Machine Learning Engineer Intern (TikTok Multimedia) - 2025 Summer (PhD)

$93,600 - $156,000/Yr

Tiktok - San Jose, CA

Full-time - Intern

San Jose, CA

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

About the position

The Machine Learning Engineer Intern position at TikTok focuses on developing machine learning solutions to enhance user experience through video algorithms. The intern will work within the Multimedia Arch team, which is dedicated to optimizing user experience and system performance for video on demand and live streaming. This role offers hands-on experience in a collaborative environment, allowing interns to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges while contributing to TikTok's mission of inspiring creativity and bringing joy.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine learning solutions for user behavior prediction, app traffic prediction, and video understanding.
• Apply causal inference algorithms to understand users and improve user experience at TikTok.
• Work cross-functionally with product managers, data scientists, and product engineers to understand insights, formulate problems, design and refine machine learning algorithms, and further drive the exciting growth of global TikTok users.
• Run regular A/B tests, perform analysis, and iterate algorithms accordingly.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2025.
• Familiar with applied machine learning, such as classification, deep neural networks, transformers, multi-task learning, etc.
• Proficient in at least one programming language, such as Python and C++.

Nice-to-haves

• Graduating December 2025 onwards with the intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship.
• Experience with recommendation systems, online advertising, search, and causal inference is preferred.
• Additional familiarity with LLM is a plus.
• Experience in Deep Learning Tools such as TensorFlow/PyTorch.
• Have a passion for learning and an eagerness to experiment with new techniques and good communication and a cooperative spirit.

Benefits

• Hourly rate range of $45-$75.
• 100% premium coverage for Full-Time intern medical insurance after 90 days from the date of hire.
• Paid holidays and paid sick leave.
• Mental and emotional health benefits through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Reimbursements for mobile phone expenses.