What Do Artificial Intelligence Engineers Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for artificial intelligence engineers?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what artificial intelligence engineers do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Artificial Intelligence Engineers Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about artificial intelligence engineers by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Artificial Intelligence Engineers conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Popular Job Titles For Artificial Intelligence Engineers
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Computer Scientists
- Computational Scientists
- Research Computer Scientists
- Scientists
- Principal Scientists
- Cryptologists
- NLP Engineers
- Applied Scientists
- Applications Scientists
- Associate Scientists
- Staff Scientists
- Transformation Analysts
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for artificial intelligence engineers can be found.
Best Industries for Artificial Intelligence Engineers
Artificial Intelligence Engineers Jobs By Industry
- Federal Government, Civilian: 31.5%
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 21.4%
- Scientific Research and Development Services: 15.3%
- Software Publishers: 7.6%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 6.5%
- Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services: 3.1%
- Other: 14.6%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of artificial intelligence engineers can be found working in the Federal Government, Civilian sector. In 2023, about 31.5% of all jobs for artificial intelligence engineers were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Computer Systems Design and Related Services (21.4%), Scientific Research and Development Services (15.3%), Software Publishers (7.6%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (6.5%) and Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (3.1%).
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What Do Artificial Intelligence Engineers Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what artificial intelligence engineers do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work artificial intelligence engineers do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that artificial intelligence engineers tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for artificial intelligence engineers, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Artificial Intelligence Engineers
Based on 6,582 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Artificial Intelligence Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 3,587 | 54% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 2,503 | 38% |
| Machine Learning | 2,415 | 37% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,982 | 30% |
| Statistics | 1,513 | 23% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Artificial Intelligence Engineers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 3,939 | 60% |
| Communication | 2,279 | 35% |
| Mathematics | 1,935 | 29% |
| Management | 1,397 | 21% |
| Writing | 1,380 | 21% |
Based on 6,582 job postings related to artificial intelligence engineers, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 54% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for python (programming language), machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics and algorithms were also highly sought.
As for common skills, research was the most desired skill found in job postings for artificial intelligence engineers, followed by communication, mathematics, management, writing and innovation.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 3,587 | 54% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 2,503 | 38% |
| Machine Learning | 2,415 | 37% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 1,982 | 30% |
| Statistics | 1,513 | 23% |
| Algorithms | 1,441 | 22% |
| Software Engineering | 1,325 | 20% |
| C++ (Programming Language) | 1,231 | 19% |
| Computer Engineering | 1,136 | 17% |
| Data Science | 1,097 | 17% |
| Software Development | 1,054 | 16% |
| R (Programming Language) | 1,026 | 16% |
| Data Analysis | 976 | 15% |
| Natural Language Processing (NLP) | 945 | 14% |
| Java (Programming Language) | 906 | 14% |
| Physics | 878 | 13% |
| Systems Design | 838 | 13% |
| Programming Languages | 825 | 13% |
| Deep Learning | 815 | 12% |
| Project Management | 813 | 12% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Research | 3,939 | 60% |
| Communication | 2,279 | 35% |
| Mathematics | 1,935 | 29% |
| Management | 1,397 | 21% |
| Writing | 1,380 | 21% |
| Innovation | 1,273 | 19% |
| Operations | 1,167 | 18% |
| Problem Solving | 910 | 14% |
| Presentations | 893 | 14% |
| Leadership | 824 | 13% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 697 | 11% |
| Teaching | 677 | 10% |
| Mentorship | 615 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 555 | 8% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 522 | 8% |
| Information Technology | 516 | 8% |
| Planning | 505 | 8% |
| Self-Motivation | 490 | 7% |
| Coordinating | 440 | 7% |
| English Language | 357 | 5% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Artificial Intelligence Engineers
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Scientists | 3,418 | 39.2% |
| Computational Scientists | 1,167 | 13.4% |
| Research Computer Scientists | 990 | 11.4% |
| Scientists | 741 | 8.5% |
| Principal Scientists | 551 | 6.3% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was computer scientists, with 1,480 unique job postings. Computational scientists were second, with 362 postings, followed by research computer scientists, scientists and principal scientists.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to artificial intelligence engineers.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Scientists | 3,418 | 39.2% |
| Computational Scientists | 1,167 | 13.4% |
| Research Computer Scientists | 990 | 11.4% |
| Scientists | 741 | 8.5% |
| Principal Scientists | 551 | 6.3% |
| Cryptologists | 320 | 3.7% |
| NLP Engineers | 215 | 2.5% |
| Applied Scientists | 225 | 2.6% |
| Applications Scientists | 273 | 3.1% |
| Associate Scientists | 131 | 1.5% |
| Staff Scientists | 153 | 1.8% |
| Transformation Analysts | 52 | 0.6% |
| Applied Researchers | 61 | 0.7% |
| Postdoctoral Research Associates | 44 | 0.5% |
| Digital Solutions Directors | 60 | 0.7% |
| Computer Scientists/Software Engineers | 99 | 1.1% |
| Modeling Analysts | 36 | 0.4% |
| Artificial Intelligence Consultants | 63 | 0.7% |
| Artificial Intelligence Engineers | 51 | 0.6% |
| Speech Language Pathologists | 69 | 0.8% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for artificial intelligence engineers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for artificial intelligence engineers.
How much do artificial intelligence engineers make?
Artificial Intelligence Engineers: How do you become one?
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