Artificial intelligence engineer
Solve problems by using data and technology to build AI systems.
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£970
Average
Monthly
£4,203
Average
Yearly
£50,440
Average
32,800
people are currently employed
High growth
1,800 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
Want to shape the future of Scotland? Artificial intelligence (AI) is the way to do it. As an AI engineer, you'll be at the forefront of innovation. You'll program and train intelligent systems that tackle real-world challenges.
You might work with self-driving cars, making them safe for use on Scotland's roads. Or you could build healthcare models used to predict and prevent disease outbreaks. Many industries would look to your expertise to help take them into the future.
It's a role where you'll need a lot of technical knowledge. By writing code, you'll develop algorithms that use AI. You'll use data analytics to unlock insights. Machine learning will help you design systems that become smarter and more efficient the more they're used.
This career is perfect for creative problem-solvers who love working with technology. If you want to make a lasting difference, unleash your potential through a career in AI.
Your tasks might include:
designing, testing and developing AI models
working with large amounts of data to train AI models
creating and improving machine learning algorithms
maintaining and improving existing AI systems
keeping up with the latest AI advancements
explaining complex information to others
writing code in a variety of languages
collaborating with data scientists and software engineers
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Transport Construction and built environment Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- verbal communication
- researching
- problem solving
- making decisions
- ethical
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Mathematics
Physics
English
You'll likely need a degree in Computer Science or an engineering field to work as an AI engineer. Some roles will ask for postgraduate qualifications.
But it's possible to get into the career without a degree if you have the right skills and knowledge.
Let's look at some of the routes you could take to work towards this career.
Apprenticeship routes into an AI career
You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
These FAs are a great way to learn the basics of engineering or software development, including AI:
If you’re aged 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
Apprenticeships.scot has options that'll give you skills in a variety of relevant areas. Here are some you might find helpful:
You could also earn a degree level qualification through a Graduate Apprenticeship. These options will be useful for this career:
College
There are a variety of subjects you could study at college that'll help in this career. You could progress to university or move into entry level positions to build your knowledge and experience.
Computer Science
Data Science
Engineering
IT
Software Development
What you need to enter a course will vary depending on the subject and level of qualification. For example, to study Computer Science at HNC or HND level, you'd likely need one or two Highers at C.
National 5s, Highers or an FA in relevant subjects such as Maths or Computing will help.
Use our search to find the right course for you.
University
A degree or postgraduate qualification will give you the skills and knowledge to work as an AI engineer. Here are some relevant subjects you could study:
AI and Data Science
Computer Science
Data Science
Engineering
Software Development
Software Engineering
For a Computer Science course at degree level, you'd likely need either:
four Highers at BBBC
a relevant HNC or HND
Courses may ask for Highers in Maths and a science, preferable Computer Science.
Postgraduate courses will likely ask for you to have at least a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject.
Use our course search to explore your options.
Work
To be an AI engineer, you'll need a lot of knowledge and experience. While formal qualifications are a great way to get this, they're not the only way. You could get an entry-level or trainee position in an engineering, IT, data or software development role. You'd be able to learn skills, build experience and work towards becoming an AI engineer.
You can also supplement work experience with other types of learning and training. Use our search to find free online courses related to AI.
Getting experience in a science, engineering or technology environment might help in this career.
You’ll need a wide range of technical knowledge to be an AI engineer. Some examples of what employers might be looking for include:
AI and deep learning techniques
machine learning algorithms
advanced skills in C++ and Python programming
image processing and computer vision fundamentals
SQL and NoSQL databases
This is just a small sample taken from current job adverts. There are many more areas you’ll need to develop technical skills and understanding.
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