Software Engineer, AI Data Application
TikTok USDS Joint Venture
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 1 year · Bachelor's degree
- Must know
- Social mediaPythonJavaJavaScriptGoNode.js
- Nice to have
- REST APIsLLMsSystem design
- Work
- On-site in San Jose
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Python73%Java39%JavaScript34%Social media3%of 59 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 11, 2026 · still open
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About the Role
The TikTok U.S. Data Security (USDS) team is responsible for the security, integrity, and compliance of TikTok data in the United States. The Data Platform Team builds reliable and cost-efficient infrastructure, self-service tools, and data products that help business and engineering teams work effectively. This role is for a Software Engineer looking to grow backend engineering skills while contributing to AI-powered internal products. You will work on clearly scoped projects with guidance from experienced engineers, learn the team’s systems and development practices, and gradually take ownership of production-ready components.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement, test, and maintain well-scoped backend services, APIs, and internal platform components with guidance from experienced engineers.
- Contribute to AI-powered product capabilities such as data services, workflow automation, model integrations, and internal tools by following established designs and engineering practices.
- Work with engineers, data scientists, and business partners to understand requirements, clarify edge cases, and deliver practical solutions.
- Write clear, maintainable code and participate in code reviews, design discussions, testing, deployment, and production support.
- Learn the team’s architecture, development processes, and operational standards, and apply feedback to improve technical judgment and execution.
- Take increasing ownership of small features or components, communicate progress and blockers early, and deliver work within agreed scope and timelines.
Requirements & Tech Stack
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, completed recently or expected before the start date.
- Programming Foundations: Proficiency in at least one backend programming language such as Python, Go, Java, or Node.js, demonstrated through coursework, internships, research, or personal projects.
- Computer Science Fundamentals: Understanding of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented or functional programming, and basic software design principles.
- Backend Fundamentals: Familiarity with APIs, databases, testing, version control, and common client-server concepts.
- Learning and Collaboration: Ability to learn unfamiliar systems, ask clear questions, incorporate feedback, and work effectively with teammates.
Preferred Qualifications
- AI Systems Exposure: Coursework, internship, research, or project experience using LLM APIs, RAG pipelines, model-serving tools, or agentic workflows; interest in learning how to build reliable and safe AI-powered systems.
- System Design Foundations: Understanding of modular design, API design, testing, and maintainable code, with the ability to discuss basic trade-offs and apply feedback from experienced engineers.
- Collaboration and Growth: Strong communication and teamwork skills, curiosity about user needs, and the ability to take ownership of well-scoped tasks or small features with appropriate guidance.