Artificial intelligence (AI) engineer

Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers develop programs and algorithms which teach a machine or computer to carry out tasks and learn from them.


Typical Salary

£35,000 – £75,000

per year

Working Hours

37–40

hours per week

Career Area

Programmers and software development professionals

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Day-to-day tasks

Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers work in many different parts of the economy.

For example in healthcare, you might develop screening tools to detect disease, while in manufacturing you could program robotic systems to learn new ways to improve production.

Generally, as an AI engineer, you'll:

  • work with businesses to understand the problems they want to solve
  •  develop machine learning models and algorithms
  •  run tests on prototypes and analyse data to make improvements
  •  find and fix problems or 'bugs'
  •  assess the risks associated with new machine learning programs
  •  work as part of a team to roll out AI solutions
  •  stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI

Skills needed

  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • the ability to write computer programs
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • persistence and determination
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

Career progression

With experience, you could:

  • move into a more senior role
  •  take responsibility for your team or a project
  •  set up your own business
  •  work as a consultant

You may find opportunities to work internationally by travelling overseas or working remotely.