Software Engineer Intern (Relational Database) - 2026 Summer (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

About the Team
Join ByteDance’s database R&D team, where you’ll build and own cutting-edge database products supporting Bytedance’s global infrastructure. Our diverse portfolio includes relational databases, distributed caches, key-value stores, document databases, graph databases, wide-column stores, search engines, and multi-model databases.

About the Role
We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026. Internships at Bytedance aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Turn your ambitions into reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at Bytedance.

Internships at Bytedance 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 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
- Develop kernel modules or features for distributed database systems.
- Solve unique, large-scale, highly complex cloud infrastructure problems
- Partner with PMs and engineers from different teams on building backend support for cloud database service products
- Participate in technical discussions related to team's product and engineering work

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's or above in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other related fields
- Knowledge of database kernel, distributed system, query processing and optimization, multi-threaded programming
- Experience coding in C/C++, Golang, Java, Python
- Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment.
- Able to commit to working for 12 weeks during Summer 2026

Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated software engineering experience from previous internship, work experience, coding competitions, or publications
- Curiosity towards new technologies and entrepreneurship
- High levels of creativity and quick problem-solving capabilities
- Experience with open source DBMS development such as Mysql, PostgreSql and others is highly desirable

Job Information

About Us

Founded in 2012, ByteDance's mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of more than a dozen products, including TikTok, Lemon8, CapCut and Pico as well as platforms specific to the China market, including Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.​

Inspiring creativity is at the core of ByteDance's mission. Our innovative products are 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 enrich life - a mission we work towards every day.​

As ByteDancers, 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. 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​

ByteDance 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 ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. 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.​

ByteDance 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 reas