As artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and applications continue to expand at an unprecedented pace, a wide range of new and revamped roles reflecting the value of AI are emerging; each of these roles is integral to the advancement and ethical application of AI technology.
Across various departments, professionals work diligently to innovate, develop and maintain AI systems, ensuring their effectiveness and alignment with ethical standards. Below, I explore the current spectrum of job profiles, delineating their duties and contributions – as well as the departments they typically align with – across different departments in the AI field. The breadth and scope of these roles speak to the career opportunities that exist and the skills needed to retain or obtain employment in the AI era.
The list below is of course evolving rapidly.
AI researcher/scientist
Within the Core AI Research department, AI researchers and scientists operate at the forefront of innovation, exploring new algorithms and methodologies to push the boundaries of AI’s capabilities. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, they drive experimentation, testing, and documentation of cutting-edge advances in AI.
Machine learning engineer
Operating in the field of AI development, machine learning engineers design and optimize M.L. models. Their expertise covers problem definition, data preprocessing, model selection, training and deployment, thus crucially contributing to the operationalization of AI algorithms.
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Data Scientist
Within the Data Analysis and Insights department, Data Scientists uncover patterns, trends, and insights buried within large data sets. Using statistical techniques and ML, they extract actionable intelligence, enabling informed decision-making in various areas.
AI Ethicist / Ethical AI Researcher
Defending ethical integrity with the use of AI, Ethical AI Researchers typically operate within an AI ethics and compliance department. They examine the biases, fairness, and ethical implications inherent in AI systems, advocating for responsible development and deployment practices.
AI Software Developer
Promoting the development of AI-based applications, AI software developers operate within the AI application development department. They design and integrate AI algorithms seamlessly into software applications, optimizing code for greater efficiency and performance.
AI Systems Architect
In the field of AI infrastructure and architecture, AI systems architects design cohesive frameworks to support AI systems. From infrastructure configuration to model deployment, they orchestrate the essential components of robust AI operations.
AI Product Manager
Guiding the strategic direction of AI-enabled products, AI product managers typically sit within the product management department. They define product strategies, prioritize features, and oversee the development lifecycle, ensuring alignment with market needs and organizational goals.
AI project manager
Driving the execution of AI initiatives, AI project managers are part of the project management function. They orchestrate project plans, allocate resources and monitor progress, ensuring on-time delivery and meeting project objectives.
AI Quality Assurance Engineer
Ensuring the reliability and performance of AI systems, AI QA engineers operate within the QA department. They perform rigorous testing, automate processes, and adhere to quality standards to maintain the integrity of AI software.
AI infrastructure engineer
In the field of AI infrastructure management, AI infrastructure engineers optimize the technology backbone supporting AI operations. From hardware selection to cloud deployment, they strengthen AI infrastructure in terms of scalability, efficiency and resilience.
AI Data Engineer
Leading the development of data pipelines and storage solutions, AI Data Engineers operate within the Data Engineering department. They design robust pipelines, manage data storage and ensure data quality and accessibility of AI applications.
AI System Administrator
Overseeing the operational aspects of AI systems, AI system administrators typically report to the AI System Operations department. They monitor, maintain and troubleshoot AI infrastructure, strengthening security and ensuring seamless functionality.
AI Support Specialist
Providing technical support for AI applications, AI Support Specialists operate within the AI Support Services department. They solve problems, offer advice, and facilitate user adoption, thereby improving user experience and optimizing the use of AI.
AI Application Developer
Creating intuitive and impactful AI applications, AI Application Developers are part of the AI Application Development department. They design, design and deploy applications tailored to various use cases, leveraging AI capabilities to deliver tangible value.
AI end users
Interacting with AI applications to perform tasks and provide feedback, AI end users are organizationally linked to the end user engagement function. Their work fuels iterative improvements, leading to the evolution and refinement of AI solutions.
Final Thoughts
Advances in AI are driven by a mosaic of roles operating within distinct departments, each contributing uniquely to the advancement and ethical management of AI technology. By creating synergy between these areas, organizations can foster innovation, uphold ethical standards, and harness the transformative potential of AI to enrich lives and propel business growth.
As we navigate the complexities of this growing field, collaboration and dedication among professionals across all departments will remain paramount in shaping a future where AI augments human capabilities and promotes societal well-being.
