CPT Backend Software Engineer Jobs
Backend Software Engineer CPT roles let F-1 students apply server-side development, API design, and database engineering directly to their degree program. Your DSO must authorize each position before you start, and the work must connect to your major, a computer science or engineering curriculum typically satisfies that requirement without additional documentation.
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TikTok’s Media Platform team builds the systems that power every video you watch or upload. We handle transcoding, content delivery, and media storage, partnering closely with ML, product, and infra teams to drive intelligent, cost-effective video workflows. We’re looking for interns who thrive in technically deep and cross-functional environments. We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at TikTok. Internships at TikTok aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It runs for 12 weeks. 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 ByteDance / TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).
Summer Start Dates:
May 11th, 2026
May 18th, 2026
May 26th, 2026
June 8th, 2026
* June 22nd, 2026
Responsibilities
As an intern, you’ll join our backend engineering team to help design and build core services used across TikTok’s global video infrastructure. You’ll:
Work on real-world projects that impact billions of users.
Develop high-performance backend components and tools that improve the reliability and efficiency of video processing systems.
Contribute to internal tooling, service improvements, and cross-team integration efforts.
Learn and apply best practices in large-scale distributed system development.
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
Programming experience with Golang, C, C++, or similar languages.
Understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design fundamentals.
* Willingness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous internship or project experience with backend systems or distributed computing.
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, media processing, or network performance optimization.
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
【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. 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.
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. 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; and
* Exercising sound judgment.
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.
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
Responsibilities
TikTok’s Media Platform team builds the systems that power every video you watch or upload. We handle transcoding, content delivery, and media storage, partnering closely with ML, product, and infra teams to drive intelligent, cost-effective video workflows. We’re looking for interns who thrive in technically deep and cross-functional environments. We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at TikTok. Internships at TikTok aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It runs for 12 weeks. 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 ByteDance / TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date).
Summer Start Dates:
May 11th, 2026
May 18th, 2026
May 26th, 2026
June 8th, 2026
* June 22nd, 2026
Responsibilities
As an intern, you’ll join our backend engineering team to help design and build core services used across TikTok’s global video infrastructure. You’ll:
Work on real-world projects that impact billions of users.
Develop high-performance backend components and tools that improve the reliability and efficiency of video processing systems.
Contribute to internal tooling, service improvements, and cross-team integration efforts.
Learn and apply best practices in large-scale distributed system development.
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
Programming experience with Golang, C, C++, or similar languages.
Understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design fundamentals.
* Willingness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous internship or project experience with backend systems or distributed computing.
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, media processing, or network performance optimization.
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
【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. 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.
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. 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; and
* Exercising sound judgment.
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.
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
See all 215+ CPT Backend Software Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPT Backend Software Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsBackend Software Engineer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Backend Software Engineer role qualify for CPT?
Yes, if your degree program includes coursework in computer science, software engineering, or a directly related field. Your DSO will verify that the role's core tasks, server-side development, API design, database management, connect to your curriculum. Roles that require only general IT support without engineering depth are harder to authorize under CPT, so the job description wording matters.
Can I do CPT at a startup that has never hired an F-1 student before?
Yes. CPT authorization is a school-side process, not an employer filing. The employer doesn't petition USCIS or register with any federal agency for CPT alone. Your DSO authorizes the work on your I-20. The only employer-side requirement is that they pay you and, if you later pursue STEM OPT there, enroll in E-Verify at that stage.
What happens to my CPT authorization if the backend role changes scope mid-internship?
A significant scope change, switching from backend development to, say, product management, requires a new CPT authorization from your DSO. Minor task shifts within backend engineering generally don't require re-authorization, but your DSO makes that determination. Get written confirmation from your DSO before accepting any material change in responsibilities to avoid unauthorized employment.
How do I find Backend Software Engineer employers who are already comfortable with CPT?
Employers with a history of LCA filings for software engineering roles are typically familiar with work authorization requirements. Migrate Mate lets you browse employers by LCA filing history in your target metro, so you can focus on companies that have demonstrated they understand and support international students rather than educating every recruiter from scratch.
Does remote work complicate CPT authorization for backend roles?
Remote CPT is allowed, but your I-20 must reflect the employer's address or the location where the work is performed, depending on your school's policy. Some DSOs require a physical worksite address; others accept fully remote. Clarify your school's remote CPT policy before accepting a distributed backend role, since the authorization on your I-20 must match the actual work arrangement.