AI/ML Software Engineer Intern
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Job Description
Here is a detailed description of the company and the job:
About the Company: TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, with a core mission to inspire creativity and bring joy. Headquartered globally in Los Angeles and Singapore, TikTok also maintains a significant international presence with offices in major cities including New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
TikTok emphasizes a culture of creativity, curiosity, humility, and impact. The company fosters an environment where teams are global and diverse, working together to create value for communities and achieve meaningful breakthroughs. They operate with an “Always Day 1” mindset, encouraging constant iteration and embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and innovate.
Diversity & Inclusion are central to TikTok’s values. The company is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, aiming to reflect the many communities their platform reaches. TikTok also provides reasonable accommodations in its recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs, or other protected reasons.
About the Job: AI/ML Software Engineer Intern (Data Platform Team)
This is an AI/ML Software Engineer Intern position within TikTok’s Data Platform team, specifically for the Fall 2025 internship program.
Team Introduction:
As an intern in the data platform team, you will be involved in building, optimizing, and growing one of the largest data platforms globally. This role offers hands-on experience across various systems within the data platform ecosystem, with a particular focus on data analysis and processing systems utilizing AI/ML solutions, especially Large Language Models (LLMs). Your contributions are expected to have a direct and substantial impact on TikTok’s core products and its hundreds of millions of users.
Internship Program Details:
This internship program runs for 12 weeks beginning in August/September 2025. Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the following Fall internship start dates:
• Monday, August 11
• Monday, August 25
• Monday, September 8
• Monday, September 22
Candidates who can commit to these dates will be prioritized, and it is crucial to state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).
TikTok allows candidates to apply to a maximum of two positions globally (including affiliates), and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. The program aims to provide students with hands-on experience, fundamental skill development, and career exploration, complemented by social events and development workshops.
Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of tasks focused on big data and AI/ML systems:
• Design and implement reliable, scalable, robust, and extensible big data systems that support core products and business operations.
• Design and implement data analysis and processing systems based on AI/ML solutions, specifically utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Design and develop high-performance computing frameworks and storage systems.
• Establish solid design and best engineering practices for both technical and non-technical personnel.
Qualifications:
• Minimum Qualifications:
• Currently pursuing an Undergraduate or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to commit to working for 12 weeks during Fall 2025.
• Must obtain and maintain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire.
• Proficiency in programming languages, including but not limited to, C, C++, Java, or Python.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, self-driven learning, and a strong sense of ownership.
• Projects or research experience in at least one of the following areas: big data frameworks, large language models (LLMs), machine learning, or distributed storage systems.
• Preferred Qualification:
• Candidates graduating December 2025 onwards with the intent to return to their degree program after the completion of the internship.
Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly rate for this position in the selected city is $45.
Interns receive day-one access to health insurance, life insurance, and wellbeing benefits. They are also entitled to 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in the first half of the year, 40 hours if hired in the second half). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for a housing allowance. These benefits are subject to change by the company.
Special Note for Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with relevant federal, state, and local laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. The company assesses criminal history for its direct adverse relationship to job duties such as interacting with clients/colleagues, handling confidential information, and exercising sound judgment, which may impact employment offers.
