Engineering Tech Lead, Data Platform – USDS

TikTok USDS Joint Venture; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 416,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is seeking a Tech Lead to accelerate data-driven initiatives within the U.S. security program. You will shape the technical strategy for AI-powered internal products, drive enterprise-grade architectures, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform data workflows.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and delivering scalable, secure solutions that empower Legal, Finance, and HR while maintaining compliance and high engineering velocity.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Define the long-term roadmap for AI-driven internal products and lead architectural design of complex systems.
• Lead platform initiatives to enable self-service empowerment for non-technical stakeholders across functions.
• Overhaul release governance by integrating intelligent automation into pipelines and ensure data-informed decision-making in deployment lifecycles.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for cross-functional teams and drive platformization of AI pilots.
• Mentor engineers and promote engineering excellence, code quality, and resilient system design.

Skills

Technical leadership

Backend systems

Go

Python

Java

C++

Distributed systems

Architectural oversight

Education

BS/MS/PhD in CS/Engineering

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.

We are seeking a Tech Lead to help drive company-wide efficiency and "self-service empowerment" through AI-driven innovation. Our mission is to transform how the organization interacts with data by building a "technical multiplier"— a suite of internal products that automate manual bottlenecks and accelerate business velocity.

Responsibilities

• - Technical Strategy & Architecture: Define the long-term roadmap for AI-driven internal products. You will lead the 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. You will 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. You will ensure that 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. You will 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. You will 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.

About USDS

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is dedicated to the safety and security of millions of Americans who create, discover, and connect with what they love on the apps we operate. The Joint Venture has been established in compliance with the Executive Order signed by President Trump on September 25, 2025. Our foundation is a comprehensive data privacy and cybersecurity program we operate under defined safeguards to protect national security and secure U.S. user data, apps and the algorithm. We safeguard the U.S. content ecosystem, holding decision-making authority for trust and safety policies and moderation. USDS Joint Venture helps ensure Americans can continue to express their creativity, discover new hobbies and interests, and build thriving communities and businesses on a global scale.

On-site presence across teams allows the company to operate with greater speed, alignment, and agility — especially in areas like real-time decision-making, team development, and integrated execution. As such, the company is shifting from a hybrid work model to a fully in-person schedule up to 5 days a week.

Why Join Us

Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.

We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

USDS Reasonable Accommodation

USDS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://tinyurl.com/USDS-RA

Job Information

【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $198360 - $416100 annually.

Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. 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, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.