Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Physics and Animation

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 355,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a Research Engineer specializing in Computer Graphics, Physics, and Animation to advance digital interaction technologies. As a key member of the Graphics Engine Team, you will develop innovative algorithms and deep learning models while contributing to cutting-edge research and real-time performance optimizations.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Paid parental leave

10 paid holidays per year

17 days of Paid Personal Time

Qualifications

• Expertise in computer graphics and AI is preferred.
• Solid experience in real-time rendering and simulation.
• Strong background in mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement algorithms for physics simulation and animation.
• Integrate deep learning models to enhance simulation realism.
• Optimize systems for performance across platforms.

Skills

Computer Graphics

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Programming in C++

Programming in Python

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics

Tools

CUDA

OpenCL

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Physics and Animation

Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Physics and Animation

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Responsibilities
About the Team
Join the Graphics Engine Team, where we push the boundaries of digital interaction by developing proprietary physics simulation, animation, and rendering systems.
Our team merges pioneering research with robust engineering to build sophisticated frameworks and mathematical models that power dynamic simulations, advanced animation, and rendering solutions, while prioritizing real-time performance.

We leverage modern machine learning technologies, to emulate complex physics interactions at speeds multiple orders of magnitude faster than traditional methods, and to tackle challenging computer graphics problems that no conventional technique can solve. We are committed to pioneering new frontiers in technology, ensuring remains at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

Responsibilities
- Design and implement advanced algorithms for real-time physics simulation, character animation, geometric modeling, rendering etc.
- Develop and integrate deep learning models that enhance speed, fidelity, or realism in physically based simulations or complex graphics workflows.
- Optimize algorithms and systems for speed and scalability across a wide range of hardware and platform targets.
- Work closely with product or other engineering teams to identify key challenges and deliver seamless, high-impact graphics solutions.
- Stay up to date with the latest research in computer graphics, physics simulation, and machine learning. Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and may publish findings in leading conferences or journals.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- MS or PhD in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with a focus in computer graphics, physics simulation, animation or AI/ML. (PhD strongly preferred)
- Combined Expertise: A solid background in both 3D computer graphics and AI is preferred
- Mathematical Foundations: Strong background in linear algebra, calculus, geometry, and numerical methods.
- Computer Graphics: Solid experience in one or more of the following: real-time rendering, physically based simulation, animation system, AI.
- Programming Skills: Proficiency in C++ and Python. Familiarity with GPU programming (CUDA, OpenCL, or similar) is a plus, but not required.
- Machine Learning: Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and applying neural networks to graphics, simulation, or generative models is a strong plus.

Preferred Qualifications
- Relevant publications in top-tier computer graphics, vision, or ML conferences/journals (e.g., SIGGRAPH, ICCV, CVPR, NeurIPS).
- Contributions to open-source projects, especially in graphics or simulation libraries.

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 $145000 - $355000 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Technology, Information and Internet

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