AI Effects Workflow Engineer Intern (TikTok-Intelligent Creation-LLM Driven Creation) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)
Responsibilities
Effect House is TikTok's official AR creation platform, empowering millions of global creators to design and publish interactive effects. We are now reimagining the entire effects creation workflow with AI and LLMs. Our goal is to make building AR effects as intuitive and conversational as coding with tools like Cursor or Copilot-where creators can simply describe their ideas, and AI assists with scene setup, effect generation, and iterative refinement.
As an intern, you will join the AI Effects Innovation team, exploring how LLMs + generative AI can transform effect production from manual editing into smart, multi-turn AI collaboration.
We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Turn your ambitions into reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at TikTok.
Internships at TikTok aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It runs for 12 weeks.
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 TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).
Summer Start Dates:
- May 11th, 2026
- May 18th, 2026
- May 26th, 2026
- June 8th, 2026
- June 22nd, 2026
Online Assessment
Candidates who pass resume screening will be invited to participate in TikTok's technical online assessment.
Responsibilities:
- Prototype AI-assisted effect creation workflows driven by LLMs and multi-modal generation.
- Explore conversational or prompt-driven editing, allowing creators to describe effects and see real-time results.
- Collaborate with engineers and designers to integrate LLM suggestions into our editor, including:
- Auto-generating effect templates
- Smart parameter recommendations
- Scene or asset auto-composition
- Conduct experiments with multi-turn AI interaction: chaining generation → refinement → publishing.
- Participate in internal demos and proof-of-concepts for next-generation Effect House features.
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Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Graduate/Master in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline
- Strong interest in AI-driven creative workflows, LLM applications, or AIGC tools.
- Experience in at least one area:
1. LLMs & Generative AI: OpenAI API, LangChain, multimodal model usage
2. Creative tool development: React, WebGL/Three.js, Canvas
3. Media/Effect workflows: Blender, Unreal, After Effects, or real-time graphics
- Quick learner with hands-on prototyping ability and willingness to explore new AI UX paradigms.
- Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during summer 2026;
Preferred Qualifications:
- (Bonus) Experience with multi-turn AI workflows or tool automation using LLMs.
- Have good product sense, passionate about great user experiences.
- Passionate about TikTok, augmented reality, as well as creating the most fun, original and creative ideas and experiences.
By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here: https://careers.tiktok.com/legal/privacy
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- HSA
- Life Insurance
- Fitness Subsidies
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- On-Site Gym
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
Parental Benefits
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Casual Dress
- Snacks
- Pet-friendly Office
- Happy Hours
- Some Meals Provided
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Company Equity
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Access to Online Courses
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
- Mentor Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
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