Machine Learning Engineer Graduate (Data-Search-Local Service) - 2026 Start (PhD)

This graduate role at TikTok centers on Data-Search-Local Services, beginning in 2026 after doctoral studies, applying large-scale machine learning to enhance how users discover local experiences and receive recommendations across billions of users.

Responsibilities

• Support the local video service group in improving user discovery of life services such as hospitality, dining, and leisure.
• Advance the search experience for local services and contribute to ecosystem growth.
• Leverage scalable machine learning techniques in search and recommendation scenarios to enhance shopping experiences and boost conversion efficiency for a global user base.
• Design and deploy end-to-end local services search algorithms across the full stack, including query analysis, relevance scoring, recall, coarse ranking, fine ranking, and blended ranking.
• Develop personalized behavior models to inform relevance computations.
• Predict Click-Through Rate and Conversion Rate to guide optimization.
• Implement vector recall methods and value blending for improved retrieval and ranking outcomes.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Solid foundation in machine learning and deep learning.
• Experience with natural language processing.
• Background in personalization techniques.
• Exceptional coding skills with strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
• Proficiency in Linux-based development environments.
• Currently completing or recently completed a PhD in software development, computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field.

Technologies

• Linux
• NLP (Natural Language Processing)
• Deep Learning

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
• The company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.

About the Team

The Data-Search-TikTok-Local Services team focuses on improving user discovery of hospitality, dining, and leisure experiences while driving ecosystem growth. The group applies large-scale machine learning to refine search and recommendation systems, emphasizing personalized relevance, CTR and CVR prediction, and optimized conversion efficiency for billions of users. The team invites graduates for 2026, offering opportunities to pursue ambitious ideas and tackle complex challenges with significant growth prospects.

Job Information

Location: Seattle, WA onsite

Education required: PhD

Salary: USD 148,200 - 300,960 per year

Notes: Compensation may vary outside the stated range based on qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. Base pay is part of the Total Package and may be eligible for discretionary bonuses/incentives and restricted stock units. Benefits are subject to employment type and location and may vary. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, and the listed time-off provisions. 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. The role involves interaction with clients and colleagues, handling confidential information, and access to information technology systems, with related considerations.

TikTok Accommodation

TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs, or other protected reasons. To request an accommodation, please visit RA-request.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok aims to cultivate an inclusive environment that values diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. The company seeks to reflect the communities it serves and to inspire creativity and joy through a diverse workforce.