Backend Software Engineer Intern (TikTok-PGC-Ecosystem Platform) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

TikTok is already a super app with a huge client base, and the content is completely recommended by the recommendation system according to personal preferences, but the recommendation system cannot understand video content. It can only identify the signals from users. If some creators trick our users to make some positive signals such as likes, favorites, the recommendation system believes that content is good. It will dispatch that content to more users. If the content is really bad , it will damage our users and TikTok brand perception.
As result, it will cause a large number of poor-quality videos, unoriginal videos, clickbait videos, ANSA videos through certain cheating strategies or simply users like, which will be watched continuously on the user side
If the user experience is not optimized, it will cause significant losses to the platform. If creators are not guided, bad money will drive out good money, and the platform will gradually lose competitiveness. If content quality is not controlled, it will have a negative impact on society.
Therefore, it is necessary to intervene manually from the perspective of users, creators, and platforms, so that the TikTok ecology can carry out a virtuous cycle , suppress those that do not meet the platform specifications, and advocate those that meet the platform specifications.

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:
- Work closely with product managers, data scientists and other engineers to iterate on data driven product ideas.
- Improve system design and architecture to ensure service reliability, performance, and extensibility.
- Learn and understand how TikTok products work and help build end-to-end solutions;
- Learn and grow from working with great colleagues and taking on challenges;
- Help our team grow from your expertise, experience, and perspectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Graduate in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during the Summer of 2026.
- Ability to think critically and to formulate solutions to problems in a clear and concise way.
- Strong communication and excellent teamwork skills; being agile and a self-starter.
- Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms, proficient in at least one coding language, including but not limited to Go, Java, Python, C++, Javascript, TypeScript;
- Good grasp of software engineering and how to build a system in scalable and extensive manner.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduating December 2026 onwards with the intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship.
- Understanding of concurrency, database, and message queue is a plus;