Technical Privacy Investigator - PDPO

TikTok; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 147,200 - 269,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Paid parental leave

10 paid holidays per year

10 paid sick days

Job summary

A leading social media platform is seeking a Technical Privacy Investigator to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in privacy laws, excellent data analysis skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively. This role offers competitive compensation and rich benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting privacy investigations and risk assessments.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA.
• Familiarity with network protocols and system architecture.

Responsibilities

• Conduct privacy investigations and analyze incidents.
• Use technical skills to analyze datasets and identify privacy vulnerabilities.
• Monitor compliance with privacy regulations.

Skills

Data analysis

Knowledge of privacy laws

Technical communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Technical Privacy Investigator

About the team: The Privacy and Data Protection Office (PDPO) leads, supervises, and empowers all TikTok privacy work, ensuring accountability and industry leadership. The team is the expert on privacy risk landscapes and consults across the company to implement safeguards and technical mitigations that honor users’ privacy across TikTok’s products and platforms.

About the Role

Position Summary: TikTok is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to conduct thorough investigations and assessments that ensure compliance with privacy regulations and policies. The role requires technical expertise to analyze data, identify privacy risks, and recommend remedial actions. Success in this position demands a strong understanding of privacy laws, data protection practices, and a passion for maintaining data privacy and security.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Privacy Investigations: Investigate and analyze privacy incidents, breaches, and complaints to identify root causes, assess impact, and determine appropriate remedial actions.
• Data Analysis: Use technical skills and tools to analyze large datasets, logs, and system configurations to identify privacy vulnerabilities, patterns, and anomalies.
• Privacy Risk Assessment: Evaluate privacy risks associated with systems, applications, processes, and technologies, recommending mitigation strategies.
• Compliance Monitoring: Monitor and audit systems, databases, and processes to ensure compliance with privacy regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Privacy Training and Awareness: Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on privacy principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Privacy Policy and Procedure Development: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to create and implement privacy policies, procedures, and guidelines that meet applicable legal requirements.
• Incident Response: Lead and coordinate incident response activities related to privacy breaches, including containment, investigation, notification, and recovery.
• Privacy Impact Assessments: Conduct impact assessments for new systems, technologies, and processes to identify potential privacy risks and recommend necessary controls.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with legal, IT, compliance, and business teams to provide guidance on privacy matters and align decisions with privacy requirements.
• Stay Updated on Privacy Regulations: Keep abreast of evolving privacy laws, regulations, and industry best practices to maintain a compliant privacy program.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of privacy laws and regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and other relevant frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting privacy investigations and risk assessments, preferably in a technical or IT‑related field.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, programming languages (Python or R), and data visualization techniques.
• Familiarity with network protocols, system architecture, and database structures.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of incident response frameworks and methodologies.
• Understanding of privacy‑by‑design principles and techniques.
• Relevant certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short‑form mobile video, inspiring creativity and bringing joy. The global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, with additional offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Why Join Us

Our mission centers on inspiring creativity. We build products that empower authentic expression and connect people worldwide. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team, fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset and achieving meaningful breakthroughs for our users and communities.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their unique skills and perspectives. We celebrate diverse voices and strive to reflect the many communities we reach, promoting a workplace where everyone can thrive.

TikTok Accommodation

TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs, or other protected reasons. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out at https://tinyurl.com/RA-request.

Job Information

Compensation: Base salary range for this position in the selected city is $147,200 – $269,800 annually. Compensation may vary based on qualifications, skills, competencies, and location. The role may also have discretionary bonuses, incentives, and restricted stock units.

Benefits: Day‑one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) savings plan with company match; paid parental leave; short‑term and long‑term disability coverage; life insurance; wellbeing benefits; 10 paid holidays per year; 10 paid sick days; 17 days of paid personal time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals).

Benefits may vary depending on employment nature and country location. The Company reserves the right to modify or change 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 in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Software Development and Technology, Information and Internet