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What does a freelance machine learning engineer do?

Machine learning engineers also referred to as data scientists,, are responsible for designing and building artificial intelligence-based algorithms whose purpose is to continuously learn. To ensure the algorithms continue to learn, machine learning engineers are tasked with assessing, analyzing, and organizing more data in order to optimize machine learning capability.

Freelance machine learning engineers are called upon by a variety of clients across multiple industries to incorporate machine learning capability into their operations. Often undertaken as part of an organization’s overall artificial intelligence initiative, machine learning projects are often implemented to streamline tasks historically handled by humans. As a result, staff can be deployed to handle more customer-facing, value-added tasks. As more companies implement these types of changes, the demand for machine learning freelancers will continue to grow.

What skills do I need to become a freelance machine learning engineer?

There are a variety of skills machine learning engineers should possess when positioning themselves as freelancers. Clients will ask data scientists to handle a number of tasks during the course of their engagement. To accomplish these tasks successfully, machine learning engineers should leverage their skills to keep clients happy and position themselves to be hired again.

Common skills freelance machine learning engineers should possess include:

• Thorough understanding of the principles of deep learning and machine learning. These skills all work in concert to enable machine learning engineers to leverage all available technology to ensure machine learning achieves its purpose—handling tasks while continuing to learn.
• Software engineering skills. Machine learning engineers should be adept at handling a variety of software engineering responsibilities, including writing algorithms, natural language processing (NLP), an understanding of approximate algorithms—or algorithms that approximate solutions in order to help solve problems, understanding data structures, and knowledge of computer architecture.
• Familiarity with data science. An ML engineer will be dealing with large datasets and needs to know how to process them via Python, Java, and SQL. In addition, machine learning engineers should have knowledge of data modeling, big data, hypothesis testing, and mathematics proficiency.
• Problem-solving skills. Machine learning is no different. When engineers write algorithms designed for automation, challenges and obstacles must be overcome in order to deliver solutions that successfully streamline the intended work. Replicating human logic requires extensive software development and solving problems, even before they occur, is a skill clients look for in machine learning engineers.
• Time management skills. Excellent time management skills allow freelancers to successfully juggle complex, competing priorities and arrive at solutions that meet client objectives.
• Communication skills. Most machine learning projects involve extensive teamwork and collaboration with various stakeholders. Communicating effectively, in writing and verbally, goes a long way in eliminating misunderstanding, providing project clarity, and articulating potential alternatives that may be more suitable in the long run.
• A healthy curiosity, especially regarding technology. Virtually all computer programming and algorithm-based work involves a high degree of curiosity. A healthy curiosity often separates exceptional freelance machine learning engineers from average ones who struggle to find work.

What are the core freelance machine learning job responsibilities

Freelancers in machine learning engineer roles will be asked by clients to handle various duties during the course of an engagement.

Core freelance ML engineer responsibilities include:

• Leveraging machine learning systems and predictive models to create solutions for answering customer questions online and directing those interested in more information to our sales staff
• Collaborating with other data engineers in and outside of the AI department to deliver 360-degree customer-centered solutions
• Build and test ML algorithms designed to design 3D modules for engineering projects
• Conceptualize and recommend machine learning models that deliver automated training to global staff.

Should I get a degree or certification to become a freelance machine learning engineer?

You’ll need knowledge in computer science, data science, or a related field to start getting work with machine learning. That said, it does sometimes help to have a professional degree especially since that’s where many get started digging into machine learning algorithms and machine learning models.

Some examples of popular degrees or certifications to become a freelance machine learning engineer include:

• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, statistics, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, or an equivalent field of study from an accredited college or university
• Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence—offered by MIT
• Machine Learning with Python—offered by IBM through Coursera
• Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences—offered by Columbia University Data Science Institute