Backend Software Engineer Project Intern (Creation Platform) - 2026 Start (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

The Creation Platform team, as the cornerstone of TikTok content creation, is responsible for the core content creation ecosystem of TikTok. As a backend team, we collaborate closely with the product team and other cross-functional teams to explore innovative methods of content creation in TikTok, build a trusted content creation platform that prioritizes privacy and security, and drive the evolution of TikTok content creation infrastructure, ultimately providing the best content creation experience for TikTok creators.

As a project intern, you will have the opportunity to engage in impactful short-term projects that provide you with a glimpse of professional real-world experience. You will gain practical skills through on-the-job learning in a fast-paced work environment and develop a deeper understanding of your career interests.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.

Responsibilities
- Directly design and develop features touching global users, and bring real-world impact
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to explore innovative product ideas and cutting-edge technologies
- Work with experts in different technical domains to identify and solve challenging issues in the world-leading multimedia infrastructure
- Evolve the architecture of global large-scale distributed backend systems to better support TikTok's future

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Master in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline
- Proficient in at least one programming language such as Golang, Java, C++, Python
- Solid understanding of computer architectures, data structures, and algorithms
- Hands-on experience in commonly-used technical stacks such as databases, caches, message queues
- Responsible, self-motivated, and have a growth mindset
- Able to commit to working for 12 weeks in 2026

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in building large scale distributed backend services for consumer-facing applications
- Knowledge of multimedia technologies such as video codecs, media containers
- Good team communication and collaboration skills

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