What Does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer Do?

Recently we explained how to get a job in artificial intelligence, and here we’re going to explore what an AI engineer does.

This review will include a discussion of the common job titles, work duties, and daily responsibilities of artificial intelligence engineers.

But first, please keep in mind that not all those who work in the AI industry have the job title of Artificial Intelligence Engineer.

Even those AI professionals who do the exact same work as an AI engineer may have a vastly different job title.

Some of the more popular AI industry job titles include:

• AI Engineer
• AI Scientist
• AI Interaction Designer
• Computational Scientist
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Computer Systems Designer
• Software Developer

As you can probably tell from the list above, the roles and responsibilities of individual AI professionals can vary, but anyone working in artificial intelligence is likely to have at least some overlap in their responsibilities.

For the purposes of this post, we’ll focus on explaining the similar tasks and duties that AI experts are responsible for completing.

As part of this exploration, we’ll also review whether or not AI is a good career, we’ll discuss how to prepare yourself for a successful career in the field, and we’ll suggest how to pick the right school if you do choose to pursue a degree in AI.

When you’ve finished reading this post, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s Degree in AI and Machine Learning, or if you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Typical Artificial Intelligence Roles & Responsibilities

AI engineers play an incredibly important role in the modern economy, especially in sectors and verticals where artificial intelligence technology has already had a significant impact.

And while AI engineers in niche roles may be responsible for vastly different things, there is a common set of basic responsibilities that anyone looking to get into the industry will want to develop a proficiency in, including:

• Establishing and achieving objectives using techniques associated with AI reasoning and uncertainty.
• Applying logic, probability analysis, and machine-learning concepts to problem-solving initiatives.
• Analyzing systems to effectively monitor and control development projects.
• Using AI best practices in regards to applications in speech recognition, data processing, data mining, and robotic control.

But before we get into the specific duties and responsibilities of AI engineers, let’s first briefly explore the difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning so that you can get a better idea about which specific niche might be the better fit for you.

What Is the Difference Between AI and Machine Learning?

Artificial intelligence and machine learning both refer to a process or technology that helps make machines intelligent, allowing them to be more useful to the humans that rely on them to solve complex problems and perform complicated tasks.

You may hear the terms AI and machine learning used interchangeably, but they aren’t necessarily the same thing, and one easy way to get an idea for the difference between the two fields is to review how Towards Data Science defines them:

• AI is a broad term that describes applications where a machine mimics human cognitive functions like learning and problem-solving. An AI system can be incredibly complex, or as simple as a series of nested if-else statements.
• Machine learning utilizes classical algorithms to complete tasks, like clustering, regression or classification, and machine learning algorithms must be trained on data. The more they’re trained, the better they perform.

If you’ve been paying attention to the economy over the last several years, then you’re probably well-aware of the many recent applications for AI and machine learning technologies.

According to Robotics Business Review, industries that have already seen a heavy impact from AI and machine learning include:

• Transportation – Self-driving cars are a potential game changer, and they’re literally driven by AI and machine learning technology.
• Manufacturing – AI-driven robots offer increased efficiency, accuracy, etc., sometimes dramatically improving production speeds and profits.
• Healthcare – AI and machine learning tech powers autonomous surgical robots, virtual nursing assistants, automated image diagnosis, and dosage error reduction.
• Entertainment – Machine learning technology is used to predict user behavior and custom-tailor suggestions for movies, music, TV shows, and even advertisements.
• Sports – Automation and predictive analysis technology is used to drive business decisions, sponsorship activations, ticket sales, and even to forecast athletic performance.

Clearly, AI and machine learning processes are helping to push the limits of certain fields and processes, and that’s why AI engineers and machine learning experts are so important for certain applications and organizations.

Now that you know a bit about what AI and machine learning actually entails, let’s look at what AI engineers and machine learning professionals actually do each day.

What Do AI Engineers Actually Do?

AI engineers are responsible for developing new applications and systems that utilize AI to improve performance and efficiency, make better decisions, cut costs and increase profits.

