About the role#
The TikTok Search team builds search experiences for hundreds of millions of global users. You will work on technical challenges involving information retrieval, machine learning, and large-scale distributed systems. The team is currently integrating search engine technologies with LLMs to create new search paradigms and improve result relevance.
What you'll do#
- Build and optimize search systems and features for a global user base.
- Address technical problems in ranking, query understanding, retrieval, and system reliability.
- Integrate LLMs with search technologies to improve user experience.
- Develop algorithms that support next-generation search interaction.
- Collaborate with product managers, researchers, and engineers to build scalable technical solutions.
- Apply techniques in machine learning, NLP, and information retrieval to improve search quality.
What you'll need#
- Current pursuit of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
- Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.
- Proficiency in C++, Python, Go, or Java.
- Ability to commit to a 12-week internship in 2027.
- Experience in search, recommendation systems, machine learning, NLP, LLMs, or distributed systems is preferred.
- Demonstrated engineering experience through projects, research, or open-source contributions.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
- Success in programming competitions like ICPC, CCPC, NOI, or IOI is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California, United States
- Term: Fall 2027
- Work Modality: On-site
- Employment Type: Full-time intern
- Compensation: $45 per hour
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.
