Ads ML Infrastructure Research Engineer Intern

TikTok Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking PhD interns to join the Ads ML data platform team for 2026. The role focuses on building scalable data collection, feature engineering, training data generation, and privacy enforcement to support ads ranking and product development.

Interns will lead projects, provide technical guidance, and collaborate across teams to drive engineering efforts and bring in new ideas and technologies in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in computer science or related technical disciplines.
• Strong CS fundamentals (algorithms, data structures, software design) and problem-solving skills.
• Solid coding skills and a good understanding of algorithms, especially causal inference, uplift model, and deep learning.
• Experience in managing projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects committed to building and operating scalable and reliable Ads ranking infrastructure systems.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to team members and project peers.
• Communicate cross-functionally across various teams, organizations and internal and external stakeholders to drive engineering efforts.
• Lead the innovation efforts, and bring in new ideas and technologies.

Skills

Algorithms

Data structures

Software design

Problem solving

Causal inference

Uplift model

Deep learning

Project management

Education

PhD degree in computer science or related technical disciplines

Job description

TikTok is seeking PhD interns to join the Ads ML data platform team for 2026. The role focuses on building scalable data collection, feature engineering, training data generation, and privacy enforcement to support ads ranking and product development.

Interns will lead projects, provide technical guidance, and collaborate across teams to drive engineering efforts and bring in new ideas and technologies in a fast-paced environment.