• Mainframe-related knowledge 

• Awareness of enterprise systems, cybersecurity, or networking basics 

• Participation in coding competitions, tech meetups, or open-source contributions 

• Familiarity with writing automated tests, especially using Python 

What We Offer: 

• Paid academy experience with potential opportunity for full-time employment (expect training weeks of 40 hours, with breaks for holidays) 

• Competitive compensation: $25/hour during training program 

• Eligible to participate in Rocket Software's medical/dental/vision insurance benefit Day One.  Full Rocket benefits eligibility available if offered full-time employment. 

• In-person, cohort-based learning and mentoring from experienced engineers  

• Career pathways in software development, technical product support and software testing  

• A mission-driven, inclusive culture that values growth, curiosity, and collaboration 

• Opportunity for full-time role at the conclusion of the Academy, at our new Northwest Arkansas location, working for an organization ranked in Newsweek’s Best Places to Work!