Occupation intelligence

artificial intelligence engineer

Snapshot

Shape the future with intelligent systems! As an artificial intelligence engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of developing programs that mimic human thought processes and solve complex problems, impacting fields from robotics to computer science.

Summary

Artificial intelligence engineers bridge the gap between theoretical AI concepts and practical applications. Your work involves designing, building, and integrating AI solutions into existing systems. You’ll leverage your expertise in engineering, robotics, and computer science to create programs capable of simulating intelligence, including decision-making and problem-solving. A significant aspect of the role is integrating structured knowledge – like ontologies and knowledge bases – into computer systems to tackle challenges typically requiring expert human knowledge.

Key responsibilities
  • • Design and develop AI models and algorithms for various applications.
  • • Integrate knowledge bases and ontologies into computer systems to enhance problem-solving capabilities.
  • • Develop and implement cognitive and knowledge-based systems.
37%
Resilience Score · 2026 (Higher is better)
Bachelor's or equivalent level 54% AI exposure
Start Career DNA assessment
Labour market

Where this occupation is in demand

Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.

Shortage reportedSurplus reportedBoth reportedReported in another yearNot covered by this source

Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.

Figures cover Information and communications technology professionals — 75 jobs including this one.

10 of 14 in shortage2025All 30 growing3.7Mopenings to 2035

In shortage: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 6 more.

Longest-running shortage: Austria, 3 years.

Select a place on the map to see its figures.

About this source

Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.

Explore More

Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.

Guiding others? See NexPath for schools and practices.
Quick fit check

Could artificial intelligence engineer fit you?

Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.

Progress0/3

Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?

Do you enjoy tasks that require Cooperation?

Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement?

NexFuture™

Future Outlook for artificial intelligence engineer

The outlook for artificial intelligence engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.

How are these scores calculated?

The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.

Play the future

How could artificial intelligence engineer change as AI adoption grows?

Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.

Significant task-level transformation is estimated in 12 years (around 2038) under the selected Expected Pace scenario.
~35%
Resilience
Automation Risk
EXP~60%
Human advantage
MOAT~35%

Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.

2026
2033
2043
AI Adoption Speed:

How AI may change this role

Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.

Human-owned 37% Human-owned
What still depends on people
  • define technical requirements
The Human Edge To stay ahead in this role, focus on business process modelling and data mining. These human-centric skills are the hardest for AI to replicate in the next 20 years.
Assist 29% Assist
Where AI may become a co-pilot
  • analyse big data
  • analyse business requirements
  • creatively use digital technologies
Automate 54% Automate
Tasks most exposed to automation
  • use data processing techniques
  • create data sets
Detailed Analysis

Vital Signs & AI Vectors

AI Exposure Vectors

0-100%
AI / Machine Learning 29%

Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks

Generative AI 5%

Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools

Cognitive Software 4%

Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation

Robotic & Physical Automation 0%

Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement

Technical Details
Methodology: NexFuture v3.0 Sources: O*NET® 30.3, ESCO v1.2.1 Updated: Aug 2026

NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.

Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.

Day in the life

What people in this role usually do

Digital Technology

Day in the life

A typical day as a artificial intelligence engineer

09
09:00 · Morning
analyse big data
Collect and evaluate numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of identifying patterns between the data.
10
10:30 · Mid-morning
analyse business requirements
Study clients' needs and expectations for a product or service in order to identify and resolve inconsistencies and possible disagreements of involved stakeholders.
12
12:00 · Midday
create data sets
Generate a collection of new or existing related data sets that are made up out of separate elements but can be manipulated as one unit.
14
14:00 · Afternoon
creatively use digital technologies
Use digital tools and technologies to create knowledge and to innovate processes and products. Engage individually and collectively in cognitive processing to understand and resolve conceptual problems and problem situations in digital environments.
15
15:30 · Late afternoon
define technical requirements
Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.
17
17:00 · Wrap-up
apply ICT systems theory
Implement principles of ICT systems theory in order to explain and document system characteristics that can be applied universally to other systems

Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.

