Online Assessment Software Engineer Intern; Recommendation Infrastructure - Fall; BS​/MS

Team Introduction

The Recommendation Infrastructure Team is responsible for building reliable, efficient, flexible, and generic recommendation components, systems, and platforms. Our work supports the fast iteration and incubation of Tik Tok's recommendation products.

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. Turn your ambitions into reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at Tik Tok.

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. This internship program runs for 12 weeks beginning in August/September 2026.

Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the following internship start dates below.

• 8/10/2026
• 8/24/2026
• 9/8/2026
• 9/21/2026

We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).

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 early.

This internship provides students the opportunity to join one of our engineering teams where you will have the opportunity to:

• Build and maintain high‑performance online services for Tik Tok's recommendation system.
• Build extremely efficient and reliable data pipelines for candidate generation, profile generation, training example generation, real‑time online training, etc.
• Work with your mentor to build a globalized large‑scale recommendation system.
• Design and develop high‑performance computing frameworks and storage systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to commit to a 12‑week full‑time work period during Fall 2026.
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate/masters degree in software development, computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in programming, including but not limited to the following programming languages: C, C++, Java, or Golang.
• Effective communication skills and a sense of ownership and drive.
• 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 2025 onwards with intent to return to degree‑program after the completion of the internship.
• Demonstrated software engineering experience from previous internship, work experience, coding competitions, or publications.
• Demonstrated experience in one area of the following areas: personalized recommendations, search engine, machine learning, distributed storage system, big data frameworks is a plus.

Pay Transparency: Compensation Description (Hourly) – Campus Intern. The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $42.75–$42.75.

Benefits: Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in…