Machine Learning Engineer, Commerce Ads Ranking

Based in San Jose, CA (onsite), this TikTok role seeks a Machine Learning Engineer to optimize Commerce Ads Ranking models from recall through fine sorting and to advance large-scale distributed training in privacy-preserving environments, with a salary range of USD 156,000 – 316,800 per year.

Responsibilities

• Improve ads delivery model performance through feature engineering, architecture choices, automated feature crossing, addressing ad cold start, modeling delayed feedback, and applying multi-task and sequence modeling techniques.
• Contribute to algorithm and system co-design, including retrieval algorithms, sample mining strategies, and long sequence handling.
• Investigate and optimize large-scale distributed training frameworks, focusing on GPU tuning, feature processing, and synchronous training to boost ads delivery efficiency under privacy-preserving constraints.
• Advance next generation recommendation approaches using an LLM-based learning paradigm, covering entity understanding, end-to-end generative recommendation, sequence-only recommendation, and a Mixture of Export framework.

Requirements

• Strong coding skills in C++ and Python, with a solid foundation in data structures and algorithms.
• Robust background in machine learning and familiarity with models such as FM, LR, GBDT, DNN, and Wide & Deep.
• Excellent learning ability and collaborative mindset, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Publications in KDD, NeurIPS, SIGIR, or experience in data mining or ML competitions are a plus.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or related fields.

Technologies

• C++, Python, LLM

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance from day one
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing benefits
• 10 paid holidays per year
• 10 paid sick days per year
• 17 days of Paid Personal Time, prorated at hire with tenure-based accruals
• Eligible for discretionary bonuses or incentives
• Restricted stock units

Los Angeles County (Unincorporated) Candidates

• Occasional unsupervised interaction with internal or external clients and colleagues
• Appropriate handling and management of confidential information and access to IT systems
• Exercise sound judgment