Engineering Tech Lead, Data Platform – USDS

TikTok USDS Joint Venture; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 187,040 - 438,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Parental leave

Disability & life insurance

Wellbeing programs

Holidays & personal leave

Job summary

TikTok USDS Joint Venture in San Jose, CA, is seeking a Technical Lead to architect AI-driven automation and scalable infrastructure that empowers multiple business units. You will drive architectural decisions, standards, and the adoption of intelligent tooling across data security and platform teams.

You will mentor engineers, shape the engineering culture, and partner with Legal, Finance, and HR to enable self-service data solutions while maintaining strong security and compliance controls.

Qualifications

• Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a proven track record of leading large-scale projects from 0-1 to maturity.
• Leadership: Technical Lead for a mid-to-large sized team with architectural oversight.
• Technical Depth: Proficiency in backend systems and distributed data infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Define long-term roadmap for AI-driven internal products and design complex systems for scalability, security and cost-efficiency.
• Lead initiatives to reduce friction by building self-service platforms for non-technical stakeholders.
• Overhaul release governance by integrating intelligent automation into deployment pipelines.
• Serve as primary technical contact for cross-functional teams and drive platformization of AI pilots.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of high-velocity execution and code quality.

Skills

Go

Python

Java

C++

Distributed systems

Data infrastructure

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

About the Team: The TikTok U.S. Data Security (USDS) team is responsible for the security, integrity, and compliance of TikTok’s data within the United States. The Data Platform Team builds a scalable, reliable, cost-efficient infrastructure that ensures data integrity and empowers every business unit to win through self-service tools and scientific insights.

As a Technical Lead, you will be the primary architect of our "technical multiplier" strategy. You won't just build tools; you will define the vision for how AI-driven automation and intelligent infrastructure can eliminate operational bottlenecks across the entire company. You will lead high-stakes initiatives that bridge the gap between complex data security requirements and world-class engineering efficiency.

• Technical Strategy & Architecture: Define the long-term roadmap for AI-driven internal products. Lead architectural design of complex systems such as enterprise-grade conversational RAG systems and autonomous diagnostic engines, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and cost-efficient.
• Force Multiplication: Identify systemic friction points across TikTok’s global workflows. Lead the transition from manual data management to "self-service empowerment," building platforms that allow non-technical stakeholders (Legal, Finance, HR) to solve complex data problems independently.
• Systemic Reliability & Governance: Overhaul the release governance framework by integrating intelligent automation into the Meego pipeline. Ensure data-informed decision-making is baked into the deployment lifecycle to mitigate global operational risks.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as the primary technical point of contact for BDEE and T&P teams. Drive the "platformization" of AI pilots, transforming isolated successes into enterprise-wide standards for AB testing and resource allocation.
• Mentorship & Engineering Culture: Champion engineering excellence by setting the standard for code quality, design documentation, and system resilience. Mentor junior and senior-level engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and high-velocity execution.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a proven track record of leading large-scale projects from 0-1 to maturity.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience as a Technical Lead for a mid-to-large sized team, with a focus on architectural oversight and cross-team influence.
• Technical Depth: Expert proficiency in backend systems (Go, Python, Java, or C++) and a deep understanding of distributed systems and data infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced AI/ML Orchestration: Deep expertise in building and scaling LLM-based agents, complex RAG architectures, and automated "Human-in-the-Loop" systems.
• Platform Vision: Experience building enterprise-scale internal productivity ecosystems (e.g., automated SQL engines, intelligent on-call bots, or massive-scale AB testing platforms).
• Operational Mastery: Proven ability to navigate complex compliance and security landscapes (like USDS) while maintaining high engineering velocity.
• Strategic Communication: Ability to translate highly technical AI/Infrastructure roadmaps into clear business impact for executive leadership and government relations stakeholders.

Job Information

Compensation: The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $187,040 - $438,000 annually. Compensation may vary depending on qualifications, skills, and location. The role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses, incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits: Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, and others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days, and 17 days of paid personal time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals).

Legal: For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) candidates: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.