eReader Quality Assurance Intern (12-month contract)
Rakuten
At a glance
- Location
- Toronto, Canada
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Category
- Quality Assurance
eReader Quality Assurance Intern (12-month contract) at Rakuten Kobo Inc. in Toronto, hybrid role with 3 days/week in-office. Focus on software quality assurance, device testing, and test environment management for Kobo eReader platform; mentorship and growth opportunities in QA engineering and software development.
What they are looking for
Location: Toronto, Canada
Job Description
Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc., our mission is to make reading lives better. We stand for readers. We also stand for our employees – from interns and co-ops to permanent staff – and support their growth and development. Whether you are a student at the start of your career or a professional carving a different path, our early careers opportunities are built with you in mind – with experiences tailored to your individual skills and interests.
We offer a start-up environment, interesting and engaging work within the technology and publishing industries, and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Additionally, our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work-life balance and a company culture committed to caring for our employees.
If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.
The Role
Rakuten Kobo's eReader team is looking for a QA Intern, starting in January 2027, to help deliver high-quality software and reading experiences across our eReader platform. You will work closely with QA Engineers, Software Developers, Product Managers, and other cross-functional partners to validate new features, investigate issues, and support testing activities throughout the development lifecycle.
In addition to hands-on testing, this role plays an important part in maintaining our test infrastructure and device ecosystem. You will help ensure teams have access to the devices, software builds, tools, and supporting equipment required to efficiently develop and test Kobo products.
This position provides practical experience in software quality assurance, device testing, troubleshooting, and test environment management while building a strong foundation for future careers in QA Engineering, Software Development, or Test Automation. Note that this role is hybrid, with 3 days per week at the Toronto office.
Responsibilities
Software Quality Assurance
Execute functional, regression, integration, and system testing on eReader software and devices.
Create, maintain, and execute test cases and test plans for new and existing features.
Document, track, and verify software defects with clear reproduction steps and supporting information.
Validate bug fixes and help identify potential quality risks prior to release.
Participate in feature reviews and testing discussions to develop an understanding of quality expectations and release criteria.
Collaborate closely with QA Engineers and developers to investigate issues and improve overall product quality.
Contribute to continuous improvement of testing practices, documentation, and team processes.
Test Lab & Device Management
Assist with the maintenance and day-to-day operation of Kobo's test lab and testing environments.
Prepare and configure eReaders, test devices, and related equipment to support development and testing activities.
Help maintain device inventories and ensure teams have access to the devices, software, and tools required for testing.
Support troubleshooting efforts by collecting diagnostic logs, reproducing issues, and assisting with investigations.
Contribute to improving test lab organization, documentation, and operational processes.
The Person
Passionate about technology and software quality.
Curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Organized and capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities.
Comfortable working independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Interested in software testing, quality engineering, software development, or technical operations.
Enjoys troubleshooting and understanding how systems and devices work.
Skills & Qualifications
Required
Enrolled in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical program.
Familiarity with at least one programming or scripting language such as Python.
Basic understanding of software development and testing concepts.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Experience using common productivity and collaboration tools.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Nice to Have
Exposure to software testing through coursework, personal projects, or previous internships.
Familiarity with Git, Jira, or other software development tools.
Experience with Linux, command-line tools, or scripting.
Exposure to mobile, embedded, or consumer electronics devices.
Interest in automation, continuous integration, or test infrastructure.
Experience troubleshooting hardware, software, or networking issues.
Growth & Learning Opportunities
Gain hands-on experience testing products used by millions of readers worldwide.
Learn how quality assurance is integrated into an Agile software development environment and product release lifecycle.
Develop skills in software testing, device validation, troubleshooting, and quality engineering practices.
Gain exposure to test automation tools, frameworks, and modern software development workflows.
Work alongside experienced QA Engineers and Software Developers, receiving mentorship and guidance throughout the internship.
Participate in team discussions and development activities to build an understanding of quality ownership, risk assessment, and release readiness.
Build a strong foundation for future careers in QA Engineering, SDET, Release Engineering, or Software Development.
The Perks
Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
Subsidized in-office lunches
Four extended long weekends in the summer
Talent and development training budget
Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
Weekly Kobo Spark sessions
Dog friendly office
About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s m