Software & Technologies & Knowledge areas
Software & Technologies
3D graphics softwareAdaAdvanced numerical softwareAlgorithmic softwareAmazon DynamoDBAmazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2Amazon RedshiftAmazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationAmazon Web Services AWS SageMakerAmazon Web Services AWS softwareAnsible softwareApache AirflowApache CassandraApache FlumeApache HadoopApache HiveApache HTTP ServerApache KafkaApache PigApache Solr
Knowledge areas
  • business process modelling

    The tools, methods and notations such as Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Business Process Execution Language (BPEL), used to describe and analyse the characteristics of a business process and model its further development.

  • data mining

    The methods of artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics and databases used to extract content from a dataset.

  • data models

    The techniques and existing systems used for structuring data elements and showing relationships between them, as well as methods for interpreting the data structures and relationships.

  • information architecture

    The methods through which information is generated, structured, stored, maintained, linked, exchanged and used.

  • information categorisation

    The process of classifying the information into categories and showing relationships between the data for some clearly defined purposes.

  • information extraction

    The techniques and methods used for eliciting and extracting information from unstructured or semi-structured digital documents and sources.

Essential skills
using digital tools for collaboration and productivity
  • creatively use digital technologies

    Use digital tools and technologies to create knowledge and to innovate processes and products. Engage individually and collectively in cognitive processing to understand and resolve conceptual problems and problem situations in digital environments.

managing, gathering and storing digital data
  • use data processing techniques

    Gather, process and analyse relevant data and information, properly store and update data and represent figures and data using charts and statistical diagrams.

designing systems and products
  • design process

    Identify the workflow and resource requirements for a particular process, using a variety of tools such as process simulation software, flowcharting and scale models.

analysing and evaluating information and data
  • analyse big data

    Collect and evaluate numerical data in large quantities, especially for the purpose of identifying patterns between the data.

creating artistic designs or performances
  • develop creative ideas

    Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

managing information
  • create data sets

    Generate a collection of new or existing related data sets that are made up out of separate elements but can be manipulated as one unit.

analysing business operations
  • analyse business requirements

    Study clients' needs and expectations for a product or service in order to identify and resolve inconsistencies and possible disagreements of involved stakeholders.

programming computer systems
  • develop statistical software

    Participate in the various development stages of computer programs for econometric and statistical analysis, such as research, new product development, prototyping, and maintenance.

Skill DNA

Skill DNA

Work personality traits and values that define this role

Key traits you need
Analytical Thinking Cooperation Attention to Detail Independence Achievement/Effort Initiative Innovation Integrity Adaptability/Flexibility Dependability Persistence Stress Tolerance Leadership Concern for Others Social Orientation Self-Control
Key rewards you can expect
AchievementWorking Condit…RecognitionRelationshipsSupportIndependence
Career progression

Growth Pathways & Similar Roles

Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.

Career landscape

Where does artificial intelligence engineer fit?

This role
artificial intelligence engineer This role

Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What kind of problems do artificial intelligence engineers typically solve?
Artificial intelligence engineers work on a wide range of problems, from automating complex decision-making processes in businesses to developing advanced robotics for manufacturing or healthcare. They often tackle challenges that previously required significant human expertise, such as complex data analysis or predictive modeling.
Is a background in robotics essential to become an artificial intelligence engineer?
While a background in robotics can be beneficial, it’s not always essential. A strong foundation in computer science, engineering, and mathematics is crucial. The core skills involve applying AI principles to various domains, and robotics is just one of them.
What work styles and values are important for success in this role?
Success in this role requires a detail-oriented approach (1.C.7.b), a focus on accuracy and precision (1.C.3.a), a willingness to adapt to changing requirements (1.C.5.b), a structured and organized work style (1.C.6), and a proactive approach to problem-solving (1.C.1.a). You'll also thrive on intellectual challenges (1.B.2.a), a desire for precision and accuracy (1.B.2.b), a focus on technical quality (1.B.2.c), and a commitment to creating impactful solutions (1.B.2.f).
Artificial Intelligence Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 10 of the 14 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus and 6 more. Austria has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer — what does it pay in the United States?
$140,910 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $82,590 to $206,220. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.