Jobs
Machine Learning Engineer Intern - TikTok Search Local Services team - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Machine Learning Engineer Intern - TikTok Search Local Services team - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)
San Jose, CA
·
On-site
·
Full-time
·
1mo ago
Benefits & Perks
•Parental leave program
•Wellness benefits
•Learning and development stipend
•Annual team offsites
Required Skills
Airflow
PyTorch
SQL
Responsibilities
Team Introduction
The Data-Search-Tik Tok-Local Services team enhances local services by improving user discovery of hospitality, dining, and leisure experiences while driving ecosystem growth. They leverage large-scale machine learning to refine search and recommendation systems, focusing on personalized relevance, CTR/CVR prediction, and optimized conversion efficiency for billions of users.
We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at Tik Tok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at Tik Tok.
Internship Overview
Internships at Tik Tok aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It runs for 12 weeks.
Application Information
Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. The application limit is applicable to Tik Tok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).
Summer Start Dates
- May 11th, 2026
- May 18th, 2026
- May 26th, 2026
- June 8th, 2026
- June 22nd, 2026
Internship Opportunities
This internship provides students the opportunity to join one of our engineering teams where you will have the opportunity to:
Participate in the improvement of the search core algorithm, possible directions include:
- Large Language Model Application: Building AI search for local service needs by deploying and posttraining LLMs, constructing robust and comprehensive RAGs.
- Content understanding/matching: Applying the industry's cutting-edge LLM technology to match the most relevant videos for each search query, and continuously improve the understanding of queries and relevance of Tik Tok search.
- User Behavior Modeling: solving the recommendation problem in search, letting Tik Tok search increase the ability of personalization on the basis of "relevant", and understand users better.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor/Master/PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2026.
- Experience with coding in Python, Java, Golang, C#, or C++.
- Experience deploying, training LLMs or building LLM powered applications.
- Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduating December 2026 onwards with intent to return to degree-program after the completion of the internship.
- Experience deploying, training LLMs or building LLM powered applications.
- Demonstrated software engineering or natural language processing, deep learning experience from previous internship, work experience, coding competitions, or publications.
- High levels of creativity and quick problem-solving capabilities.
Privacy Statement
By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here: https://careers.tiktok.com/legal/privacy
Total Views
0
Apply Clicks
0
Mock Applicants
0
Scraps
0
Similar Jobs

Senior Machine Learning Engineer (f/m/d)
Contentful · Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Senior Machine Learning Engineer- LiveOps Automation
Scopely · ES - Barcelona, Spain; ES - Spain

2026 Masters Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence Engineering Co-Op/Intern
AMD ·

Senior Staff Machine Learning Engineer – GenAI
Airbnb · Gunnison, CO

Senior Machine Learning Engineer (f/m/d)
Contentful · London, England, United Kingdom
About TikTok

TikTok
Late StageA short-form video entertainment app and social network platform
10,001+
Employees
Los Angeles
Headquarters
$220B
Valuation
Reviews
3.1
3 reviews
Work Life Balance
1.5
Compensation
2.0
Culture
1.2
Career
1.8
Management
1.0
5%
Recommend to a Friend
Pros
Limited positive feedback available
Company size allows for potential opportunities
Technology platform experience
Cons
Mass layoffs and poor handling of terminations
Unprofessional management and HR behavior
Exposure to traumatic content without adequate support
Salary Ranges
52 data points
Mid/L4
Senior/L5
Mid/L4 · Applied AI Product Data Scientist
1 reports
$273,000
total / year
Base
$210,000
Stock
-
Bonus
-
$273,000
$273,000
Interview Experience
4 interviews
Difficulty
3.5
/ 5
Duration
21-35 weeks
Experience
Positive 0%
Neutral 25%
Negative 75%
Interview Process
1
Application Review
2
Recruiter Screen
3
Online Assessment
4
Technical Phone Screen
5
Onsite/Virtual Interviews
6
Team Matching
7
Offer
Common Questions
Coding/Algorithm
System Design
Behavioral/STAR
Technical Knowledge
Data Structures
News & Buzz
25-Year-Old TikTok Star Khaby Lame Sells His Media Company for Nearly $1B - observer.com
Source: observer.com
News
·
5w ago
TikTok users say they're being censored after new owners were announced. The company says it's a tech issue. - Reason Magazine
Source: Reason Magazine
News
·
5w ago
TikTok users can't upload anti-ICE videos. The company blames tech issues
HN
·
5w ago
·
1,490
·
1000
TikTok is investigating why some users can't write 'Epstein' in messages - NPR
Source: NPR
News
·
5w ago