Software Engineer Graduate (Media Engine) - 2026 Start (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

The Live Arch team is mainly responsible for the iteration of requirements for TikTok Live's streaming media-related business and the continuous evolution of its technology. We are committed to providing the global users of TikTok Live with the most advanced live streaming product experience. We expect that through continuous technological optimization and innovation, we can offer creators opportunities to present their truest selves, share their lives in real time and bring happiness to everyone.

We are looking for talented individuals to join our team in 2026. As a graduate, you will get opportunities to pursue bold ideas, tackle complex challenges, and unlock limitless growth. Launch your career where inspiration is infinite at TikTok.

Successful candidates must be able to commit to an onboarding date by end of year 2026. Please state your availability and graduation date clearly in your resume.

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 early.

Responsibilities
- Optimize and design Streaming Processing Service for TikTok Live
- Implement new features and enhance video and audio experience
- Exploring and landing next-generation video and audio technology

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computing Engineering, or related fields.
- Familiar with at least one programming language: C, C++, Java, Python, or Golang.

Preferred Qualifications
- Familiar with multimedia server-side development, experience in LIVE/VOD/RTC projects is a bonus.
- Experience with any of the following multimedia tools is a bonus: FFmpeg, VLC, OBS studio, WebRTC, x264, x265.
- Familiar with video compression standards H264/H265, VP8/VP9, experience in video codecs is preferred.
- Familiar with audio compression standards OPUS/AAC, experience in audio codecs is preferred.
- Experience with any of the following media servers is a bonus: nginx rtmp module, Licode, Kurento, mediasoup or jitsi.
- Experience with video chat, live streaming or video conference is a bonus.

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

Job Information

[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (annually)

The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $118657 - $187200 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