Machine Learning Engineer Intern (App Ads and Gaming) - 2027 Summer

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking energetic interns to join the App Ads and Gaming team, contributing to large-scale ad delivery systems and monetization innovations. This 12-week Summer 2027 internship offers hands-on experience and real-world problem solving while building a foundation for professional growth.

Interns will work on developing ads infrastructure, ML projects, and product-aligned targeting strategies, with opportunities to engage with product, business, and diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or above in CS/CE or related technical field.
• Strong grounding in machine learning concepts and techniques.
• Excellent programming, debugging, and optimization skills in Go, C/C++, Python.
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow/PyTorch/MXNet.
• Ability to think critically and articulate solutions clearly.
• Commit to a 12-week full-time Summer 2027 internship.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Go

C/C++

Python

Machine learning concepts

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical discipline

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

MXNet

Job description

Responsibilities

The App Ads and Gaming team empowers TikTok's global monetization (billion-dollar business) via efficiently delivering application ads on TikTok. Our mission is to push the boundaries of large-scale ad delivery systems and lead the innovations of TikTok's personalized online advertising.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship. Our internship program offers students hands‑on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply their knowledge to real‑world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.

Interns will gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and participate in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals.

Candidates may apply to a maximum of two positions across Our Company and its affiliates globally. Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please clearly state your availability in your resume, including your start and end dates.

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:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or above degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 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.
• Must be able to commit to a 12‑week full‑time work period during Summer 2027.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with Ads system, recommendation, searching, ranking, etc.

Job Information

【For Pay Transparency】Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern

The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.

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:

• Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
• Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
• 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