About the role#
The Search team builds systems that help users find relevant and engaging content on TikTok. This role involves working across search retrieval, ranking, recommendation signals, and infrastructure. You will use machine learning, data analysis, and distributed systems to improve search quality for our global user base.
What you'll do#
- Support the design, implementation, testing, and iteration of search features and tools with guidance from mentors.
- Analyze large-scale data, logs, and metrics to understand user behavior and improve system quality.
- Collaborate with engineering, product, and machine learning partners to define requirements and hit project milestones.
- Write clear, maintainable code and documentation for your work.
- Share progress, risks, and findings with your team and stakeholders.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Ability to commit to a 12-week full-time internship.
- Proficient coding skills and a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures.
- Experience in areas such as NLP, ranking, search engines, recommender systems, or distributed systems.
- Familiarity with databases, data pipelines, or large-scale backend services.
- Experience using data to investigate and solve system or product problems.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California.
- This is an on-site, full-time, paid internship.
- Sponsorship is not provided for this position.
About TikTok
TikTok operates as an entertainment provider. The company maintains a global presence with offices in cities including Los Angeles, Singapore, New York, London, and Tokyo. It employs over 92,000 people. The organization is privately held.
How to get in at TikTok
Landing an internship at TikTok requires speed because early applicants often get seen before the pile grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can apply among the first. This gives you a better chance of your resume being reviewed while the team is still actively filling the position. You should aim to be one of the first people to submit your materials. Reaching out to the right person can also improve your chances of getting a response. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the role or a referral. This direct approach often works better than waiting for a response from a general application queue.
