AI/ML Specialist, Trust and Safety - USDS

Why Join Us
Creation is the core of TikTok's purpose. Our platform is built to help imaginations thrive. This is doubly true of the teams that make TikTok possible.
Together, we inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we all believe in and aim towards achieving every day.
To us, every challenge, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity; to learn, to innovate, and to grow as one team. Status quo? Never. Courage? Always.
At TikTok, we create together and grow together. That's how we drive impact - for ourselves, our company, and the communities we serve.
Join us.
About the Team
Our US Data Security Safety team provides key support for TikTok's innovative initiatives, state-of-the-art products, and integrated platforms servicing our US market. As an AI/ML Specialist, you will be responsible for training our USDS Trust and Safety AI models (CV, OCR, NLP, Audio, Multimodel) to ensure accurate and efficient detection of unsafe content. You will work with the algorithm engineers, the ops/labeling team, and the product & process team to design and improve machine learning model operation processes. This role is crucial in ensuring the quality and relevancy of input into the model which will impact the overall safety of our users.

AI/ML specialists may be exposed to harmful content as part of their core day-to-day functions, as well as in project work; in response to escalation requests; or by chance.

Some content viewed my violate our community guidelines which include but are not limited to bullying; hate speech; child abuse; sexual assault; torture; bestiality; self-harm; suicide; and murder.

In order to enhance collaboration and cross-functional partnerships, among other things, at this time, our organization follows a hybrid work schedule that requires employees to work in the office 3 days a week, or as directed by their manager/department. We regularly review our hybrid work model, and the specific requirements may change at any time.

Responsibilities
- Manage and optimize DataOps procedures, ensuring standardization and stability of features for model lifecycle operation.
- Develop a model assurance framework to make the model deployment process transparent and compliant
- Collaborate with Algo R&D and engineers to understand and implement complex ML frameworks.
- Monitor and report on model performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement necessary adjustments via solid root cause analyses.
- Establish MLOps policies and ensure their adherence across all data and ML initiatives.
- Troubleshoot moderation system issues by effectively communicating technical/business details to various stakeholders
- Collect and provide quantitative and qualitative information to measure the risk of model launches and answer strategic business questions

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Business Analytics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated industry experience in data science, quantitative analysis, and machine learning experience to build ML-driven products for solving business problems
- Extensive experience in machine learning, data science, and data governance.
- Experience in utilizing SQL/Python to extract, manipulate, and analyze datasets.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven experience in program management, typically ranging from 3 -4 years, depending on the complexity and size of the programs managed.
- Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong interest in and knowledge of AI models (CV, NLP, OCR, Audio and Multimodel); Passionate about technology, product, and innovation; Familiarity with SQL and Python (i.e. Numpy, pandas, etc.), machine learning frameworks (i.e., TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn etc.); Having experience in developing/implementing large models(e.g. BERT, GPT, T5, etc.) is a plus.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Good communication skills and enjoy working with diverse teams globally.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree (Master's, PhD) is preferred
- 4 years of experience in implementing MLOps or DataOps process
- Passion for social technology products and a curiosity to learn and grow with a fast-paced company.
- Experience working with international partners in different time zones.

Trust & Safety recognizes that keeping our platform safe for TikTok communities is no ordinary job. It can be rewarding, psychologically demanding, and emotionally taxing. This is why we are sharing the potential hazards, risks and implications in this unique line of work from the start: so our candidates are well informed before proceeding.

We are committed to the wellbeing of all our employees and promise to provide comprehensive and evidence-based programs, to promote and support physical and mental wellbeing throughout each employee's journey with us. We believe that wellbeing is a relationship and that everyone has a part to play, so we work in collaboration and consultation with our employees and across our functions in order to ensure a truly person-centred, innovative and integrated approach.

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.

Accommodation Statement
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 usds.accommodations@tiktokusds.com

Data Security Statement
This role requires the ability to work with and support systems designed to protect sensitive data and information. As such, this role will be subject to strict national security-related screening.

Job Information

[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $167537 - $312866 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.

Our company benefits are designed to convey company culture and values, to create an efficient and inspiring work environment, and to support our employees to give their best in both work and life. We offer the following benefits to eligible employees:

We cover 100% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, approximately 75% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account(HSA) with a company match. As well as Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life and AD&D insurance plans. In addition to Flexible Spending Account(FSA) Options like Health Care, Limited Purpose and Dependent Care.

Our time off and leave plans are: 10 paid holidays per year plus 17 days of Paid Personal Time Off (PPTO) (prorated upon hire and increased by tenure) and 10 paid sick days per year as well as 12 weeks of paid Parental leave and 8 weeks of paid Supplemental Disability.

We also provide generous benefits like mental and emotional health benefits through our EAP and Lyra. A 401K company match, gym and cellphone service reimbursements. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.