Backend Software Engineer Intern (TikTok-Search) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Responsibilities
Our team is responsible for providing TikTok search users with first-class search experience by building a strong and robust infrastructure and platform to support product fast iteration and key feature development. In our team, you'll have the opportunity to take part in developing the key features on TikTok Search, understand how TikTok Search could be evolved to be a multi-billion-user product and first-handed experience how user request varies on this giant from time to time. We encourage a culture of self-driven, intellectual curiosity, openness and problem-solving. 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. It runs for 12 weeks. 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 as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date). Summer Start Dates: - May 11th, 2026 - May 18th, 2026 - May 26th, 2026 - June 8th, 2026 - June 22nd, 2026 Online Assessment Candidates who pass resume screening will be invited to participate in TikTok's technical online assessment. Responsibilities: - Assist in improving TikTok Search features to support product growth and user experience. - Optimize system performance and enhance service stability for a robust Search platform. - Contribute to maintaining efficient Search architecture and offline data processing systems.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: - Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or master's program in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. - Available to work for 12 weeks in Summer 2026 - Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a passion for backend services development. - Proficient in coding, data structures, and algorithms. - Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Preferred Qualifications - Graduating December 2026 onwards with the intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship. - Hands-on experience or coursework related to backend services for large-scale applications. - Familiarity with modern Search systems or interest in how Search products evolve. - Prior experience or projects involving Search product development or related backend work. By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here:
Job Information
(For Pay Transparency)Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern
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.
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
3. Exercising sound judgment.
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.
TikTok Accommodation
TikTok 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