J-1 Visa Software Systems Engineer Jobs
Software Systems Engineer roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through the J-1 visa Trainee or Research Scholar program category, depending on your career stage. Securing sponsorship requires a designated State Department sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019, separate from your host employer.
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The GPU/AI System Technology and Engineering Team is committed to developing highly optimized OS and system software to support deep learning and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads in large-scale data centers. We focus on delivering core software components for the next generation of AI and HPC platforms, benchmarks, and fine-tuning performance. Our work spans the entire hardware/software stack, from GPU drivers to deep learning frameworks, to ensure peak performance across all layers. By joining this team, you will work with the best engineers and talents in this industry and have a broad opportunity to get in touch with the latest AI application systems and newly emerged technology in computing, networking and storage. You will gain remarkable GPU architecture, system software development and GPU validation experience in the most advanced hardware infrastructure on a massive scale. 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. Turn your ambitions into 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. This internship program runs for 12 weeks beginning in May/June 2026. Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the following internship start dates below: (Select below options for Summer)
5/11/2026
5/18/2026
5/26/2026
6/8/2026
* 6/22/2026
We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date). 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 TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.
Responsibilities:
Design and implement performance benchmarks and testing methodologies to evaluate system performance
Develop benchmark tools and performance optimization of AI workloads specifically tailored for large-scale LLM training and inference, as well as High-Performance Computing (HPC).
Develop Python scripts to automate the testing of various benchmark tools.
Collaborate with internal teams to identify system bottleneck, debug and improve performance issues.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be able to commit to a 12-week full-time work period during Summer 2026
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree within Computer Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related majors.
Background with GPU/CPU benchmarking
Familiar with ML/DL techniques, algorithms and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Exposure to testing automation for various applications.
Proficiency in Python and C/C++
Hands-on experience with Linux based systems
Ability to work independently and complete projects from beginning to end and in a timely manner
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in one of the following fields: High Performance Computing, ML Hardware Acceleration (e.g., GPU/TPU/RDMA) or ML for Systems, and Distributed Storage.
Experience in AI model development, training, evaluation and deployment on Cloud, Cluster or on-premises.
Experience with parallel programming and at least one communication runtime (MPI, NCCL, UCX, NVSHMEM)
Experience with development applications with CUDA programming
Linux kernel development experience, such as networking and device drivers etc.
Familiar with git workflow.
Exposure to testing automation for various applications.
Experience with complex system-level debugging is invaluable.
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;
* 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
The GPU/AI System Technology and Engineering Team is committed to developing highly optimized OS and system software to support deep learning and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads in large-scale data centers. We focus on delivering core software components for the next generation of AI and HPC platforms, benchmarks, and fine-tuning performance. Our work spans the entire hardware/software stack, from GPU drivers to deep learning frameworks, to ensure peak performance across all layers. By joining this team, you will work with the best engineers and talents in this industry and have a broad opportunity to get in touch with the latest AI application systems and newly emerged technology in computing, networking and storage. You will gain remarkable GPU architecture, system software development and GPU validation experience in the most advanced hardware infrastructure on a massive scale. 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. Turn your ambitions into 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. This internship program runs for 12 weeks beginning in May/June 2026. Successful candidates must be able to commit to one of the following internship start dates below: (Select below options for Summer)
5/11/2026
5/18/2026
5/26/2026
6/8/2026
* 6/22/2026
We will prioritize candidates who are able to commit to these start dates. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date). 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 TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.
Responsibilities:
Design and implement performance benchmarks and testing methodologies to evaluate system performance
Develop benchmark tools and performance optimization of AI workloads specifically tailored for large-scale LLM training and inference, as well as High-Performance Computing (HPC).
Develop Python scripts to automate the testing of various benchmark tools.
Collaborate with internal teams to identify system bottleneck, debug and improve performance issues.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Must be able to commit to a 12-week full-time work period during Summer 2026
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree within Computer Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related majors.
