Software Engineer - TikTok AI Search InfrastructureLocation: San JoseEmployment Type: RegularJob Code: A19736AResponsibilitiesThe TikTok AI Search Infra team is responsible for building highly performant, scalable and stable infrastructures that serve billions of search requests everyday, and reinventing the search experience of billions of users globally. We apply cutting edge ML/NLP/LLM/VLM technology for end-to-end modeling, and focus on building and optimizing performance/efficiency for large-scale ML infra and online/offline distributed systems, enabling AI to realize its potential value for billions of TikTok users. We embrace a culture of self-direction, intellectual curiosity, openness, and problem-solving.Responsibilities include:Evolve TikTok's AI Search multi-agent LLM engine, supporting ReAct + Tool calling, DAG-based workflows, and RAG paradigmsDeploy and optimize text/multimodal LLMs, including inference acceleration, model alignment during training, and reinforcement learningBuild scalable and reliable end-to-end serving platforms supporting multiple TikTok AI Search use cases, such as Q&A cards, in-app chatbot, and visual search, including both online and offline scenariosBuild large-scale data architecture for handling billion-level data records: offline computation, distributed system performance and scheduling optimization, as well as building high-availability, high-throughput, and low-latency online servicesDesign and build personalized AI search capabilities to achieve more accurate AI Overview and Q&A experience for usersCollaborate with modeling and product teams to deliver better AI search experience for TikTok usersQualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor or advanced degree in Computer Science or related disciplinesAt least 5 years of industry experience in one of the following areas: recommendation, search, Ads and ML InfraStrong Computer Science background, proficient coding skills and solid understanding of algorithm & data structure.Have experience in at least one of the following areas: recommendation system, search engine, advertising engine, Agent/RAG engine, LLM serving/training.Effective communication and teamwork skills, strong ownership mindsetPreferred Qualifications:Familiar with system performance optimization in Linux environment, experience with large-scale C++ system development are preferredFamiliar with large-scale distributed systems development; experience with distributed databases or distributed data processing frameworks is a plusExperience with GPU inference optimization, LLM/VLM serving and training are preferredJob InformationThe base salary range for this position in the selected city is $ - $ 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.About TikTokTikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.Why Join UsInspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day. We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.Diversity & InclusionTikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.TikTok AccommodationTikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at