Machine Learning Engineer - Ads Core and Commerce Ads San Jose Regular R&D Job ID: A54926B

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to advance core and commerce ads. You will build scalable ML models to improve ad ranking, CTR/CVR predictions, and advertiser strategies, while exploring new features to boost model accuracy.

You will collaborate with PMs, Designers and Global counterparts to shape next-generation shopping experiences. The role emphasizes on-site work in San Jose with a focus on data-driven optimization, strong ML fundamentals, and

Qualifications

• Proficient in SQL and Python with data manipulation experience.
• Strong foundation in machine/deep learning concepts and evaluation.
• Experience with big data processing frameworks and distributed computing.

Responsibilities

• Build scalable ML systems and models to improve ad ranking and advertiser strategies.
• Explore and experiment with new features to improve model accuracy.
• Align with ads platform objectives to boost relevance and quantity delivered to users.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance shopping experiences on TikTok.

Skills

SQL

Python

Big data

Hadoop

Spark

Data manipulation

ML concepts

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in CS/DS/Statistics

Tools

SQL tooling

Job description

Machine Learning Engineer - Ads Core and Commerce Ads

San Jose Regular R&D Job ID: A54926B

Responsibilities

The TikTok USDS shop Ads team is dedicated to blending advertiser focus with technical expertise. Our mission is to enhance shop ads—both open-loop and closed-loop—to establish TikTok US as an essential growth engine for businesses of all sizes and a top destination for consumers to discover and buy products, content, and services. We are crucial to driving TikTok's ad revenue and are committed to developing the next-generation shop ad solutions for the platform.

Key Responsibilities:

• - Build highly scalable machine learning systems and state-of-the-art machine learning models to improve ad ranking quality and optimize advertisers' marketing strategies. Examples include but are not limited to click through rate prediction, conversion rate prediction, intelligent format selection and user journey optimization.
• - Explore, develop and experiment with new features to improve model accuracy.
• - Understand ads platform objectives and take full advantage of modern machine learning to improve ads relevance, quality, and quantity delivered to end-users.
• - Collaborate with Global counterpart, Product Managers, Designers, and other disciplines to explore the next generation of shopping experiences on TikTok.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• - Highly self-motivated to drive business growth and foster technical advancement.
• - Proficient in using SQL and Python and experience with data manipulation.
• - Experience with big data processing frameworks (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) and distributed computing for efficient data mining on large-scale datasets.
• - Solid understanding of machine/deep learning concepts and techniques, including feature engineering, model evaluation, and optimization.
• - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to handle and derive insights from complex and unstructured datasets.

Preferred Qualifications

• - Master's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• - 5+ years experience as a Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, and experience in causal machine learning is preferred.
• - Work experience in user growth, marketing algorithms, recommendation algorithms, advertisement algorithms or related fields is preferred.
• - Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Job Information

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