Backend Engineer Graduate (Recommendation Architecture) - 2026 Start (BS/MS)

About the Team

The Recommendation Architecture team builds and continuously improves the backbone of the recommendation platform so users receive a stable, fast, and high-quality experience. The group works on system architecture, service reliability, scalability, and performance across both online services and offline data pipelines. In close partnership with the algorithm team, the team aims to improve recommendation quality and user experience, raise system efficiency while lowering costs, develop mid-platform capabilities for data and services, and deliver flexible, scalable, high-performance storage and computing systems.

Role Overview

This graduate role is designed for candidates joining in 2026. It offers the chance to work on challenging technical problems, contribute bold ideas, and grow in a fast-moving environment.

Important Application Notes

Selected candidates must be available to start onboarding by the end of 2026. Applicants should clearly mention their graduation date and availability in their resume. Candidates may submit applications for up to two positions globally across the company and its affiliates, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of recommendation systems with a focus on improving development productivity, scalability, performance, and recommendation quality.
• Enhance backend services and infrastructure with attention to data protection, modular design, efficient computing, and growth readiness.
• Investigate production issues and implement tools and mechanisms that strengthen the reliability and stability of live systems.
• Develop distributed storage and computing systems that can support very large datasets and large-scale business workloads.
• Push for deep performance improvements across storage, compute, or application layers.
• Study user needs and turn them into software solutions using computer science, engineering, and mathematical reasoning.
• Work closely with teammates to support a global user base and solve challenges related to worldwide architecture.

Qualifications

Applicants should be completing or have recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or another closely related technical field. Strong coding ability, sound code structure, and clean coding practices are expected. Familiarity with at least one of the following languages is required: Go, Python, Java, or C++. Candidates should also have practical knowledge of data structures, algorithms, networking, data security, distributed systems, and highly scalable system design.

Preferred Profile

Preference will be given to candidates who are interested in recommendation systems and understand how these systems work or are executed. Experience or internship exposure in performance tuning and architecture optimization for high-traffic environments is an advantage. The team also values people who learn quickly, adapt well, take ownership, and approach problems creatively.

About ByteDance

ByteDance was founded in 2012 with a mission to inspire creativity and enrich life. Its product portfolio includes TikTok, Lemon8, CapCut, Pico, and China-market platforms such as Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua. The company emphasizes curiosity, humility, impact, and continual iteration, guided by an “Always Day 1” mindset.

Diversity & Inclusion

ByteDance promotes an inclusive workplace where employees are recognized for their skills, experiences, and perspectives. The company values a diverse global community and is committed to fostering an environment that reflects the communities it serves.

Contact

For role-related queries, candidates may contact the early careers team at the provided company email address.