About the role#
TikTok Search is developing a search engine for millions of users worldwide. This team focuses on helping users discover relevant and engaging content. You will work on technical challenges involving information retrieval, machine learning, natural language understanding, and distributed systems. This role involves integrating traditional search technologies with Large Language Models to improve user experience.
What you'll do#
- Build and optimize search systems that serve a global user base.
- Solve complex problems in ranking, query understanding, retrieval, and system reliability.
- Integrate search engine technologies with LLMs to improve result relevance.
- Develop algorithms for next-generation search interactions.
- Collaborate with product managers, researchers, and engineers to build scalable technical solutions.
- Apply machine learning, NLP, and information retrieval techniques to improve search quality.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
- Strong foundation in data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
- Proficiency in C++, Python, Go, or Java.
- Ability to commit to a 12-week internship in 2027.
- Strong curiosity and ability to solve complex technical problems.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Experience in search, recommendation systems, machine learning, NLP, LLMs, or distributed systems is preferred.
- Software engineering experience through internships, projects, or open-source contributions.
- Experience in programming competitions like ICPC, CCPC, NOI, or IOI is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California
- Term: Summer 2027
- Modality: On-site
- Full-time internship
- Paid position
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.
