Machine Learning Engineer, AI Agent

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 388,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer, AI Agent in San Jose to advance R&D of algorithms for international advertising growth using deep learning and large language models. The role focuses on building the core brain of an AI agent and validating new frameworks to improve automation and planning.

Responsibilities include developing high-performance Skills toolsets, enabling autonomous agent evolution, and ensuring robust infrastructure for scalable AI systems across global campaigns.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, AI, NLP, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with at least one mainstream Agent framework.
• Deep understanding of LLMs/AI Agents and architectures like ReAct/PlanAct.
• Solid AI/ML background with post-training techniques like SFT and RLHF.
• Excellent coding skills in C/C++ or Python.

Responsibilities

• Build the core 'brain' of an AI agent for the advertising sales domain and track cutting-edge technologies.
• Explore mainstream Agent frameworks and validate new technologies to enhance automation and multimodal interaction.
• Establish an Agent evaluation mechanism for Harness-driven iteration.
• Develop a Skills toolset for advertising sales and customer acquisition scenarios.
• Explore agent automation and self-evolution to improve decision-making and execution.
• Build stable Agent infrastructure with performance and stability optimization.

Skills

Agent frameworks experience

LLMs / AI Agents

C/C++ or Python

Team collaboration

Research & experimentation

Education

Master's degree or higher in Computer Science / AI / NLP

Tools

LangGraph

OpenClaw

Hermes

Codex

Claude Code

Job description

Discover a career that energizes and excites you every day.

@2026 TikTok

Technology

Machine Learning Engineer, AI Agent

Location:

San Jose

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Code:

A194273C

Responsibilities

Our team focuses on the R&D of algorithm for TikTok international advertising customer growth. We leverage deep learning and large language model technologies to build an algorithmic system for advertiser acquisition and retention, optimize the operational efficiency of the international commerce platform, and empower the business to achieve sustainable long-term revenue growth.

• Build the core "brain" of an AI agent for the advertising sales domain and track cutting-edge technologies.
• Explore mainstream Agent frameworks, continuously monitor the latest advancements in the AI Agent field, and introduce and validate the feasibility of new technologies—with a focus on enhancing automated task planning and scheduling, tool invocation, multimodal interaction, and deep research capabilities.
• Establish an Agent evaluation mechanism for Harness-driven iteration.
• Develop a Skills toolset for advertising sales and customer acquisition scenarios, building and optimizing a suite of high-performance, reusable Skills.
• Explore Agent automation and self-evolution, enabling the Agent to learn from real-world interaction data and continuously improve its decision-making and execution capabilities.
• Build stable and reliable Agent infrastructure, including performance and stability optimization of the Agent system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, or related fields.
• Familiarity with at least one mainstream Agent framework (e.g., LangGraph, OpenClaw, Hermes, Codex, Claude Code, etc.) with hands-on experience.
• Deep understanding of the core principles of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI Agents. Familiarity with mainstream Agent architectures (e.g., ReAct/PlanAct), Multi-Agent systems, and concepts such as Context Engineering and Memory.
• Solid AI/ML background with in-depth knowledge of post-training techniques such as SFT and RLHF. Practical experience in fine-tuning model capabilities for specific tasks is preferred.
• Excellent coding skills with strong fundamentals in data structures and algorithms. Proficiency in C/C++ or Python.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.

Job Information

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $162000 - $387600 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; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.

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