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

Tiktok - San Jose, CA

Full-time - Intern

San Jose, CA

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

About the position

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. The Multimedia Arch team is responsible for user experience optimization and cost optimization for the entire video on demand and live streaming system. We are building intelligent and personalized end-to-end multimedia systems to power the TikTok ecosystem. We are currently seeking a passionate video algorithm engineer intern to join our team. In this role, you will collaborate with product and engineering teams to identify opportunities and improve overall system performance and efficiency by integrating video algorithms across the entire multimedia system. Your responsibilities will include implementing video streaming and network algorithms at large scales to optimize and improve user watching experience in the system. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. This internship program runs for 12 weeks beginning in May/June 2025. Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the specified summer internship start dates. Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply early. The internship will provide a vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops, allowing you to utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.

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

• Hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths.
• Vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops.