Software Engineer, Data Security - USDS

About the team The Security Engineering team is missioned to run and operate security infrastructures, platforms and technologies, as well as to support cross-functional teams to protect our users, products and infrastructures. This team is responsible for enhancing security tools and identifying vulnerabilities, with a specific focus on content assurance and the application of large language models (LLMs). You’ll collaborate cross-functionally with partners inside and outside TikTok to fortify our products and users’ security, helping to establish TikTok as the most trusted platform.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, maintain and continuously improve TikTok USDS JV’s data security and privacy infrastructure
• Deploy, troubleshoot, and operate large distributed systems
• Optimize reliability, availability and performance of globally distributed systems
• Analyze product needs and security & privacy objectives to deliver results aligned with project goals
• Research on cutting-edge privacy preserving technologies and apply into real-world engineering and business scenarios
• Manage individual project priorities, deadlines and deliverables
• Collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality work in rapid product development

• BS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other relevant majors with min 3 years of work experience
• Excellent programming, debugging, and optimization skills in general purpose programming languages
• Ability to think critically and to formulate solutions to problems in a clear, concise and timely manner
• Experience working with two or more from the following: web application development, Unix/Linux environments, mobile application development, distributed and parallel systems, developing large software systems, and/or security software development, * Master/PhD degree, further education
• Experience with one or more general purpose programming languages including but not limited to: Java, C/C++, C#, Objective C, Python, JavaScript, or Go
• Experience dealing with production issues at scale

Paid parental leave, Parental leave, Health insurance, 401(k) matching, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, Paid sick time, Life insurance, Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

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. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;

2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and

3. Exercising sound judgment.

About USDS

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is dedicated to the safety and security of millions of Americans who create, discover, and connect with what they love on the apps we operate. The Joint Venture has been established in compliance with the Executive Order signed by President Trump on September 25, 2025. Our foundation is a comprehensive data privacy and cybersecurity program we operate under defined safeguards to protect national security and secure U.S. user data, apps and the algorithm. We safeguard the U.S. content ecosystem, holding decision-making authority for trust and safety policies and moderation. USDS Joint Venture helps ensure Americans can continue to express their creativity, discover new hobbies and interests, and build thriving communities and businesses on a global scale.

On-site presence across teams allows the company to operate with greater speed, alignment, and agility - especially in areas like real-time decision-making, team development, and integrated execution. As such, the company is shifting from a hybrid work model to a fully in-person schedule up to 5 days a week.

Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok’s mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect - and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day., TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.