Multimedia Arch Senior Frontend Engineer

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 213,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a senior frontend/architect to drive innovative multimedia web experiences. You will lead design and implementation of high-performance playback systems, leveraging WebCodecs, WASM, and WebGPU, while integrating AI-driven features for diagnostics and automation.

The role requires deep browser knowledge, 5+ years in frontend, and a proven ability to ship complex web applications. Join a global team shaping multimedia on the web.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Computer Science or related major.
• Expert-level proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript (ES6+), React, CSS and frontend performance optimization.
• 5 years of professional frontend development experience on large-scale web apps or complex architectures.
• AI native mindset with ability to translate AI advances into business value.
• Deep knowledge of browser internals, rendering pipelines, memory management and multi-threading (Web Workers).
• Experience in multimedia domain such as video codecs, streaming or web media players.
• Strong communication and collaboration for cross-functional projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive 0-to-1 exploration of LLM/AI agents in-browser using ONNX Runtime Web, Transformers.js, or MediaPipe.
• Architect and implement high-performance, scalable multimedia playback systems with WebCodecs and WASM.
• Develop internal platforms and dashboards integrating LLMs, RAG, and Function Calling for intelligent tooling.
• Set standards for code quality, performance and system design; mentor junior engineers.
• Own end-to-end performance of multimedia components, including low-latency streaming and DRM.
• Identify and solve complex tech challenges across the stack from rendering to application logic.

Skills

TypeScript/JavaScript

React

Frontend performance

AI/LLM mindset

WebAssembly

WebCodecs/WebGPU

Web Workers

Education

BA/BS in Computer Science or related

Tools

ONNX Runtime Web

Transformers.js

MediaPipe

WebCodecs

WebAssembly (WASM)

Job description

About the team The Multimedia Arch Web team is the innovation engine for TikTok's user-facing media technology on Web. We are responsible for the end-to-end web multimedia experience, from low-level playback architecture to cutting-edge AI-driven features. Our work includes building high-performance Web Players (VoD & Live) and SDKs(TikTok Embed Player, Upload SDK, Audio SDKs etc Multimedia SDKs), pioneering the use of WebAssembly and WebGPU for media processing, developing sophisticated AI-powered diagnostic and efficiency platforms, and exploring novel applications of edge AI. Joining us means you will take ownership of complex technical challenges, lead ambitious projects, and shape the future of multimedia on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• Drive 0-to-1 exploration of LLM or AI Agent or in-browser AI applications, using frameworks like ONNX Runtime Web, Transformers.js, or MediaPipe to build features for client-side quality enhancement, highlight extraction, video/audio analysis, and environment awareness.
• Lead the architectural design and implementation of highly-performant, scalable multimedia playback systems, leveraging technologies like WebCodecs, MSE/EME, and WebAssembly (WASM) to deliver an extreme playback experience.
• Architect and develop sophisticated internal platforms and efficiency tools, integrating LLMs, RAG, and Function Calling to create intelligent troubleshooting assistants, automated on-call systems, and deep-dive multimedia analysis dashboards.
• Champion technical excellence and cross-organization collaboration, setting standards for code quality, performance, and system design while mentoring junior engineers and influencing technical roadmaps.
• Own the end-to-end performance of critical multimedia components, conducting deep-dive analysis, optimizing low-latency streaming, ABR logic, and ensuring DRM-protected content is delivered seamlessly.
• Proactively identify and solve complex technical challenges across the stack, from low-level browser rendering (WebGL/WebGPU) to high-level application logic, ensuring our systems are robust, scalable, and maintainable.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS Degree in Computer Science or related major. Expert-level proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript (ES6+), modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React), advanced CSS, and frontend performance optimizations.
• 5 years of professional experience in frontend development, with a proven track record of shipping high-impact, large-scale web applications or complex end-to-end system architecture.
• AI Native mindset, vision and capabilities. Master usage of AI for dev efficiency, and ability to translate AI advancements into tangible business value.
• Deep mastery of browser engine internals, rendering pipelines, memory management, and multi-threading (Web Workers) to resolve extreme performance bottlenecks under high-traffic scenarios.
• Understanding or experience in Multimedia domain, such as working on video related platforms/products, understanding of video codecs, video quality optimization or web media player related concepts.
• Great communication and collaboration skills. A strong team player mindset. Is capable of driving XFN projects, and large scale cross team project management.
• Excellent problem-solving, thriving in ambiguity and analytical thinking skills, fast learning and entrepreneurial spirit. Pays attention to cutting-edge technologies and projects, loves innovation and is capable of spearheading innovative technical solutions to complex challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep expertise and industry experience in the multimedia technology stack (e.g., Web Player, WebCodecs, MSE/EME, WebRTC, Web Audio API, low-latency streaming, ABR, DRM).
• Expertise in designing, building and deploying large-scale AI solutions, with a focus on on-device inference. Deeply proficient in frameworks such as ONNX Runtime Web, Transformers.js, MediaPipe, or WebNN. Capable of architecting hybrid AI systems that balance server-side power with browser-side efficiency. AI model training and optimization experience is an extra plus.
• Proficiency in low-level Web technologies, including WebGL/WebGPU for hardware-accelerated processing, and WebAssembly (Wasm) for high-performance computation. Deeply familiar with multi-threading strategies (Web Workers) to maintain smooth UI experiences during intensive multimedia/AI tasks.
• Expertise in architecting AI Agent workflows and integrating LLMs into production-grade systems. Deeply familiar with Generative UI patterns, including handling streaming data and managing adaptive interfaces driven by model intent. Experience in bridging generative capabilities with traditional web constraints is highly valued.
• A holistic view of complex end-to-end system architecture is an extra plus. Proficiency in full-stack technologies (especially Golang/BFF) to optimize the entire data pipeline from server-side ingestion to client-side AI rendering.

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 $212800 - $450000 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:

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.