In the rapidly evolving world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a field of endless possibilities. AI engineers are the creative professionals responsible for designing intelligent systems that have reshaped how we live and work.
They possess numerous skills that they use to solve complex problems every day. But what does a typical day look like for these professionals in the tech industry?
This article offers a glimpse into the daily life of AI engineers, explaining their routines, responsibilities, and more. So, keep reading to learn what it is like to be an AI engineer.
What a typical working day looks like for an AI engineer
Before we dive into the routine of an AI engineer, understand that no two AI engineers have the same routine. A variety of factors, such as project specifics and the industry type, influence each engineer’s daily activities.
The following routine is what a general day might look like for an AI engineer.
Starting the day on the right foot – the morning routine (6 am to 9 am)
They generally start their day with a healthy routine that awakens not only their body but also their cognitive abilities, which will help them handle challenging tasks throughout the day.
They perform activities ranging from meditation to exercise to increase focus and strength. Then, they consume a healthy breakfast to fuel their mind and body.
They may listen to podcasts about the latest AI innovations or read news over their morning coffee to keep their knowledge updated.
Like many other professionals, they may also create a to-do list to complete all important tasks with a clear direction and plan. Once all these tasks are done, they leave for the office.
Starting the work with activities that require deep focus (9 am to 11 am)
They start their workday with checking emails and messages. They respond to all the important calls and emails to ensure they are updated with any developments or changes that may have occurred overnight.
This early communication helps them ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards mutual goals.
Since there are fewer distractions at this time, AI engineers immerse themselves in tasks that require the utmost focus and attention. They create new algorithms to solve complex problems, develop new models, or refine existing ones.
They conduct big data analysis to extract insights that can serve as the foundation for their projects. This involves data collection, refinement, formatting, storage, and critical analysis. For these tasks, they may collaborate with data analysts to get assistance from the data experts.
Team stand-up meetings before lunch (11 am to 12 pm)
This is when AI engineers bring all team members together, physically or virtually, to discuss day’s objectives and challenges.
All team members share the latest updates on the project and challenges if they are facing any. They also outline their plans for the day and support each other to maintain the project’s momentum.
Engineers, developers, and project managers all have open-ended discussions to find solutions to existing problems. They brainstorm ideas to create AI solutions that can transform industries and improve everyday life.
The welcoming environment of these meetings encourages all participants to communicate and share their ideas without hesitation. This not only helps find innovative solutions but also promotes a strong sense of bonding between all.
Boosting energy with lunch breaks (12 pm to 1 pm)
Lunchtime gives professionals an opportunity to have informal chats over meals with like-minded people.
They discuss the latest AI findings and ideas with each other that support their personal growth and professional advancement. These conversations may not be related to the project they are working on but are essential for sparking innovative thinking.
This time allows them to chit-chat with colleagues without the formalities of the workplace dictating the flow of conversation.
Additionally, it lets them disconnect from screens and connect with themselves briefly to recharge their intellectual batteries. These mental breaks help them regain their energy and maintain performance during afternoon tasks.
Afternoon work session (1 pm to 4.30 pm)
After gaining fresh energy post-lunch, AI engineers immerse themselves in the most complicated tasks. These can range from writing complex algorithms to optimising machine learning models.
All these tasks require intense focus so that the engineers can divide technical problems into manageable tasks. AI engineers use a trial-and-error approach to experiment with innovative approaches and find solutions.
During this time, they also collaborate with cross-functional teams. The goal is clear: to ensure that all teams work towards the same goals and that their work is in harmony.
This collaboration allows AI engineers to have discussions with various teams, including the marketing and product development teams. They learn from them about their latest AI-related findings and how they are planning to use them for project development.
Wrapping up the day (4.30 pm to 6 pm)
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, AI engineers start focusing more on documenting and reporting.
They share all their findings with team leaders, managers, stakeholders, and, sometimes, clients in an understandable format. It allows them to inform their seniors about where the project stands, what has been achieved so far, and what still needs to be done.
Additionally, they document all their experiments, codes, results, and findings to create a record of their contributions. They can use this documentation to build new products upon previous work without having to start from scratch each time. The lessons stored in these documents can also benefit their colleagues.
From 5.30 pm to 6 pm, they may set goals for the coming day. They write objectives and prioritise important tasks to create a roadmap for the next day so they can make the most of it.
The evening routine (6 pm to 7.30 pm)
The evening routine of AI engineers helps them unwind, reflect, and show gratitude. Now that screens have gone dark, they take a break from the AI world and focus more on self-care, mental health, and personal growth.
They conduct activities, ranging from a leisure walk to yoga, to relax and reset their mind and body.
Factors that shape the working day of an AI engineer
The following factors influence the routine of an AI engineer.
Industry type
Many industries, including health, finance, and education, have incorporated AI into their systems to achieve better results. This has created more work opportunities for AI engineers and allowed them to choose a niche they are passionate about.
