Multimedia Arch Senior Frontend Engineer
Responsibilities
About the team
The Multimedia Arch Web team is the innovation engine for TikTok's user-facing media technology on Web. We are responsible for the end-to-end web multimedia experience, from low-level playback architecture to cutting-edge AI-driven features. Our work includes building high-performance Web Players (VoD & Live) and SDKs(TikTok Embed Player, Upload SDK, Audio SDKs etc Multimedia SDKs), pioneering the use of WebAssembly and WebGPU for media processing, developing sophisticated AI-powered diagnostic and efficiency platforms, and exploring novel applications of edge AI. Joining us means you will take ownership of complex technical challenges, lead ambitious projects, and shape the future of multimedia on a global scale.
Responsibilities
- Drive 0-to-1 exploration of LLM or AI Agent or in-browser AI applications, using frameworks like ONNX Runtime Web, Transformers.js, or MediaPipe to build features for client-side quality enhancement, highlight extraction, video/audio analysis, and environment awareness.
- Lead the architectural design and implementation of highly-performant, scalable multimedia playback systems, leveraging technologies like WebCodecs, MSE/EME, and WebAssembly (WASM) to deliver an extreme playback experience.
- Architect and develop sophisticated internal platforms and efficiency tools, integrating LLMs, RAG, and Function Calling to create intelligent troubleshooting assistants, automated on-call systems, and deep-dive multimedia analysis dashboards.
- Champion technical excellence and cross-organization collaboration, setting standards for code quality, performance, and system design while mentoring junior engineers and influencing technical roadmaps.
- Own the end-to-end performance of critical multimedia components, conducting deep-dive analysis, optimizing low-latency streaming, ABR logic, and ensuring DRM-protected content is delivered seamlessly.
- Proactively identify and solve complex technical challenges across the stack, from low-level browser rendering (WebGL/WebGPU) to high-level application logic, ensuring our systems are robust, scalable, and maintainable.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- BA/BS Degree in Computer Science or related major. Expert-level proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript (ES6+), modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React), advanced CSS, and frontend performance optimizations.
- 5 years of professional experience in frontend development, with a proven track record of shipping high-impact, large-scale web applications or complex end-to-end system architecture.
- AI Native mindset, vision and capabilities. Master usage of AI for dev efficiency, and ability to translate AI advancements into tangible business value.
- Deep mastery of browser engine internals, rendering pipelines, memory management, and multi-threading (Web Workers) to resolve extreme performance bottlenecks under high-traffic scenarios.
- Understanding or experience in Multimedia domain, such as working on video related platforms/products, understanding of video codecs, video quality optimization or web media player related concepts.
- Great communication and collaboration skills. A strong team player mindset. Is capable of driving XFN projects, and large scale cross team project management.
- Excellent problem-solving, thriving in ambiguity and analytical thinking skills, fast learning and entrepreneurial spirit. Pays attention to cutting-edge technologies and projects, loves innovation and is capable of spearheading innovative technical solutions to complex challenges.
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Preferred Qualifications:
- Deep expertise and industry experience in the multimedia technology stack (e.g., Web Player, WebCodecs, MSE/EME, WebRTC, Web Audio API, low-latency streaming, ABR, DRM).
- Expertise in designing, building and deploying large-scale AI solutions, with a focus on on-device inference. Deeply proficient in frameworks such as ONNX Runtime Web, Transformers.js, MediaPipe, or WebNN. Capable of architecting hybrid AI systems that balance server-side power with browser-side efficiency. AI model training and optimization experience is an extra plus.
- Proficiency in low-level Web technologies, including WebGL/WebGPU for hardware-accelerated processing, and WebAssembly (Wasm) for high-performance computation. Deeply familiar with multi-threading strategies (Web Workers) to maintain smooth UI experiences during intensive multimedia/AI tasks.
- Expertise in architecting AI Agent workflows and integrating LLMs into production-grade systems. Deeply familiar with Generative UI patterns, including handling streaming data and managing adaptive interfaces driven by model intent. Experience in bridging generative capabilities with traditional web constraints is highly valued.
- A holistic view of complex end-to-end system architecture is an extra plus. Proficiency in full-stack technologies (especially Golang/BFF) to optimize the entire data pipeline from server-side ingestion to client-side AI rendering.
Job Information
[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (annually)
The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $212800 - $450000 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.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure).
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these 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 for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
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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