Research Engineer Graduate (Realtime Codec Optimizations-Video Codec) - 2027 Start (PhD)

TikTok; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 301,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a Research Engineer Graduate to advance realtime video codec optimizations for cutting-edge multimedia applications. You will design and develop commercial-grade codecs for 2D/3D, multiview, 360-degree, and light-field video, and optimize encoding/decoding for live-streaming at scale.

The role emphasizes research excellence, publication potential, and collaboration with product teams to move prototypes into production while maintaining visual quality under bitrate and latency

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include completing or having completed a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or related field.
• Strong foundations in algorithms, data structures, software design and performance optimization.
• Solid understanding of modern image/video compression and processing algorithms.
• Excellent programming, debugging and optimization skills in C/C++ or other system-level languages.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop commercial-grade realtime video codec technologies for emerging media formats, including 2D/3D video, multiview video, 360-degree video, and light field video.
• Research, design, and optimize encoding/decoding frameworks for realtime live-streaming with focus on performance, scalability, and robustness.
• Develop advanced video encoding and processing algorithms for heterogeneous computing platforms.
• Research and implement visual quality-oriented video coding and processing algorithms to improve perceptual quality under practical bitrate and latency constraints.
• Prepare and maintain encoder/decoder interface documentation and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transfer research prototypes into production systems.
• Track state-of-the-art in video coding and related standardization efforts to shape long-term direction.

Skills

PhD in CS/EE/Math/Stats

Algorithms & data structures

C/C++ programming

Research mindset

Communication skills

Education

PhD in CS/EE/Math/Stats

Job description

Research Engineer Graduate (Realtime Codec Optimizations-Video Codec) - 2027 Start (PhD)

Location:

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Code:

A132127

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Responsibilities

About the teamOur Streaming Codec Team is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research in multimedia, including but not limited to video compression, image processing, and video data processing, and translating these innovations into production-grade live-streaming systems. Our work directly supports large-scale products serving hundreds of millions of users worldwide. We are seeking exceptional PhD-level talent with deep expertise in video compression and processing, a strong record of research excellence, and the ambition to shape the future of realtime video technologies.We are looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a graduate, you will get opportunities to pursue bold ideas, tackle complex challenges, and unlock limitless growth.Successful candidates must be able to commit to an onboarding date by the end of the year. Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume.

• Design and develop commercial-grade realtime video codec technologies for emerging media formats, including 2D/3D video, multiview video, 360-degree video, and light field video.
• Research, design, and optimize encoding and decoding frameworks for realtime live-streaming scenarios, with a focus on performance, scalability, and robustness.
• Develop advanced video encoding and processing algorithms for heterogeneous computing platforms.
• Research and implement visual quality-oriented video coding and video processing algorithms to improve perceptual quality under practical bitrate and latency constraints.
• Prepare and maintain clear encoder/decoder interface documentation and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and product teams to transfer research prototypes and technologies into production systems.
• Track state-of-the-art developments in video coding, processing, and related standardization efforts, and help shape the team’s long-term technical direction.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Individuals who are completing or have recently completed a PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or a related discipline.
• Strong foundations in computer science, including algorithms, data structures, software design, and performance optimization.
• Solid understanding of modern image/video compression and processing algorithms.
• Excellent programming, debugging, and optimization skills in C/C++ or other relevant system-level programming languages.
• Strong problem-solving ability and a research-driven mindset.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Research or industry experience in image/video systems such as live streaming, video conferencing, realtime communications, or offline transcoding.
• Deep familiarity with at least one mainstream video compression standard, such as AVS, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, VVC, or AV1, including reference software and practical optimization.
• Experience with neural network-based image/video coding and processing methods.
• Familiarity with performance optimization techniques such as NEON/SIMD vectorization and multi-threaded system design.
• Experience working on heterogeneous platforms and hardware-aware codec optimization.
• Experience participating in international standardization activities related to image/video compression, file formats, or media systems.
• Strong publication record in leading conferences or journals in video coding, image processing, computer vision, multimedia, or related areas.
• Demonstrated potential to lead technical research directions and drive technology transfer into products.

Job Information

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $122574 - $300960 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

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