Software Engineer, AI Data Application

The TikTok U.S. Data Security (USDS) team is responsible for the security, integrity, and compliance of TikTok data in the United States. The Data Platform Team builds reliable and cost-efficient infrastructure, self-service tools, and data products that help business and engineering teams work effectively. We are looking for a Software Engineer to grow their backend engineering skills while contributing to AI-powered internal products. You will work on clearly scoped projects with guidance from experienced engineers, learn the team’s systems and development practices, and gradually take ownership of production-ready components. Responsibilities - Implement, test, and maintain well-scoped backend services, APIs, and internal platform components with guidance from experienced engineers. - Contribute to AI-powered product capabilities such as data services, workflow automation, model integrations, and internal tools by following established designs and engineering practices. - Work with engineers, data scientists, and business partners to understand requirements, clarify edge cases, and deliver practical solutions. - Write clear, maintainable code and participate in code reviews, design discussions, testing, deployment, and production support. - Learn the team’s architecture, development processes, and operational standards, and apply feedback to improve technical judgment and execution. - Take increasing ownership of small features or components, communicate progress and blockers early, and deliver work within agreed scope and timelines.

Minimum Qualifications - Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, completed recently or expected before the start date. - Programming foundations: Proficiency in at least one backend programming language such as Python, Go, Java, or Node.js, demonstrated through coursework, internships, research, or personal projects. - Computer science fundamentals: Understanding of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented or functional programming, and basic software design principles. - Backend fundamentals: Familiarity with APIs, databases, testing, version control, and common client-server concepts. - Learning and collaboration: Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, ask clear questions, incorporate feedback, and work effectively with teammates. Preferred Qualifications - AI Systems Exposure: Coursework, internship, research, or project experience using LLM APIs, RAG pipelines, model-serving tools, or agentic workflows; interest in learning how to build reliable and safe AI-powered systems. - System Design Foundations: Understanding of modular design, API design, testing, and maintainable code, with the ability to discuss basic trade-offs and apply feedback from experienced engineers. - Collaboration and Growth: Strong communication and teamwork skills, curiosity about user needs, and the ability to take ownership of well-scoped tasks or small features with appropriate guidance.

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $122574 - $187200 annually.

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. Why Join Us

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.

We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We’re resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an “Always Day 1” mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

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. USDS Reasonable Accommodation

USDS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://tinyurl.com/USDS-RA