Tech Lead: Neural Graphics & World Models

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 254,000 - 588,000; Full time

Job summary

TikTok is seeking a Tech Lead Research Scientist/Engineer for Neural Graphics and World Models in San Jose. You will lead research directions, develop AI models, and collaborate with engineering teams to bring prototypes into real-time engine workflows.

The role requires deep ML expertise, 3D graphics knowledge, and a track record in distributed training and model scaling. You will mentor teammates and drive innovative AI-native graphics capabilities for interactive content.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS, or equivalent research experience in machine learning, computer graphics, robotics, applied mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 5 years of relevant research or industry experience in neural graphics, generative AI, computer graphics, world models, or a closely related domain; doctoral research may count toward this experience.
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of modern machine learning, with deep expertise in at least one area of model architecture, training, data strategy, evaluation, or scaling and hands-on experience training or adapting generative models.
• Engineering fluency with ML frameworks such as PyTorch or JAX, with practical understanding of model development and distributed training.
• Deep expertise in AI-for-graphics areas: 3D modelling, asset generation, rendering, world models, or related domains.
• Ability to formulate hypotheses, design controlled experiments, and connect data to technical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead research directions in neural graphics, world models, 3D modeling, animation, simulation, or rendering.
• Develop, train, adapt, and evaluate AI models for interactive graphics and world-generation systems.
• Define data and evaluation strategies linking model behavior to quality, controllability, and performance.
• Build research prototypes and collaborate with engineering teams to integrate models into real-time engine workflows.
• Analyze results, identify risks, and translate findings into concrete next steps for model and system development.
• Produce reproducible research artifacts, communicate direction, and mentor team members.

Skills

ML research

3D graphics

Distributed training

PyTorch

JAX

Model scaling

Research mentorship

Education

PhD/MS or equivalent

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

TikTok is seeking a Tech Lead Research Scientist/Engineer for Neural Graphics and World Models in San Jose. You will lead research directions, develop AI models, and collaborate with engineering teams to bring prototypes into real-time engine workflows.

The role requires deep ML expertise, 3D graphics knowledge, and a track record in distributed training and model scaling. You will mentor teammates and drive innovative AI-native graphics capabilities for interactive content.