AI Engineer (artificial intelligence engineer ) : job description an how to become one
An AI engineer designs, develops, and deploys artificial intelligence systems and machine learning models that power modern digital products. This role focuses on combining computer science, advanced programming, data analysis, and AI frameworks to build intelligent applications such as recommendation engines, natural language processing systems, and autonomous solutions.
Artificial intelligence engineers are responsible for selecting algorithms, building robust data pipelines, training models, and optimizing performance to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. They typically work with technologies such as Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud-based AI platforms, while applying strong problem-solving abilitiesand statistical knowledge.
To succeed in this field, specific qualifications are required, including a solid academic background in computer science or data science, hands-on project experience, and a clear understanding of ethical AI practices. This career roadmap often involves continuous learning, specialization (for example in NLP or computer vision), and progressive responsibility across technical and strategic roles.
AI engineers play a critical role across industries such as healthcare, finance, robotics, and entertainment, enabling organizations to unlock data-driven insights and automate complex tasks at scale.
What Is an Artificial Intelligence Engineer?
Definition of the Profession
An AI engineer is an expert capable of designing and putting into production computer systems based on machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. They are distinguished from a data scientist or machine learning engineer by their ability to integrate existing AI solutions and optimize their performance.
What Does an Artificial Intelligence Engineer Do?
An AI engineer's daily routine is marked by designing sophisticated algorithms, massive data processing, developing predictive models, and rigorous results testing, and their activities include:
- Implementing neural networks and unsupervised learning
- Natural language processing (NLP) for intelligent chatbots
- Developing computer vision systems for image recognition
- Optimizing computing power and cloud infrastructures
- Maintaining and evolving models in production
Concrete example: An AI engineer at Thales develops automatic detection algorithms for surveillance systems, while a specialist at Mistral AI refines language models for generative AI applications.
What Is the Role of an AI Engineer?
An artificial intelligence engineer plays a strategic role in human intelligence augmented by machines. Indeed, they structure system learning, validate their results to ensure ethics and reliability, and also correct possible biases.
Thus, their expertise is a true competitive advantage for organizations and industries seeking to automate their processes and extract decision-making insights from voluminous datasets.
What Are the Missions and Responsibilities of an AI Engineer?
Main Missions
- Research and design: Explore new architectures, test innovative frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Implementation: Code solutions in Python, manage data pipelines
- Testing and validation: Ensure model quality and compliance with standards
- Maintenance: Supervise models in production, optimize their performance
- Innovation: Anticipate technological trends and adapt AI strategies
Roles by Industry Sector
Depending on their industry sector, an AI engineer may see their roles vary. For example, in the transportation sector, they will work more on autonomous vehicles, while in finance, they might design fraud detection models instead. Thus, each field requires specialized expertise, while having a similar base of fundamental abilities.
What tools do AI engineers use?
AI engineers use a variety of tools to design, develop, and deploy intelligent software applications. Key tools include programming languages like Python, R, and Java, which support machine learning and algorithm development. They rely on frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn for building and training models efficiently. Data management tools like SQL, Pandas, and Apache Spark help process and analyze large datasets. For software development and deployment, engineers use version control systems like Git and cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. Additionally, model monitoring and visualization tools such as MLflow, TensorBoard, and Tableau assist in tracking performance and interpreting results. Together, these tools enable AI engineers to create, optimize, and scale machine learning algorithms and AI-powered applications.
What's the Difference Between AI Engineer and Other Data Professions?
An AI engineer is not a data scientist or machine learning engineer. Thus, it's important to understand the difference between these three professions within a team:
- The AI engineer integrates and optimizes complete AI solutions
- The data scientist explores data and models
- The machine learning engineer industrializes and deploys solutions
What skills are needed for AI engineers?
Essential technical abilities for AI engineers
To excel as an AI engineer, mastering a combination of programming, machine learning, and cloud technologies is crucial. Key technical abilities include:
- Programming Proficiency: Strong expertise in Python, along with R, SQL, or Java for AI and data processing tasks.
- Database Management: Handling and analyzing large-scale databases efficiently.
- AI Frameworks: Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, and other deep learning libraries.
- GPU Optimization: Optimizing GPU calculations for high-performance machine learning.
- Cloud Architecture: Knowledge of Azure, AWS, and GCP for deploying AI solutions.
- Advanced AI abilities: Deep understanding of machine learning (ML), deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, LLMs, and MLOps.
Human and behavioral abilities
Top AI engineers combine technical expertise with problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Essential soft skills include:
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to tackle unprecedented challenges with logical rigor.
- Curiosity and Learning: Constantly exploring new AI technologies and methodologies.
- Communication & Teamwork: Clearly explaining AI results and collaborating effectively across teams.
How to identify a top AI engineer
A strong AI engineer demonstrates:
- Open-Source Contributions: Active participation in AI and ML communities.
- Hypothesis Validation: Applying theory to real-world projects and experiments.
- Technological Awareness: Staying up-to-date with cutting-edge AI tools, frameworks, and LLM fine-tuning techniques.
- Clear Reporting: Communicating results and insights effectively to stakeholders.
How to become an AI engineer ?
What Educational Path to Follow?
Generally, training to become an AI engineer begins with a scientific baccalaureate, before going through preparatory class CPGE or PGE and ending with a specialized engineering school or university master's in AI.
Nevertheless, alternative pathways have emerged, particularly through intensive bootcamps after a bachelor's degree in computer science.
