Software Engineer Intern(Media Engine) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

• Research and develop new features on our Live/RTC streaming media platform for TikTok Live;
• Design and implement multimedia and network programs in client SDK and media server;
• Develop multimedia solutions across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms;
• Innovate in video algorithms and network transmission to enhance user experience;
• Analyze data, fine-tune parameters and optimize the Live/RTC services end to end;
• Explore cutting-edge technologies and contribute to innovation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Master in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline;
• Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2026;
• Strong foundation in computer science, networking, and operating systems;
• Solid background in multimedia technologies, including image/signal processing, video codecs, or multimedia streaming;
• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: C/C++, Java/Kotlin, Objective-C/Swift, Python, or Golang;
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Proficiency in signal processing, video compression, video codecs or video processing algorithms;
• Strong knowledge of network algorithms, including congestion control, loss recovery, bandwidth estimation, latency measurement and control, socket optimization, and real-time video transmission protocols;
• Hands-on experience with multimedia frameworks and tools such as FFmpeg, GStreamer, OBS Studio, VLC, x264, x265, WebRTC, RTP/RTCP streaming, or VoIP products;
• Experience with iOS frameworks (e.g., Core Data, Core Animation) or Android SDK;
• Familiarity with media servers such as Nginx RTMP module, Licode, Kurento, mediasoup, or Jitsi;
• Experience in video chat, live streaming, or video conferencing solutions.

About the role

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

• Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
• Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems;
• Exercising sound judgment.

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.

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

Job Information

[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45. Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location.

Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:

• Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
• Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems;
• Exercising sound judgment.

TikTok Accommodation

TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at https://tinyurl.com/RA-request.