Research Scientist Graduate (Video Quality Analysis&Coding Strategy) - 2026 Start (PHD)

ByteDance; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 316,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Life insurance

Well-being benefits

10 paid holidays per year

17 days of paid personal time

Job summary

ByteDance in San Jose is seeking a Video Algorithm Engineer with a PhD in a technical discipline to enhance video quality for our large-scale systems. Your responsibilities will include designing algorithms for video analysis and optimization, collaborating with teams, and applying your expertise to real-world challenges.

This role offers a competitive salary range of $156,000 to $316,800 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including medical insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid personal time. Applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of video analysis algorithms or subjective/objective video quality algorithms.
• Familiar with deep learning frameworks and multi-modal large models.
• Experience in algorithm design, testing, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Design video analysis and quality assessment algorithms.
• Collaborate to optimize video quality using analysis and encoding algorithms.
• Integrate algorithms into production workflows and validate impact.

Skills

Video analysis algorithms

C/C++

Python

Machine Learning tools

Education

PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

OpenCV

FFmpeg

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Responsibilities

Our team designs and optimizes the next‑generation end‑to‑end video system—including video production, processing, delivery, and consumption—to improve the quality of experience for our billions of users. We are looking for strong video algorithm engineers from all areas of video understanding, video processing, video coding, video streaming, and video quality assessment who have a dedication to technical excellence and a passion for building large‑scale, high‑performing video platforms and services.

We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2026. Successful candidates must be able to commit to an onboarding date by the end of year 2026 and must state availability and graduation date clearly in their resume.

• Design video analysis (ROI/SOD, content understanding, temporal grounding, etc.) and quality assessment algorithms, and participate in database creation, algorithm design/development/optimization.
• Participate in designing strategy and solution for end‑to‑end video quality optimization with a combination of video analysis, processing and encoding algorithms.
• Apply designed algorithms for VOD / live streaming monitoring, data analysis, objective evaluation for algorithms, etc.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate algorithms into production workflows and validate their impact through A/B testing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completing or recently completed a PhD degree in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• In‑depth knowledge of video analysis algorithms or subjective/objective video quality algorithms, and state‑of‑the‑art technologies.
• Proficient in one of the following: C, C++, Python.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with ML and image processing tools, including sklearn, OpenCV, FFmpeg, etc.
• Familiar with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow/PyTorch).
• Familiar with Transformer architectures and mainstream multi‑modal large models (MLLMs), and hands‑on implementation or research experience preferred.
• Familiar with Linux development environments, shell scripting, HDFS, etc.
• Knowledge of common video processing algorithms, such as super‑resolution, diffusion models, etc.
• Excellent communication skills, eagerness to learn, and passion for turning cutting‑edge technologies into real‑life use cases.

Job Information

Compensation: The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $156,000–$316,800 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range based on qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the total package, which may also include discretionary bonuses/incentives and restricted stock units.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) savings plan with company match; paid parental leave; short‑term and long‑term disability coverage; life insurance; well‑being benefits; 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 at any time, with or without notice.

Fair Chance/Background Check Information

• Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
• A criminal history may impact duties such as interacting with clients or colleagues, handling confidential information, and exercising sound judgment.

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 assistance or a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the designated resource.