Machine Learning Engineer, Ads Targeting

TikTok Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok Inc. is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to advance ads targeting through state-of-the-art ML techniques. You will own core targeting components, build scalable pipelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align product vision with data-driven insights.

Ideal candidates have hands-on ML experience, strong programming skills in Python/C++/Go, and a track record with high-load systems. Join a global team delivering next-generation ad targeting features.

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics or similar quantitative field.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning, deep learning or statistical models.
• Strong coding skills in Python, C++ or Go; experience with high-load systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art applied machine learning projects.
• Own key targeting components in TikTok ads monetization ecosystem.
• Build scalable platforms and data pipelines for ads targeting products.
• Collaborate with product and business teams on product vision.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Statistical models

Applied mathematics

Python

C++

Go

Online experimentation

Education

BS/MS in CS/Statistics/Applied Math

Job description

Responsibilities

The Ads Targeting's goal is to help advertisers reach their desired audience and optimize advertisement performance. As a member of the Ads Targeting, Ads Core team, you will apply machine learning models to scale budgets by understanding user interest and intention, and build large-scale foundations for data processing and serving for next-generation ad targeting products. This team is working on a variety of products such as custom audience, interest, behavior, lookalike, auto targeting etc., as well as new innovative features.

We are seeking Machine Learning Engineers who can help us to improve our existing delivery system that optimizes for advertisers' true business objectives, i.e. desired user value and effectiveness of ROI. You will have a chance to work with a fully globalized team made up of great engineering talents in different countries, and work closely with cross-functional teams to build proper and relevant connections between users, advertisers, and TikTok.

What You'll Do:

• 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.
• Build scalable platforms and pipelines for ads targeting products.
• Work with product and business teams on the product vision.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Operation Research, Applied Mathematics, Physics or similar quantitative fields, with related experience.
• Hands‑on experience in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, deep learning, statistical models and applied mathematical methods.
• Strong coding skills, especially in Python/C++/Go. Experience with high-load systems.
• Familiarity with online experimentation and analytics.
• Familiarity