What machine learning software engineers do

Machine learning software engineers, sometimes called data scientists, use algorithms to analyze large sets of data and recommend actions for businesses or other organizations. They examine the data to spot patterns, and they develop programs to draw conclusions from those patterns. Machine learning software engineers may also be called data scientists, data analysts or quantitative analysts.
Machine learning software engineers:
* Use machine learning software to study patterns in large quantities of data, such as records of customers or website visitors. They may examine information about the time of day when people make purchases, the types of products they buy and their credit history. For example, a machine learning system that analyzes shopping data might recommend stock items to a store if it notices that many customers are buying out-of-stock items after they’ve been waiting on line for several minutes.
* Create systems that spot patterns in information and recommend actions based on those patterns. For example, a machine-learning system for routing airline flights might suggest that planes fly closer to one another to decrease the time it takes to take off.

The skills and experience required to be a machine learning software engineer

Machine learning software engineers usually have at least a bachelor’s degree, and they need specialized training in math, statistics and computer programming. Machine learning software engineers need to be detail-oriented and have experience with data analysis. They also must be able to explain their results to others in a clear, detailed manner.
Background (Optional):
Machine learning is a field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning software engineers develop algorithms that allow computers to make accurate predictions from large amounts of data. They also work on creating new models that improve an organization’s efficiency or its customer service.
Education Requirements:
Most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, such as mathematics or statistics. However, a degree could be substituted for relevant work experience in the software industry.
Skills:
Machine learning software engineers must be able to perform many tasks, such as:

How to become a machine learning software engineer

A number of institutions offer undergraduate degrees in machine learning software engineering. They include the University of Georgia (UGA), the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Utah, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology and Harvard Business School. The degree program at UGA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For more information, visit our Machine Learning Software Engineer Career profile and review courses offered by the University of Georgia.
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Starting salaries for machine learning software engineers vary widely across companies, according to recruiting firm Glassdoor. In November 2016, the average starting salary was $99,869; it was $106,833 in December and $109,795 in January. The median of all salaries was $109,750 and the average was $111,000.
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The benefits of being a machine learning software engineer

Machine learning software engineers who work in research and development departments of corporations make an average of $111,184 per year, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Those in the financial services industry make an average of $116,383 per year. Machine learning software engineers employed by management, scientific and technical consulting firms make an average of $98,973 per year. Those in finance and insurance companies make an average of $103,464 per year. Machine learning software engineers who work for public and private universities usually make $72,841 per year. Machine learning software engineers employed by tech companies earn $109,511 per year.
These data are from the 2015 NACE Career Executive Data Book, which is released in February of each year. The report is the most comprehensive listing of employment and compensation information available for full-time college students and recent graduates. Its annual survey of employers identifies the wages, hours worked, industry, job titles and geographic locations where jobs are located. NACE’s spring 2015 version of the report will be released in March 2016.
A machine learning software engineer is an employee who uses computer software to automatically learn and improve the performance of a system. This includes identifying patterns in data, making predictions and improving accuracy. Machine learning software engineers usually work for technology companies.