Machine Learning Engineer, Ads Creative

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 317,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a software engineer to help build and optimize large-scale ads experiences. You will work on applied machine learning for creative and landing page understanding, generation, and optimization, enabling advertisers, creators, and partners to deliver engaging content at scale.

The role emphasizes collaboration with product teams, a strong ML background, and hands-on development across the ad tech stack. This is a dynamic opportunity at TikTok's US teams.

Qualifications

• Strong programming in Go, C/C++, or Python.
• Solid knowledge of ML concepts and techniques.
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or MXNet.
• Clear communication and analytical problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of a large-scale Ads system.
• Develop state-of-the-art applied machine learning projects.
• Own key targeting components or strategies in the TikTok ads monetization ecosystem.
• Collaborate with product and business teams on product vision.

Skills

Go

C/C++

Python

ML concepts

Debugging

Education

BS/MS in CS or related

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

MXNet

Job description

Responsibilities

A "creative" is the ad (in the form of a short-form video) served to TikTok users, composed of video, background music, call-to-action card, post-click landing page, and other formats that get delivered to users. A quote goes "creativity is the soul of advertising", because a good ad creative is effective, yet difficult to produce, especially at the scale of TikTok advertising.

The TikTok Ads Creative & Ecosystem team's mission is to solve the above dilemma, by building industry-leading tech solutions for ads creative/landing page understanding, production/generation, and optimization, to inspire and empower advertisers, creators, and other 3rd parties in the ecosystem to create and deliver the best engaging creative experiences to the end users. Our work is at the core of TikTok and creator monetization. Examples of our team's work include TikTok video editor, AI-powered smart video generation (we are also exploring AIGC), and TikTok creative exchange (a creative marketplace to connect TikTok advertisers with creators or third-party creative agencies).

We are user/product oriented and dedicated to technical excellence. We aim to drive and lead the technology renovation in the ads tech and creative industry, powering products and driving values for our clients, creators, and the whole ecosystem. We are excited to grow advertisers' and users' business understanding, build highly scalable and reliable software/infrastructure, partner across functions with global teams, and make big impacts. If you are someone who welcomes challenges, we are eager to have you on the team!

What You'll Do:

• Participate in the development of a large-scale Ads system.
• Responsible for the development of state-of-the-art applied machine learning projects.
• Own key targeting components or strategies in the TikTok ads monetization ecosystem.
• Work with product and business teams on product vision.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other relevant majors.
• Experience in and good theoretical grounding in machine learning concepts and techniques.
• Excellent programming, debugging, and optimization skills in one or more general purpose programming languages, including but not limited to: Go, C/C++, Python.
• Experience in one or more of the following frameworks: Tensorflow/PyTorch/MXNet, etc
• Ability to think critically and to formulate solutions to problems in a clear and concise way.

Preferred Qualification:

• Has experience in ads system, recommendation, searching, ranking, etc.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

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.

TikTok Accommodation

TikTok 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/RA-request

Job Information

【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $156000 - $316800 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:

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. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

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;
3. Exercising sound judgment.