Although the core activities of AI engineers working across different industries are the same, each field has its own needs, demands, and expectations.
For instance, AI engineers in healthcare handle patient data to create AI solutions that can revolutionise different aspects of the sector. In contrast, those in manufacturing focus on developing systems that optimise production, aiming to generate more products using fewer resources and less time.
Project phase and goals
The project phase and related goals significantly influence the routines of AI engineers. At the beginning of a project, they spend most of their time reading literature, brainstorming ideas, and conducting meetings.
Once the details are finalised, their focus shifts to more complicated activities such as writing algorithms, coding, and testing. Finally, in the deployment phase, they work on optimising and maintaining the AI program.
The collaborative nature of the project
Some projects require extensive collaboration, while others do not. AI engineers have to spend lots of time on meetings with clients, stakeholders, and other team members.
These meetings are crucial as they help them set clear goals, brainstorm ideas, and find innovative solutions. The nature, frequency, and duration of these meetings vary depending on their purposes. Hence, they influence the work routine of engineers.
Work environment and company culture
AI engineers can also work remotely. So, the routine of an AI engineer who works from home will certainly be very different from that of an engineer who goes to the office. Remote workers will have more flexibility, but they will also require more self-discipline.
Similarly, the company’s culture also shapes their work routine. Work hours and opportunities to maintain work-life balance are not the same everywhere.
AI engineer’s responsibilities
Machine learning (ML) or AI engineers play diverse roles in organisations, including:
- Understanding the problems of the client and creating objectives accordingly
- Dividing a problem into manageable and achievable tasks
- Brainstorming innovative AI solutions
- Writing complex algorithms for each problem
- Building AI models from scratch
- Optimising and maintaining AI programs
- Analysing big data to extract valuable information from it
- Conducting AI experiments and tests
- Training AI models until they get the desired results
- Coordinating with other team members to work towards mutual goals
- Collaborating with other departments to ensure everyone is on the same page
- Presenting their findings to clients and stakeholders in a comprehensible way
AI engineer skills
AI engineers need a blend of technical and non-technical business skills to perform their duties efficiently. Some of the most in-demand AI engineering skills are:
Technical skills
- Programming
- Machine learning
- Data analysis
- Data handling
- Statistics and probability
- Natural language processing (NLP)
- Ethical AI
Non-technical skills
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Communication skills
AI engineer work hours
Like other professionals, AI or ML engineers work 7 to 9 hours daily. The number of hours they work is governed by their project’s demands and the company’s needs.
If you plan to join this field, expect to work around 40 hours per week.
The average salary of an AI engineer
Many factors, including work experience, location, and company type, influence the salary of AI engineers. However, according to Glassdoor data, the average salary of an AI engineer in the US is around $127,962 per year.
The future of work for AI engineers
The increasing integration of AI across various industries and the rapid advancement of technologies have significantly increased the demand for AI engineers.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the global AI market is expected to reach $267 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.2% from 2020 to 2027. This promising figure indicates that the future outlook for AI engineers is undoubtedly bright.
How to become an AI engineer?
Becoming an AI engineer involves a structured approach to acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. Here is a brief step-by-step guide:
- Start by getting a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Learn some technical and non-technical skills via online and offline courses.
- Work on real-world projects to gain practical experience.
- Create a professional portfolio to showcase your talents, skills, and expertise.
- Build a network by attending conferences and workshops.
- Create a captivating CV and apply for your dream job.
- Prepare for the interview and impress your potential employer with your skills and knowledge.
Tips for landing a job in AI
Follow these expert advices to get your dream job:
- You should have a strong command over programming languages (Python, R, and Java), machine learning algorithms, and AI frameworks.
- Focus on a specific area within AI that is of interest to you so you can specialise and become suitable for jobs demanding expertise in a particular domain.
- Tailor your CV to the job description you are applying for. Your background, skills, and accomplishments should match the company’s objectives and needs.
- Never stop learning, no matter how knowledgeable or skilled you become. AI industry trends evolve with time, so staying updated is essential for remaining competitive.
- Stay proactive in your job search by regularly checking AI job listings on recruitment websites, which are updated daily. These platforms can connect you with opportunities that align with your career goals and skill set.
- Monitor job announcements on the social media profiles and official websites of companies you are interested in working for. Many companies now prefer to advertise job openings on social media first.
- Landing an AI job can take time. So, be patient and work on yourself while you pursue your dream.
Summing it up
AI engineers have a tough yet rewarding routine that helps them work smartly while finding innovative AI solutions.
They work long hours writing complex algorithms and designing AI systems to develop machine learning programs. Their work requires attention to detail, creativity, and focus.
AI engineers keep themselves updated about the latest research and advancements in the field to adapt to the changing industry demands.
Join this field if you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and solving complex problems with AI!