Background with GPU/CPU benchmarking
Familiar with ML/DL techniques, algorithms and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Exposure to testing automation for various applications.
Proficiency in Python and C/C++
Hands-on experience with Linux based systems
Ability to work independently and complete projects from beginning to end and in a timely manner
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in one of the following fields: High Performance Computing, ML Hardware Acceleration (e.g., GPU/TPU/RDMA) or ML for Systems, and Distributed Storage.
Experience in AI model development, training, evaluation and deployment on Cloud, Cluster or on-premises.
Experience with parallel programming and at least one communication runtime (MPI, NCCL, UCX, NVSHMEM)
Experience with development applications with CUDA programming
Linux kernel development experience, such as networking and device drivers etc.
Familiar with git workflow.
Exposure to testing automation for various applications.
Experience with complex system-level debugging is invaluable.
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;
* 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 51+ J-1 Visa Software Systems Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Software Systems Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Software Systems Engineer
Verify your SOC code before applying
Software Systems Engineer maps to SOC 17-1199 or 15-1252 depending on the role. Confirm the exact code with your prospective host employer early, because your J-1 training plan must align with it for DOL compliance.
Build a training plan before outreach
J-1 Trainee sponsorship requires a detailed training plan showing structured skill development, not just job duties. Draft this document before approaching host employers so you can demonstrate program readiness from the first conversation.
Target hosts with established sponsor relationships
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers already hosting J-1 exchange visitors in engineering or technical roles, so your search focuses on organizations familiar with DS-2019 requirements and host-employer responsibilities.
Distinguish Research Scholar from Trainee categories
If your role involves original research at a university or research institute, Research Scholar sponsorship applies. If you're applying to a private-sector engineering team, Trainee is the correct category. Misidentifying your category delays DS-2019 issuance.
Confirm the home residency requirement upfront
Some Software Systems Engineer J-1 placements trigger the two-year home residency requirement based on funding source or skills list designation. Verify this before accepting an offer, since it affects your ability to pursue H-1B visa or green card pathways afterward.
Request the signed DS-7002 before your interview
USCIS and your designated sponsor both require the DS-7002 training plan to be signed by the host employer before your consular interview. Confirm the host has completed and countersigned it to avoid last-minute delays at the embassy.
Software Systems Engineer J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Software Systems Engineer role?
The Trainee category applies if you have a degree and at least one year of experience outside the U.S., or five years of work experience without a degree. The Research Scholar category applies if your role is primarily research-focused at a university or research institute. Private-sector engineering positions almost always fall under Trainee, not Research Scholar.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa, the employer or a separate organization?
Your host employer is not your visa sponsor. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, such as Cultural Vistas, AIPT, or IIE, issues the DS-2019 form and administers your program. The host employer signs the training plan and provides the placement, but the designated sponsor holds legal responsibility for your exchange visitor status throughout the program.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting J-1 Software Systems Engineers?
Most employers don't advertise J-1 host positions explicitly, which makes targeted searching essential. Migrate Mate surfaces U.S. companies and roles aligned with J-1 sponsorship pathways for engineering professionals, so you can identify receptive hosts before investing time in outreach. Filtering by role type and industry narrows results to employers already familiar with exchange visitor compliance obligations.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to software engineering J-1 placements?
Not automatically. The two-year home residency requirement applies if your J-1 program is funded by your home government or the U.S. government, or if your home country's skills list includes your occupation. Software systems engineering may appear on certain countries' skills lists. Confirm your status directly with your designated sponsor before accepting an offer, since a waiver process can take six to twelve months if required.
What does the DS-7002 training plan need to cover for a systems engineering role?
The DS-7002 must document specific technical skills you'll develop, the phases of your training, the supervision structure, and measurable performance benchmarks. For a Software Systems Engineer, this typically means detailing methodology training, architecture exposure, code review participation, and any cross-functional project involvement. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Both you and the host employer must sign it before your designated sponsor issues the DS-2019.