Machine Learning Engineer Intern (E-Commerce Risk Control)- 2027 Start (PhD) PhD Intern - 2027 Start San Jose

Bytedance; San Jose, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

10 paid holidays per year

Housing allowance

Job summary

ByteDance is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Intern to tackle e-commerce risk control in a fast‑paced environment in San Jose. This PhD internship focuses on building AI-native risk intelligence systems, with cross‑team collaboration and a strong emphasis on experimentation and data‑driven decision making.

The role involves developing novel ML algorithms, prototyping solutions, and contributing to the risk defense stack.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in CS/CE or related field.
• Strong ML theory knowledge: ensembles, deep nets, RL, graph learning.
• Experience with Python, SQL/Hive, Hadoop.
• Solid data structures and algorithms; strong problem solving.
• Detail oriented with good time management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ML algorithms to manage risks in TikTok's products.
• Prototype and validate hypotheses; provide insights to product/tech teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve automation processes.
• Build data querying infrastructure for real‑time and offline analysis.
• Define risk metrics and drive data‑driven goals for risk control.
• Document processes and communicate results via writing and visuals.

Skills

Python

SQL/Hive

Hadoop

Data structures

Algorithms

Time management

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in CS/CE

Job description

Machine Learning Engineer Intern (E-Commerce Risk Control)- 2027 Start (PhD)

Location:

San Jose

Team:

Technology

Employment Type:

Intern

Job Code:

A254786

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Responsibilities

Our team is building the next generation of AI-native risk intelligence systems to address emerging challenges driven by large-scale AIGC content production. As content creation becomes automated and adversaries adopt systematic experimentation (e.g., large-scale template variation and rapid iteration), traditional rule-based and single-model approaches are no longer sufficient. We are transitioning from monolithic LLM applications to a structured multi-agent architecture that emphasizes:

• Tool-augmented reasoning (ReAct-style systems)
• Modular skill composition
• Execution traceability and observability
• Feedback-driven system evolution
• Cross-domain risk reasoning

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship. PhD internships at Our Company provide students with the opportunity to actively contribute to our products and research, as well as to the organization's future plans and emerging technologies. Our dynamic internship experience blends hands‑on learning, enriching community-building and professional development events, and collaboration with industry experts.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement innovative machine learning algorithms to manage business risks in TikTok's products and platforms.
• Prototype and explore novel solutions, conduct experiments to validate hypotheses, and provide insights to Product and Tech teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance current automation processes.
• Build efficient data querying infrastructure for real‑time and offline analysis. Identify opportunities to strengthen risk defense solutions.
• Define risk control metrics and promote data‑driven practices. Align teams and stakeholders on numeric goals for risk control.
• Document technical processes and effectively communicate results through writing, visualizations, and presentations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in modern machine learning theories and applications, including ensemble trees, deep neural networks, transfer/multi‑task learning, reinforcement learning, graph theory, and unsupervised learning.
• Experience with Python, SQL/Hive, and Hadoop.
• Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms, with excellent problem‑solving ability.
• Detail oriented, effective time management, and strong analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated software engineering experience from previous internship, work experience, coding competitions, or publications.
• Internship experience or research experience, especially in e‑commerce, risk control domian.
• Curiosity towards new technologies and entrepreneurship.
• High levels of creativity and quick problem‑solving capabilities.

Job Information

The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $60- $60.

Benefits

• 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:

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 Us

Founded in 2012, ByteDance's mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of more than a dozen products, including TikTok, Lemon8, CapCut and Pico as well as platforms specific to the China market, including Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.

Why Join ByteDance

Inspiring creativity is at the core of ByteDance's mission. Our innovative products are 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 enrich life - a mission we work towards every day.

As ByteDancers, 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. 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

ByteDance 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 ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. 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.

Reasonable Accommodation

ByteDance 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