About the role#
The Business Risk Integrated Control (BRIC) team builds the algorithms, AI technologies, and infrastructure that protect users and platform health across TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and Lark. This PhD internship focuses on applying advanced AI to solve complex problems in trust, safety, and platform growth. We are looking for candidates interested in full-time conversion.
What you'll do#
- Build agent workflows to profile the risk engine and identify bottlenecks in latency, CPU, memory, and cost.
- Propose, verify, and iterate on performance optimizations using recursive self-improvement loops.
- Design agents to audit the rule base, detect redundant or low-value rules, and propose safe changes with human-in-the-loop approval.
- Contribute to shared agent capabilities including tool use, workflow orchestration, observability, and safety controls.
- Take prototypes to production to achieve measurable impact.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a PhD program for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
- Proficiency in Python, Go, C++, or Java, along with solid software engineering practices.
- A strong foundation in machine learning and data analysis, including rigorous experimental methodology.
- Ability to work in an English-speaking, cross-functional environment with a proactive mindset and a strong sense of ownership.
- Preferred: Research or engineering experience in LLM agents, self-improving systems, automated performance optimization, or reinforcement learning.
- Preferred: Experience with large-scale backend systems, performance profiling, or building evaluation and safety mechanisms for production LLM systems.
- Preferred: Hands-on experience with tool calling, RAG, or multi-step agent workflows.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time intern.
- Compensation: $60 per hour.
- Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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.
