Engineers specialising in machine learning deal with algorithms, data, and AI. Find out how to become a machine learning engineer and about employment outlook, compensation possibilities, and entry requirements. 

Are you considering a machine learning engineer career but need help figuring out where to start? The road to becoming a machine learning engineer can be exciting and gratifying, even though this tech career isn't entry-level. 

A fascinating area of artificial intelligence called machine learning includes anticipating and changing results as new data is gathered. 

Named the #1 job in 2019, machine learning engineers experienced a 344 per cent spike in job posts between 2015 and 2018. It has gradually risen since 2018 as machine learning has continued to be adopted in all sectors.

Machine Learning: Definition

Machine learning is artificial intelligence that allows computer systems to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. 

It involves using algorithms and statistical models to analyse and understand data and make predictions or decisions without human intervention. 

Machine learning is used in many applications, including image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.

Machine learning encompasses everything from smartphone facial recognition to video surveillance. 

However, companies that deal with customers also use it to comprehend consumer trends and preferences and create direct marketing or advertising campaigns.

Social networking sites like Facebook use machine learning to target adverts at users based on their interests, likes, and website postings. 

Similarly, online stores like Amazon use algorithms to propose products to customers based on their past purchases and viewing habits.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers design, build, and deploy machine learning models and systems. They typically work with data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers to develop and implement machine learning solutions. Some specific tasks and responsibilities of a machine learning engineer may include:

• Collecting, cleaning, and preprocessing large sets of data.
• Developing and implementing machine learning algorithms and models.
• Training and fine-tuning models using various techniques, such as supervised and unsupervised learning.
• Evaluating the performance of models and making improvements as necessary.
• Deploying models to production and monitoring their performance in real-world settings.
• Collaborating with other teams to integrate machine learning models into other systems or products.
• Machine learning engineers should have strong programming skills and experience with machine learning libraries and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and sci-kit-learn. They should also have a good understanding of statistical modelling and data analysis techniques and experience with cloud-based machine learning platforms such as AWS, GCP, and Azure.

How to become a machine learning engineer

Becoming a machine learning engineer typically requires a combination of education and experience in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Here are some steps that can help you on your path to becoming a machine learning engineer:

• Get a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics: A strong background in computer science and mathematics is essential for understanding the underlying concepts and algorithms used in machine learning. You should be comfortable with programming languages such as Python and C++ and familiar with data structures, algorithms, and linear algebra.
• Learn about machine learning: Start by learning about the basics of machine learning, such as supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and deep learning. You can take online courses, read books, or participate in a Bootcamp to better understand the field.
• Practice: Start by building simple machine learning models using libraries such as sci-kit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch. Participate in Kaggle competitions and hackathons and try to implement the models you have learned.
• Get a specialised degree or take more advanced coursework: A master's degree in a related field, such as computer science, statistics, or electrical engineering, can be helpful.
• Gain industry experience: Look for internships, apprenticeships or entry-level positions in companies working on machine learning projects. This will allow you to work on real-world problems and gain hands-on experience.
• Stay current: Machine learning is a rapidly evolving field, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and techniques. Read research papers, attend conferences, and participate in online communities to continue to learn and grow as a machine learning engineer.

It's important to note that becoming a machine learning engineer is not an overnight process; it requires a combination of hard work, dedication and patience. 

You can become a machine learning engineer with a solid foundation in computer science, mathematics and statistics, practice and hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn and adapt continuously.

Job opportunities for machine learning engineers

There is a high demand for machine learning engineers in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, transportation, and retail. Some of the specific job opportunities for machine learning engineers include:

• Software companies: Many technology companies, such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, focus intensely on machine learning and employ machine learning engineers to work on various projects and products.
• Startups: Many startups are working on innovative machine learning-based products and services and often hire machine learning engineers to help build and deploy their models.
• Research: Machine learning engineers can also work in research institutions, such as universities and government labs, where they can help advance the field of machine learning and develop new techniques and algorithms.
• Automotive: Autonomous driving technology is one of the most promising machine learning applications, and many companies are working on it.
• Healthcare: Machine learning is used to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs in various ways, such as developing new drugs, analysing medical images, and identifying at-risk patients.
• Finance: Machine learning is increasingly used for fraud detection, risk management, and algorithmic trading tasks.

It is important to note that machine learning is constantly evolving, and new job opportunities are continually emerging. 

As machine learning technology becomes more widely adopted, the demand for machine learning engineers will likely continue to grow.

Salary Outlook

The salary for a machine learning engineer can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific industry. 

However, machine learning engineers are generally among the highest-paid computer science and technology professionals.

The average annual salary for a machine learning engineer in the United States is around $120,000 to $150,000. 

However, in some significant tech hubs such as San Francisco, Seattle, and New York, the average salary can be significantly higher, often reaching $200,000 or more.

In other countries, the salary for machine learning engineers can be different; for example, in India, the average salary is around 9-12 LPA for entry-level and up to 20-25 LPA for the professional level.

It is important to note that salary is not the only factor to consider when evaluating a job opportunity. 

Other factors such as the company culture, the specific projects and technologies you will be working on, and the long-term career prospects can also be essential considerations.