Software Engineer Intern, AI Model Optimization

Software Engineer Intern, AI Model Optimization at TikTok

The Speech team's mission is to empower content interaction and creation using speech & audio related technologies. The team focuses on cutting-edge R&D in areas like speech & audio, music processing, and multimodal deep learning. We are looking for top talents to work on these exciting technologies, integrate them into various products and ultimately bring joy to our global user base!

You will work on improving the performance and efficiency of large-scale AI models across training, inference, and deployment. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-performance ML systems and contribute to enhancing user experience of all ByteDance-related products.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. 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. This Internship Program runs for 12 weeks beginning in August/September 2026. Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the following internship start dates below:

• May 11th, 2026
• May 18th, 2026
• May 26th, 2026
• June 8th, 2026
• June 22nd, 2026

We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates. 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.

Responsibilities

• Support research and engineering efforts to optimize deep learning models for speed, memory, and scalability.
• Contribute to benchmarking and profiling tools to identify performance bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate optimized models into production pipelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Must be able to commit to a 12-week full-time work period during Fall 2026.
• Currently pursuing a BS, or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX).
• Knowledge of fundamental ML concepts and algorithms.
• Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AI model training/inference/deployment is a plus.
• Familiarity with GPU programming (CUDA, Triton, or similar) is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45.

Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.

The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

About TikTok

TikTok 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 Us

Inspiring 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 & Inclusion

TikTok 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.

Key skills/competency

• AI Model Optimization
• Deep Learning
• Performance Tuning
• Scalability
• Benchmarking
• Python Programming
• PyTorch/TensorFlow
• ML Systems
• GPU Programming
• Algorithm Design