What Diplomas and Education Levels Are Required?
To access the artificial intelligence engineer position, a minimum Bac+5 level is required, with an engineering diploma recognized by CTI. It's therefore important to pursue specialized training, a master's degree, or specialized MSc.
What program to Become an AI Engineer?
Several programs and courses are possible to become an AI engineer, including two at emlyon business school, namely the Master in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science or the Master in Management Program.
The Master in Management Program
(PGE)
emlyon business school's Master in Management Program is an internationally recognized flagship management program. Designed for ambitious students, it combines academic excellence, practical learning, and international exposure. The curriculum covers management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, with specialized options according to targeted careers.
The program is distinguished by its "Maker Spirit" approach, promoting innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit from the beginning of training. Students benefit from internships, real projects, and international exchanges at over 140 partner universities.
Ranked among the best business programs in Europe, emlyon's Master in Management Program prepares its graduates to become adaptable leaders capable of managing complex challenges in a globalized world.
To apply, candidates go through entrance exams or lateral admissions, with emphasis on academic excellence, motivation, and leadership.
The Master in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
emlyon business school's Master in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science is a benchmark program for professionals seeking to combine artificial intelligence expertise and data science abilities.
Designed to meet innovative companies' needs, it covers machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, and AI applied to business. Students benefit from a practical, project-oriented approach, with real cases, hackathons, and industrial partnerships.
Accessible to engineering, science, or business graduates, this Master prepares for careers in data engineering, data analysis, AI strategy, and AI product management. Located in Lyon and Paris, the program offers an international network and internship opportunities to boost employability. emlyon is distinguished by its pedagogical innovation and close ties with the professional world.
What Is an AI Engineer's Salary?
What Are the Salaries of AI Engineers?
In France, AI engineer salaries vary significantly depending on experience, role, and industry. Below is an updated overview for 2025, based on current market trends:
- Junior AI Engineer (0–2 years of experience): €45,000 to €55,000 gross per year
- Mid-level / Confirmed AI Engineer (5–10 years): €55,000 to €78,000 gross per year
- Senior AI Engineer (10–15 years): €80,000 to €110,000 gross per year
- Expert or AI Manager (15+ years): €90,000 to €130,000 gross per year
- AI Architect / AI Specialist: up to €120,000 gross per year
It’s important to note that compensation can vary widely depending on the company (startup, scale-up, large enterprise), location, and level of responsibility. Bonuses, stock options, and performance-based incentives are also common especially in startups and high-growth tech companies.
AI engineering remains one of the most lucrative tech careers in France in 2025, particularly for senior profiles and specialized roles such as AI architects.
Factors Influencing Compensation
As with any profession, certain factors influence AI engineer compensation. This is notably the case for their experience, of course, but also the size of the company they work for, its industry sector, or even rare expertise on the engineer's part (computer vision or advanced NLP, for example).
Which Companies Recruit Artificial Intelligence Engineers?
Main Recruiters
More and more companies and groups are seeking to recruit AI engineers. Nevertheless, it's mainly large corporations such as Orange, Google, EDF, and Thales that recruit massively, as well as innovative startups. Additionally, public research centers such as Inria and CNRS also offer many employment opportunities.
Employment by City and Internationally
In France, it's mainly toward Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Montpellier that you should turn, since it's in these major cities that the majority of job offers emerge. Internationally, it's more toward Singapore, Montreal, and Berlin that you should turn, as these cities attract many French talents.
How to Find a Job or Internship?
To find a job or internship offer, we advise you to create a CV with a solid GitHub portfolio to maximize your chances. Additionally, think about conducting daily job offer monitoring to not miss your chance.
Box: Useful sites: Apec, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Pôle Emploi.
What Career Prospects and Advancement Opportunities for an AI Engineer?
What are the professions related to Artificial Intelligence ?
Are you exploring careers in artificial intelligence? Beyond becoming an AI engineer, there are multiple professions in the AI ecosystem. You can pursue roles such as data scientist, machine learning engineer, big data expert, AI product manager, AI consultant, or computer vision engineer, each focusing on specific AI applications like predictive modeling, data analysis, and visual recognition.
What is the AI Career path and possible evolutions ?
Starting as an AI engineer, you can advance your career toward senior positions like AI architect, AI team lead, chief data officer, or R&D specialist in cutting-edge AI research. Building the right skills, gaining hands-on experience, and exploring professional development opportunities are essential steps in your AI career journey.
What Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment?
Contrary to popular belief, AI creates more jobs than it eliminates. Indeed, it transforms professions without truly replacing them, thus generating new functions, such as AI engineer. Thus, it's estimated that more than 20,000 positions will emerge by 2030 in French datacenters.
How to Join a Professional Network of AI Engineers?
If you want to join a professional network of AI engineers, we first advise you to join specialized communities and groups on LinkedIn, and also attend conferences such as NeurIPS or AI Summit Paris. Additionally, we also advise you to contribute to open-source projects and work on regular networking.
AI engineer : Key points to keep in mind
The artificial intelligence engineer embodies a profession of the future, combining advanced programming, expertise in neural networks and machine learning, and ability to develop measurable solutions.
Accessible after specialized Bac+5 training or specific program, this career path offers competitive salaries ranging from €40,000 to €125,000 per year, rapid advancement toward technology management positions, and major societal impacts.
Finally, it's good to know that demand remains massive from large corporations and startups, particularly in Île-de-France, with exceptional prospects for the next 5-10 years.