To be successful as an AI expert, you’re going to need to be capable of:

• Analyzing and associating AI principles into reasoning and uncertainty in any perspective environment.
• Applying AI and machine learning techniques for image analysis and reconstruction.
• Implementing AI and machine learning solutions to solve a variety of complex problems or scenarios.
• Developing AI-driven solutions that model human behavior to accomplish complicated tasks or complete complex processes.
• Creating solutions that combine artificial intelligence best practices with machine learning principles.
• Evaluating and improving the performance of applications in artificial intelligence and machine learning domains.

The reason it’s so important to develop an awareness and expertise around these core tasks is that virtually anyone working in AI or machine learning will be asked to handle these types of responsibilities on a near-daily basis.

As the list above should demonstrate, the skill set of an AI engineer isn’t the kind of thing that you can just pick up on the job. 

This is a complex profession requiring a great deal of technical knowledge and specific experience. so if you want to find success as an AI engineer, then you should consider studying it in a serious academic environment.

Is Artificial Intelligence a Good Career?

Yes, artificial intelligence is an excellent field for establishing a long-term career, especially since AI and machine learning applications are likely to continue playing a bigger role in virtually every industry as the technology continues to grow more sophisticated.

The AI industry also appears to be growing relatively rapidly too, with the International Data Corporation (IDC) projecting that the AI market, “including software, hardware, and services, are forecast to reach $900 billion mark by 2026”

If you’re interested in breaking into the industry, then there’s likely no better career path than studying AI best practices in a serious academic setting so that you can develop the foundational knowledge and job skills needed to be successful in the field.

Choosing to earn a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from CSU Global will position you to pursue competitive, but exciting and rewarding jobs in the industry so you can start building a long-term career in AI.

How Can You Get Into Artificial Intelligence?

While you don’t necessarily need a degree in AI to secure a job in the field, having legitimate academic credentials tends to make it easier to land a good job.

This becomes increasingly important if you’re looking to serve with a traditional organization, and especially if you’re looking to land a leadership or management-oriented role.

If your goal is to help lead the next generation of computing experts, or if you simply want to be considered for more senior-level roles in the field, then we certainly suggest that you consider earning a Master’s Degree in AI.

Should you choose to get your Master’s in AI from CSU Global, you’ll receive the proper training and education needed to find success in the industry, while also improving your marketability with potential hiring managers. 

Completing our online AI and Machine Learning Master’s program is one of the best ways to prove that you are trained, capable and ready to provide value to any organization from day one.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence?

CSU Global’s online Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence will prepare you to succeed in this challenging, complex and dynamic industry by getting industry experience in critical AI processes and systems, like:

• Deep-learning libraries, such as Tensorflow.
• A proficiency programming in Python.
• Experience applying AI solutions to solve complex problems in healthcare, manufacturing, oil/gas, and automotive.

You’ll graduate from CSU Global’s online M.S. in AI program prepared to succeed in the industry and advance your career by qualifying for some of the AI industry’s top job titles, including:

• AI Engineer/Scientist / 2020 Median Pay: $102,980
• Software Developer / 2021 Median Pay: $109,020
• Computer and Information Research Scientists / 2021 Median Pay: $131,490

Keep in mind that this is just a short list of potential job titles you could qualify for with an M.S. in AI from CSU Global. Earning your Master’s Degree in AI is likely to allow you to pursue a wide variety of different job titles.

Why Should You Consider Studying Artificial Intelligence at CSU Global?

CSU Global’s Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is an excellent option for developing the skills, abilities, and foundational knowledge needed to pursue leadership positions in the AI industry.

Our M.S. in AI program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected by industry professionals.

In fact, CSU Global’s expertise as an online learning leader was recently recognized by several important rankings, including:

• A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
• A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
• A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.

Simply put, choosing to complete our Master’s in AI program is a great way to get yourself on the path toward establishing a successful, lifelong career in the industry.

Finally, CSU Global also offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee, which ensures the rates won’t increase as you’re enrolled. 

To get additional details about our fully-accredited, 100% online Master’s of Science Degree program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!