Backend Tech Lead, Content E-Commerce
Explicitly requires vibe coding—driving AI-native engineering and AI-assisted development across the lifecycle.
About the Role
Lead the Backend Content E-commerce team to evolve the platform architecture for global, high-availability content-driven commerce while driving adoption of AI-native engineering practices to increase R&D productivity and software quality.
Job Description
Role
TikTok is hiring a Backend Tech Lead for the Content E-commerce team based in San Jose. The role focuses on refining and optimizing the core backend architecture for a global content-ecommerce platform, ensuring scalability, availability, security, and maintainability while driving technical initiatives from design through deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the transformation to AI-native engineering practices, integrating AI across the software lifecycle (AI pair programming, intelligent test generation, automated code review, system diagnostics, engineering knowledge copilots).
- Refine and optimize core platform architecture for high availability, scalability, security, and global adaptability.
- Oversee project priorities and ensure quality architectural deliverables; drive initiatives from inception to full-scale deployment.
- Develop and maintain a forward-looking technical plan to address future challenges and business objectives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Infrastructure, SRE, QA) to align architecture and engineering roadmaps.
- Research and apply new technologies relevant to content e-commerce.
- Lead, mentor, and grow the engineering team, including involvement in hiring, career development, and training.
Requirements
Minimum
- 2+ years tech-leading a software engineering team.
- 5+ years of large-scale backend system development experience.
- Experience in internet live-streaming apps and e-commerce is preferred.
Preferred
- Strong business understanding, rapid technical learning and knowledge transfer, strong responsibility, and good communication and teamwork skills.
Compensation & Benefits (summary)
- Base salary range for the selected city: $208,800 - $438,000 annually.
- May be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives and restricted stock units.
- Day-one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid parental leave; short- and long-term disability; life insurance; wellbeing benefits.
- Time off: 10 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days, 17 days Paid Personal Time (prorated; accrual increases with tenure).
Team & Mission
Content E-commerce builds the content ecosystem for e-commerce to help users discover products, enable creators to monetize content, and connect merchants with creators. The team aims to provide highly qualified e-commerce content and a reliable platform for creators and merchants globally.