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TikTok · 4 hours ago

Software Engineer Intern (AI Model Optimization) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

San Jose, CA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$45/hr - $45/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and they are seeking an intern to work on optimizing AI models for performance and efficiency. This role involves supporting research efforts, benchmarking tools, and collaborating with engineers to enhance the user experience across ByteDance-related products.

Content CreatorsContent DiscoveryMedia and EntertainmentSocial MediaVideo

H1B Sponsor Likely

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

Qualification

PythonDeep learning frameworksMachine Learning conceptsAI model trainingGPU programmingEagerness to learnProblem-solving skills

Required

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

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

Benefits

Interns have day one access to health insurance

Life insurance

Wellbeing benefits

10 paid holidays per year

Paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year)

Housing allowance

Company

TikTok

Glassdoor3.4

TikTok is a short-form video entertainment app and social network platform. It is a sub-organization of ByteDance.

Founded in 2003

Los Angeles, California, USA

10001+ employees

https://www.tiktok.com

H1B Sponsorship

TikTok has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (979)

2024 (601)

2023 (387)

2022 (322)

2021 (133)

2020 (72)