Career

How To Become A Machine Learning Engineer In Illinois 2024

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a Machine Learning Engineer, including salary, schools, and programs.

Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois Career Overview

As a Machine Learning Engineer, you occupy a vital role in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and data science. Your primary focus is on creating algorithms and predictive models that enable machines to learn from and make decisions based on data. This work not only fosters innovation but also drives efficiency across various industries.

Key aspects of the Machine Learning Engineer role include:

  • Model Development: You design and implement machine learning models that analyze complex data sets. These models help businesses make data-driven decisions, enhance their operational processes, and improve customer experiences.

  • Data Preprocessing: Your responsibilities involve cleaning and transforming raw data into a usable format. This step is critical, as the quality of the data directly impacts the performance of the models you develop.

  • Collaboration: You often work closely with data scientists, software engineers, and domain experts. This collaboration ensures that the machine learning systems are not only technically sound but also aligned with business objectives and user needs.

  • Performance Evaluation: You assess and refine the models you develop, using various metrics to ensure they meet performance standards. This continuous evaluation is essential for maintaining accuracy and relevance in a dynamic environment.

  • Deployment and Maintenance: After developing a model, you deploy it into production environments and monitor its performance over time. Regular maintenance is necessary to adapt to new data and changing business requirements.

  • Industry Impact: Your contributions have far-reaching implications across sectors like healthcare, finance, retail, and technology. Machine learning applications include fraud detection, predictive analytics, automated customer support, and personalized marketing strategies.

In summary, as a Machine Learning Engineer, you play an essential role in transforming data into actionable insights, thereby significantly contributing to the innovation and efficiency of organizations. Your expertise helps drive advancements that affect everyday life and reshape industries for the future.

Best Schools to become a Machine Learning Engineer near Illinois 2024

#8Tompkins County

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

In-State Tuition:$62,456
Out-of-State Tuition:$62,456
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:95%
Total Enrollment:25,898
#9Mecklenburg County

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

In-State Tuition:$3,812
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,936
Admission Rate:80%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:29,551
#1Prince George's County

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Illinois

Annual Median: $108,580
Hourly Median: $52.2

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois

To become a Machine Learning Engineer, specific educational qualifications and training are essential. Consider the following degree programs that provide a strong foundation in the field:

  • Bachelor's Degree:

    • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science is one of the most common paths. This program typically includes coursework in programming, algorithms, and systems design.
    • A degree in Artificial Intelligence focuses specifically on the theories and applications of AI technologies, which is increasingly relevant for machine learning.
    • Data Science is another applicable program, emphasizing statistical analysis and data manipulation, both vital in machine learning projects.

  • Master's Degree:

    • A Master's degree in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or Data Science can enhance your knowledge and research skills. These programs often include advanced coursework in algorithm design, predictive modeling, and data mining techniques.
    • A Master's in Computational and Applied Mathematics also prepares you for the complexities of machine learning through the lens of mathematical theories and practical applications, enabling you to develop efficient algorithms.

  • Ph.D.:

    • Pursuing a Ph.D. in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or Computational and Applied Mathematics can provide you with in-depth research experience and expertise in specific areas of machine learning, making you highly competitive in advanced research and specialized roles.

  • Certificates and Bootcamps:

    • In addition to formal degrees, consider professional certificates or intensive bootcamps in Machine Learning or related disciplines. Such programs can offer practical, hands-on experience and may complement your academic background.

When selecting your educational path, focus on programs that provide a strong theoretical foundation as well as practical experience through projects, internships, or research opportunities.

Best Schools to become a Machine Learning Engineer near Illinois 2024

#8Tompkins County

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

In-State Tuition:$62,456
Out-of-State Tuition:$62,456
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:95%
Total Enrollment:25,898
#9Mecklenburg County

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

In-State Tuition:$3,812
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,936
Admission Rate:80%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:29,551
#1Prince George's County

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792
Machine Learning Engineer Job Description:
  • Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software.
  • Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets.
  • Visualize, interpret, and report data findings.
  • May create dynamic data reports.

Machine Learning Engineer Required Skills and Competencies in Illinois

  • Programming Proficiency: Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++ is essential for developing machine learning models and algorithms.

  • Machine Learning Algorithms: Understanding and application of various machine learning techniques, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, as well as familiarity with common algorithms such as decision trees, neural networks, and support vector machines.

  • Data Manipulation and Analysis: Strong skills in data preprocessing and manipulation using libraries like Pandas and NumPy. Ability to analyze and interpret complex datasets to extract meaningful insights.

  • Statistical Knowledge: Proficiency in statistics and probability is vital for validating models and understanding data distributions, correlations, and other descriptive statistics.

  • Model Evaluation and Optimization: Competence in techniques for evaluating model performance, including cross-validation, precision, recall, F1 scores, and ROC curves. Ability to optimize models through hyperparameter tuning.

  • Software Development Practices: Familiarity with software development methodologies, version control systems (e.g., Git), and collaborative tools to work efficiently within a team environment.

  • Cloud Computing Services: Understanding cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure for deploying machine learning models and leveraging cloud-based resources for large-scale data processing.

  • Data Visualization: Capability to create visual representations of data and model outputs using tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, or Tableau, facilitating clearer communication of results and insights.

  • Big Data Technologies: Knowledge of big data frameworks such as Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, or similar for handling and processing large datasets effectively.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to convey complex technical concepts to stakeholders who may not have a technical background.

  • Problem-Solving: Analytic and critical thinking skills to address and solve real-world problems through machine learning solutions.

  • Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying updated with the latest developments in machine learning, including new algorithms, technologies, and ethical considerations related to AI.

Job Duties for Machine Learning Engineers

  • Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.

  • Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.

  • Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.

Technologies Used by Machine Learning Engineers

Data base user interface and query software

  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2
  • Amazon Redshift

Object or component oriented development software

  • C#
  • Scala

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Job Market and Opportunities for Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois

The job market for Machine Learning Engineers in Illinois is robust, with a strong demand driven by various sectors that are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance their operations.

  • Demand

    • Industries such as healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and technology are actively seeking skilled Machine Learning Engineers. These sectors require expertise in data analysis, predictive modeling, and algorithm development to stay competitive.
    • Companies across Illinois are investing in machine learning capabilities to optimize processes, personalize customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions.

  • Growth Potential

    • The field of machine learning is rapidly evolving, and as technology advances, the need for skilled engineers will continue to grow. This trend is reflected in the expanding job postings and initiatives aimed at fostering talent in the field.
    • Emerging technologies, including natural language processing and computer vision, further amplify the demand for specialized talent, providing a wide range of opportunities for career advancement.

  • Geographical Hotspots

    • Chicago stands out as a significant hub for technology and innovation, hosting a variety of tech companies, startups, and research institutions that focus on machine learning applications.
    • Other cities such as Champaign-Urbana are also becoming emerging tech centers due to the influence of local universities and research facilities that contribute to innovation and workforce development in machine learning.
    • Areas with established tech corridors, including Oak Brook and Schaumburg, are witnessing an influx of organizations looking to integrate machine learning into their operations, creating more job opportunities in those regions.

As the job market continues to evolve, adapting to technological advancements and the needs of various industries will position you as a valuable asset in the field of machine learning engineering.

Top Related Careers to Machine Learning Engineer 2024

Data Visualization Specialist
Quantitative Analyst
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Developer

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois

  • Coursera
    Explore online courses in machine learning and artificial intelligence from top universities. Courses are designed to enhance your practical skills.
    Coursera Machine Learning Courses

  • edX
    Access a variety of machine learning and data science programs, including professional certificates and MicroMasters programs from renowned institutions.
    edX Machine Learning Programs

  • Kaggle
    Participate in competitions, explore datasets, and follow kernels (notebooks) from successful data scientists and machine learning practitioners to enhance your knowledge and practical experience.
    Kaggle

  • Towards Data Science
    A Medium publication that offers articles and tutorials on machine learning concepts, algorithms, and best practices written by industry professionals.
    Towards Data Science

  • Google AI Blog
    Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning from Google’s AI team.
    Google AI Blog

  • IEEE Xplore
    Access a vast collection of IEEE journals and papers on machine learning and computing, suitable for research and staying informed on the latest advancements.
    IEEE Xplore

  • Fast.ai
    Offers free courses aimed at teaching practical machine learning and deep learning techniques, particularly focusing on making AI more accessible.
    Fast.ai

  • Machine Learning Mastery
    A resource of tutorials, eBooks, and practical guides to help you understand machine learning algorithms and techniques, especially for beginners.
    Machine Learning Mastery

  • Data Science Journal
    Explore articles focusing on the intersection of data science and machine learning, including case studies, best practices, and emerging technologies.
    Data Science Journal

  • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
    Look for resources, conferences, and publications dedicated to computing and machine learning research and education.
    ACM Machine Learning Resources

  • AI and ML Conferences
    Attend relevant conferences like NeurIPS, ICML, or CVPR to gain insights, present your work, and network with professionals in the field.

Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance your knowledge, skills, and professional connections in the field of machine learning engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois

  • What education is required to become a Machine Learning Engineer? A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field is typically required. Many positions also prefer candidates with a master's degree or Ph.D. that focuses on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science.

  • What programming languages should I know? Proficiency in languages such as Python, R, and Java is essential. Familiarity with C++, Scala, and SQL is also beneficial, as these languages are often used in various machine learning frameworks and tools.

  • What tools and frameworks are commonly used in machine learning? Popular tools and frameworks include TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Scikit-learn, and Apache Spark. Knowledge of these platforms will give you a strong advantage in the job market.

  • What skills are important for a Machine Learning Engineer? Key skills include statistical analysis, data visualization, programming, and understanding algorithms and data structures. Additionally, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders are important.

  • What is the typical salary range for a Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois? Salaries can vary widely based on experience and location, but as of October 2023, the average salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in Illinois ranges from $100,000 to $150,000, with senior positions earning more.

  • What types of employers hire Machine Learning Engineers? Employers span a range of industries including technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and research firms. Startups and large corporations alike seek professionals with expertise in machine learning.

  • What are some career advancement opportunities for Machine Learning Engineers? You can advance to roles such as Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Machine Learning Architect, or Data Scientist. Transitioning to managerial positions, like Machine Learning Manager or Director of Data Science, is also possible.

  • Are there certifications that can enhance my qualifications? Yes, certifications such as the Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate, and AWS Certified Machine Learning can help validate your skills and make you more competitive in the job market.

  • What are the biggest challenges faced by Machine Learning Engineers? Common challenges include dealing with unstructured data, model overfitting, ensuring data privacy, and keeping up with rapid advancements in technology and methodologies in the field of machine learning.

  • What is the job outlook for Machine Learning Engineers? The job outlook is very positive, with a growing demand across industries for skilled professionals. Many organizations are investing in machine learning to enhance their products and services, driving the need for qualified engineers.