Machine Learning Engineer Intern - TikTok Search Local Services team - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Summary: TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video, and they are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Intern for their Local Services team in 2026. The role involves improving search and recommendation systems using large-scale machine learning techniques, focusing on personalized relevance and user behavior modeling. Responsibilities: - Participate in the improvement of the search core algorithm, possible directions include: - 1. Large Language Model Application: Building AI search for local service needs by deploying and posttraining LLMs, constructing robust and comprehensive RAGs - 2. Content understanding/matching: Applying the industry's cutting-edge LLM technology to match the most relevant videos for each search query, and continuously improve the understanding of queries and relevance of TikTok search - 3. User Behavior Modeling: solving the recommendation problem in search, letting TikTok search increase the ability of personalization on the basis of "relevant", and understand users better Required Qualifications: - Currently pursuing a Bachelor/Master/PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline - Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2026 - Experience with coding in Python, Java, Golang, C#, or C++ - Experience deploying, training LLMs or building LLM powered applications - Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment Preferred Qualifications: - Graduating December 2026 onwards with intent to return to degree-program after the completion of the internship - Experience deploying, training LLMs or building LLM powered applications - Demonstrated software engineering or natural language processing, deep learning experience from previous internship, work experience, coding competitions, or publications - High levels of creativity and quick problem-solving capabilities Required Skills: Python, Java, Golang, C#, C++, Large Language Models, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning Internship Start Date: Start in 2026 Summer Benefits: 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.