In a world with around 5000 Language Learning Model (LLM) researchers but approximately 50 million software engineers, supply constraints dictate an impending surge in a new class of professionals—AI Engineers. Their rise is not merely a prediction; it’s an inevitable response to the shifting dynamics of the tech world. The emergence of AI Engineers as the new vanguard in tech space is a compelling evolution that transcends traditional software development practices, marking the onset of a thrilling era in AI application.
The landscape of technology roles is continually evolving, and the AI Engineer role is rapidly gaining traction. Positioned uniquely at the crossroads of research, application, and development, AI Engineers represent a seismic shift in how we approach artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering.
Unlike the traditional roles of Machine Learning (ML) Research Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Software Engineer, AI Engineers integrate an understanding of AI models with robust software engineering principles. The goal? To create scalable, user-friendly AI solutions and services.
Machine Learning Research Scientists primarily pioneer AI’s future by discovering novel algorithms or techniques. Their work, though essential, often finds place in academic journals and might not have immediate practical implications for software products.
On the contrary, Machine Learning Engineers translate these new techniques into viable applications for software products, favoring practical application over theory. Software Engineers, meanwhile, employ a wide range of tools and technologies to construct and maintain software systems. While they do integrate AI or ML components into their work, they don’t necessarily delve deep into these technologies.
This is where the AI Engineer enters the scene, bringing an understanding of AI models akin to Machine Learning Engineers, but with a sharper focus on using pre-trained AI models such as GPT-4 or other Foundation Models. These professionals assess different AI models, leverage tools like LangChain or Pinecone, and translate cutting-edge research into practical AI products. Like Software Engineers, AI Engineers understand and apply principles of robust, scalable, and maintainable system design.
The importance of AI Engineers is magnified by the advent of Foundation Models. While AI Researchers create these models, it’s the AI Engineers who exploit their potential through extensive interaction and find innovative applications in underexplored domains.
The year 2023 is witnessing the increasing relevance of human-written code in harnessing and augmenting the power of LLMs like GPT-4. As human engineers become more proficient in AI, AI is increasingly taking on engineering tasks, blurring the boundaries between them.
With startups securing significant funds to own their hardware, the role of AI Engineers in utilizing models, rather than training them, will grow. The adoption of an ‘agile’ approach to AI, enabling AI Engineers to build and validate AI products rapidly and cost-effectively, is gaining momentum.
A significant transition is the shift of AI tools from Python to JavaScript, which broadens the user base and presents new opportunities. This change could lead to a divergence in the discipline, with AI Engineers developing a new suite of products using a distinct toolkit.
As the supply and demand dynamics in the AI landscape continue to evolve, AI Engineers are increasingly becoming a critical link between AI research and practical application. Their role is a testament to the ongoing AI revolution and the ever-increasing relevance of AI in our daily lives. Their rise underscores a significant shift in the tech industry, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in technology history.
