Software Engineer Graduate (Media Engine) - 2027 Start

TikTok; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 317,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a Software Engineer Graduate for the Media Engine team in San Jose, starting in 2027. You will contribute to Live streaming technology and collaborate across platforms to tackle complex multimedia challenges.

The role requires a recent master's in CS or a related field, strong CS fundamentals, and hands-on multimedia experience with at least one modern language. You’ll work across iOS/Android/desktop and help optimize video delivery and real-time media.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS, Math or related field.
• Strong CS, networking, and OS fundamentals.
• Multimedia tech background: image/signal processing, codecs, or streaming.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Java/Kotlin, Objective-C/Swift, Python, or Golang.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop new features on Live/RTC streaming platform.
• Design and implement multimedia and network programs in client SDK and media server.
• Develop multimedia solutions across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Innovate in video algorithms and network transmission to enhance UX.
• Analyze data, fine-tune parameters, and optimize Live/RTC end-to-end.
• Explore cutting-edge tech and contribute to innovation initiatives.

Skills

Master's degree in CS/Math

CS, networking, OS fundamentals

Multimedia tech (processing, codecs, /

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or related discipline

Tools

FFmpeg

GStreamer

OBS Studio

VLC

x264

x265

WebRTC

RTP/RTCP

Job description

Software Engineer Graduate (Media Engine) - 2027 Start

Location:

San Jose

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Code:

A165750

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Responsibilities

About the teamThe Live Arch team is mainly responsible for the iteration of requirements for TikTok Live's streaming media-related business and the continuous evolution of its technology. We are committed to providing the global users of TikTok Live with the most advanced live streaming product experience. We expect that through continuous technological optimization and innovation, we can offer creators opportunities to present their truest selves, share their lives in real time and bring happiness to everyone.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.Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. The application limit is applicable to our Company and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.

• Research and develop new features on our Live/RTC streaming media platform for TikTok Live.
• Design and implement multimedia and network programs in client SDK and media server.
• Develop multimedia solutions across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
• Innovate in video algorithms and network transmission to enhance user experience.
• Analyze data, fine-tune parameters and optimize the Live/RTC services end to end.
• Explore cutting-edge technologies and contribute to innovation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Individuals who are completing or have recently completed a Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• Strong foundation in computer science, networking, and operating systems.
• Solid background in multimedia technologies, including image/signal processing, video codecs, or multimedia streaming.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: C/C++, Java/Kotlin, Objective-C/Swift, Python, or Golang.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Proficiency in signal processing, video compression, video codecs or video processing algorithms.
• Strong knowledge of network algorithms, including congestion control, loss recovery, bandwidth estimation, latency measurement and control, socket optimization, and real-time video transmission protocols.
• Hands-on experience with multimedia frameworks and tools such as FFmpeg, GStreamer, OBS Studio, VLC, x264, x265, WebRTC, RTP/RTCP streaming, or VoIP products.
• Experience with iOS frameworks (e.g., Core Data, Core Animation) or Android SDK.
• Familiarity with media servers such as Nginx RTMP module, Licode, Kurento, mediasoup, or Jitsi.
• Experience in video chat, live streaming, or video conferencing solutions.

Job Information

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $128000 - $316800 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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