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Software Engineer Intern (TikTok-Social-Product Innovation) - 2025 Fall (BS/MS)

AT TikTok
TikTok

Software Engineer Intern (TikTok-Social-Product Innovation) - 2025 Fall (BS/MS)

San Jose, CA

Responsibilities

TikTok empowers billions to create, connect, and discover. As new technologies redefine what's possible, our mission is to rapidly harness innovation to unlock even greater creativity for our global community. In this role, you'll join a high-speed incubator to experiment with cutting-edge tech-turning bold ideas into tangible prototypes that could shape TikTok's next evolution.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in Fall 2025. 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.

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Successful candidates must be able to commit to a 12-week internship.
Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).

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.

Team Introduction
The TikTok Socail team is responsible for building and maintaining a relationship management platform that supports TikTok's extensive operations. This includes the main TikTok product, CapCut, and other offerings within our TikTok product ecosystem.

We manage a wide range of relationship dynamics such as user followership, block relations, and contacts. Our platform handles the reading and writing of this data, delegated to us by our customers. This data is securely stored across multi-master data centers, ensuring its continuous safety and accessibility.

Our team delivers high-traffic data reading and writing capabilities while offering resilience against degradation and disasters, enforcing data privacy safety controls, and maintaining stability, efficiency, security, and convenience for online business usage.

Responsibilities:
- Building Lightning-Fast Demos: Prototype functional MVPs in 1-2 weeks using internal tools + external tech.
- Validating with Real Users: Test ideas with cross-functional experts and TikTok creators; analyze feedback to pivot or scale.
- Pioneering SOTA Solutions: Apply GenAI, spatial computing, or real-time collaboration tools to solve TikTok users' pain points.
- Iterating Relentlessly: Fail fast, learn faster-morph promising concepts into investable features for TikTok's ecosystem.

What You'll Gain
- AI-Enhanced Superpowers: Master prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, and responsible AI deployment.
- Lean Innovation Tactics: Execute Build-Measure-Learn cycles, scope MVPs, and lead user interviews.
- Strategic Tech Judgment: Navigate tradeoffs
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with TikTok's top engineers, PMs, and designers to ship ideas.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
- Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Graduate/Master in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline;
- Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Fall 2025;
- Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.
- Builder's Mindset: A portfolio of academic/personal projects where you shipped working prototypes (e.g., apps, tools, or demos).
- Tool Agility: Hands-on experience with 1+ modern development stack (e.g., ChatGPT/Claude for AI, Cursor/Git for code, Figma/Framer for design).
- Self-Directed Curiosity: Proven ability to rapidly learn new technologies.
- Ambiguity Resilience: Thrives in unstructured environments (e.g., pivoted projects based on feedback or constraints).

Preferred Qualifications
- Technical Breadth: Exposure to full-stack, mobile, or backend development.
- AI/ML Fluency: Familiarity with ML concepts (LLMs, RAG) or infrastructure (Hugging Face, PyTorch, vector DBs).
- Product Instincts: Awareness of UX/data principles and tools. Good product sense.

Client-provided location(s): San Jose, CA, USA
Job ID: TikTok-7514157460153895175
Employment Type: Intern

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

Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at TikTok.