How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer job is a relatively new profession that is based on computer science and involves creating programmes that allow machines to take actions without being directed. If you have a passion for computer science and maths, embarking on a machine learning career could land you in your dream role! This article will provide you with an informative guide on everything that you need to know about how to become a machine learning engineer.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Machine Learning Engineer?
Given that the role of a machine learning engineer is highly specialised, most employers will require you to have at least a master’s degree or a PhD in a relevant discipline such as computer science, data science, software engineering, mathematics or data engineering.
The site Udacity offer nanodegrees and other learning resources to allow aspiring machine learning engineers the opportunity to contribute to some of the most exciting, innovative fields in the world, such as machine learning engineering.
It is, however, possible to enter into a machine learning job without a degree provided that you have enrolled in a machine learning course with Udacity and have acquired a good body of work experience in the industry.
As a Beginner, Where Should I Start in Machine Learning
Employers will look for you to have extensive practical experience in computer programming, specifically in using Java, Python and C++. It is essential to pursue an internship or work placement while studying for your degree as it provides reinforcement learning and shows employers that you have on-the-job experience.
Creating a Linkedin account is an excellent way to network and build up a body of contacts and organisations to help you secure employment. Seeking advice from a careers service or employer in the field can be advantageous to discover what makes a machine learning application stand out and to gain insight on potential interview questions.
It is advisable to join Kaggle, which is a community of data scientists and machine engineers as this will allow you to read published papers on machine learning engineering and interact with professionals in the industry.
Skill Set Required for a Machine Learning Engineer
You will need to be able to demonstrate the following skill set to be successful in a machine learning engineering position:
Strong analytical skills
Exceptional mathematical abilities
Good communication skills
The ability to work unsupervised
Good engineering skills
The ability to use programming languages
Experience of typed languages such as Java and C++
Proficiency in using search engines such as Google productively
What Does a Machine Learning Engineer Do?
A machine learning engineer is responsible for working with complex systems and working at a computer for long periods. You will be expected to provide computers with the ability to learn automatically and improve from experience without being programmed.
Typical Duties for a Machine Learning Engineer
The primary responsibilities of the role involve:
Popular Career Pathways for Machine Learning Engineers
There is a significant demand for machine learning jobs in a range of sectors from the medical profession to engineering to IT. Continually updating your skills and knowledge through in-house training courses can help to act as a springboard to help you progress to senior level roles in the field involving managing a team.
