Machine Learning Engineer Intern (Data-Global E-Commerce-Search) - 2027 Start (PhD)

Description

The Search E-Commerce team spearheads the development of TikTok's advanced search algorithm, crucial for its booming global e-commerce platform. Utilizing state-of-the-art large-scale machine learning, along with cutting-edge NLP, CV, and multi-modal technologies, we are committed to creating a top-tier search engine. Our goal is to deliver the best e-commerce search experience to over a billion monthly TikTok users worldwide. Our mission is to create a world where "no reasonably priced product is difficult to sell."

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship. Our internship program offers students hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.
Interns will gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and participate in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of two positions across Our Company and its affiliates globally. Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please clearly state your availability in your resume, including your start and end dates.

Responsibilities
- Support the design, implementation, testing, and iteration of Search features, services, or tools under the guidance of engineers and mentors.
- Work with large-scale data, logs, metrics, or experiments to understand user search behavior and improve product or system quality.
- Collaborate with engineering, product, data science, and machine learning partners to define requirements and deliver project milestones.
- Write clear, maintainable code and documentation for assigned workstreams.
- Communicate progress, risks, and learnings with mentors and stakeholders throughout the internship.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
- Must be able to commit to a 12-week full-time work.
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Proficient coding skills and strong algorithm & data structure basis.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: NLP, Ranking, Ads, search engine, recommender system, distributed system, and machine learning.

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with search, recommendation, machine learning, information retrieval, natural language processing, ranking, ads, content understanding, or data mining projects.
- Familiarity with databases, distributed systems, data pipelines, experimentation, or large-scale backend services.
- Experience using data to investigate product, user, or system problems.
- Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and collaborate with cross-functional partners.
- Interest in improving search experiences for large-scale consumer products.

As a condition of employment, all successful candidates must be able to establish authorization to work in the United States. For this position, the Company does not provide sponsorship or any immigration-related benefits.