How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer: 5 Steps to Your New Career

Machine learning refers to the ability of computing systems to “think” like a human, and machine learning engineers work to make these systems accurate, useful, and highly detailed. Machine learning today is very complex: large sets of data are used to help build systems that make decisions and predict outcomes. Machine learning engineers are responsible for developing the algorithms that enable those systems to become more accurate over time without additional human input.

To put it into everyday context, think about anytime you ask Alexa or Siri a question and get an appropriate answer — that’s machine learning at work. These theories also enable Netflix to recommend movies you like and allow Amazon to show ads related to your previous purchases. There are endless possibilities for highly qualified machine learning engineers to build new technologies in nearly any industry.

In this article, we will discuss the machine learning engineer profession. We will also outline how you can start learning this skill — including through a data analytics bootcamp, which can help you jump-start your career in machine learning through hands-on, real-world learning.

What Does a Machine Learning Engineer Do?

We expect our technology to work intuitively and match our interests and intentions. Machine learning engineers are essential to achieving this, by creating systems that learn independently of human intervention and continuously improve upon their outputs. Typically, machine learning engineers work with artificial intelligence systems in an IT department.

Machine learning engineers sit at the intersection of data science and software design, and they usually need essential skills from both fields. Some of the more common machine learning engineer tasks include

Machine learning engineers also need to be collaborative, as they will likely work with disparate teams to analyze the needs of the business, create unique solutions, and define goals and objectives.

Machine Learning Engineer vs. Data Scientist

While machine learning engineers and data scientists work together, their roles and responsibilities complement rather than duplicate each other. Data scientists develop and test algorithms and have a deep understanding of the mathematical principles involved. A data scientist mines and organizes data, then interprets that data to determine the kind of machine learning applied. They pass this information on to machine learning engineers.

A machine learning engineer develops the software that puts these algorithms to work in a real-world situation. They deploy the ideas developed by the data scientists and interact with the products to refine the software and increase its efficiency.

Steps to Become a Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers come from all kinds of educational backgrounds, however, newcomers will likely need formal training to understand technical programs and languages. That said, many machine learning engineers have college degrees in computer science, artificial intelligence, or data science. Accelerated programs like data analytics bootcamps can also be useful for those looking to start a career in machine learning without a years-long commitment.

Once you have confirmed your interest in machine learning, follow these steps to becoming a machine learning engineer:

Machine Learning Engineer Career Path

Machine learning engineer professionals have a wealth of roles and companies to choose from. And, as our technology leans on the ability to understand user needs and anticipate their desires, the need for machine learning engineers will continue to grow as well. Users expect their technology to work intuitively and provide accurate results. Machine learning engineers make that happen.

Technology continues to grow at an astounding pace and changes regularly, and many programs can quickly prepare you for a career in machine learning. Now is a great time to start your machine learning education with a bootcamp — here, you will learn crucial machine learning skills to enter the field or continue your education.

Machine Learning Engineer Job Growth

The demand for expert machine learning and artificial intelligence engineers has experienced explosive growth in recent years. Much of our new technology is dependent on machines learning our patterns, recognizing our speech, and anticipating our needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 22 percent job growth by 2030 in the broad field of computer science, which includes machine learning. That is much higher than the average job growth rate across all occupations.

Machine Learning Engineer Salary

The U.S. median salary for computer information research scientists, including machine learning engineers, is $126,830, according to the BLS. Machine learning is essential to software publishing, scientific research, the federal government, and higher education. Machine learning engineers who find employment in software publishing can expect to make about $145,920 per year, more than three times the national average salary for all occupations.

How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer FAQs

If you’re just starting out in your learning, you may have questions about what it means to be a machine learning engineer. While this may differ from company to company, there are some consistencies across all fields.

Begin Your Machine Learning Career Today

For anyone interested in computer programming and artificial intelligence, a career in machine learning is a great choice. These skills are currently in demand and will continue to be as technology develops and evolves. Keep in mind, a machine learning engineer should be comfortable with math and statistics and understand computer languages and their libraries used to create new programs.

If you’re interested in pursuing one of these in-demand roles sooner than later, try advancing your skills through a bootcamp program. In just 24 weeks, you will learn about data analytics and machine learning. The Data Analysis and Visualization Boot Camp at Texas McCombs is a flexible and comprehensive program that will give you the skills to land your first job or enhance your career in the machine learning field.