Backend Software Engineer Intern (Platform Engineering) - 2027 Start (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

The Platform Engineering Team builds the multimedia infrastructure that powers TikTok and our other products. As part of the Intelligent Video department, we specialize in Video-on-Demand (VoD) technology, developing solutions that process billions of videos every day. Our work focuses on optimizing TikTok's high-performance VoD transcoder, architecting cost-saving VoD strategy platforms that have already reduced expenses by tens of millions, and building distributed task processing platforms that streamline multimedia development across the company. When you join our team, you'll contribute to video technologies that captivate millions of users worldwide while having opportunities to grow your skills and collaborate with industry experts. You'll directly shape the multimedia experiences that define modern social media. If you're energized by technical challenges, excited about cutting-edge technology, and want to make a meaningful impact at scale, we'd love to have you explore the exciting opportunities on our team.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in November/December 2026. Internships at our Company aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at our Company.

Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. The application limit is applicable to Our Company and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.

Successful candidates must be able to commit to the following Internships

From December 2026 - February 2027 (onboard by 7 Dec 2026)

Responsibilities

Participate in the design, development, and maintenance of the large-scale multimedia processing system, which processes billions of videos per day for TikTok. Contribute to the construction of the VoD strategy platform to deliver cost-effective transcoding and storage optimization strategies for saving a tremendous amount of VoD costs. Work in areas related to large-scale distributed system development, workflow orchestration, task scheduling, just-in-time video transcoding, data analysis, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Individuals who are completing or have recently completed a Bachelor's/Masters' degree in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Candidates are expected to work on-site at our Sydney office for a minimum of three days per week during the internship, which runs for at least 3 months and may be extended based on performance and mutual agreement. Solid basic knowledge of computer software, understanding of Linux operating system, storage, network IO, and other related principles. Familiarity with one or more programming languages, such as Go, Python, and C++, with knowledge of design patterns and coding principles. Strong learning and research abilities, good communication skills and teamwork spirit.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in building and developing large-scale infrastructure and distributed systems. Knowledge of data analysis and data mining, familiar with structural query language, e.g. sql/hsql. knowledge of machine learning and mathematical modeling.

By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here: https://careers.tiktok.com/legal/privacy.

Job Information

About TikTok

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.

Why Join Us

Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.

We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

Acknowledgment of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, TikTok acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.