Software Engineer Intern (TikTok Search Architecture) - 2027 Fall

Public source summary from intern-list.com / Jobright.

TikTok is a short-form mobile video platform seeking a Software Engineer Intern to join its Search Architecture team. The intern will build and optimize large-scale search systems, develop algorithms for ranking and retrieval, and explore the integration of search technologies with large language models to improve search relevance and user experience.

Responsibilities

Build and optimize search systems and features that serve hundreds of millions of users globally Work on large-scale, complex technical problems in search quality, ranking, query understanding, retrieval, and system reliability Explore the integration of search engine technologies and LLMs to improve user experience and search result relevance Develop algorithms and systems that support next-generation search experiences and new search interaction paradigms Collaborate with product managers, researchers, and engineers to understand user needs and translate them into scalable technical solutions Apply modern machine learning, information retrieval, NLP, and LLM techniques to improve search quality and user perception

Qualifications: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline Solid foundation in computer science fundamentals, with strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and operating systems Strong programming skills and good coding habits; experience with one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, Go or Java Strong curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to quickly understand and solve complex technical problems Good communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment Able to commit to a 12-week internship in 2027 Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline Experience in search, recommendation systems, machine learning, NLP, LLMs, distributed systems, or related areas Demonstrated software engineering experience through internships, research projects, open-source contributions, or publications Award-winning experience in programming competitions such as ICPC, CCPC, NOI, IOI, or other comparable competitions is a plus High levels of creativity, self-motivation, and strong problem-solving capability

Benefits: Hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply knowledge to real-world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Practical experience, opportunities to explore potential career paths, and participation in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals.

Day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. 10 paid holidays per year. 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.