OVERVIEW
What is an Algorithm Engineer?
An algorithm engineer is responsible for improving AI applications, to help clients or employers identify patterns or problems in data sets. One of several high-profile artificial intelligence jobs, the role of an algorithm engineer commonly includes the creation, installation, and analysis of algorithms for evaluation purposes.
Algorithm engineers do more than write new algorithms when required. They are also responsible for testing their algorithms against expectations, gauging technology and data efficiency to inform a company’s results. Ultimately, algorithm engineers work to improve the efficiency of artificial intelligence systems as well as the application of AI known as machine learning.
As a highly specialized position within the information technology field, algorithm engineer careers at least a bachelor’s degree and experience in a relevant field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Algorithm Engineer Do?
An algorithm engineer will fulfill several job duties, mostly tied to the creation of algorithms for deployment across AI systems. The exact job responsibilities of an algorithm engineer may include:
- Algorithm creation for AI applications that recognize patterns in data and draw conclusions from them.
- Algorithm testing for use in AI technology, various software programs, and machine-learning applications.
- Testing algorithm results to determine the degree of success an algorithm might have in crawling data sets, solving problems, and deciphering information.
- Algorithm reporting to identify and present findings in user-friendly report formats.
- Research into potential algorithm improvements to further enhance algorithm efficiency.
- Communication with team members, fellow algorithm engineers, and clients.
These main responsibilities define much of the day-to-day activity of an algorithm engineer, a career that requires both regular troubleshooting and regular communication.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does an Algorithm Engineer Need?
Students pursuing a career as an algorithm engineer should first earn a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related degree. Any student looking to further increase their employment aptitude can pursue a master’s degree in similar fields.
Our undergraduate and master’s courses contribute directly to your career as an algorithm engineer. You will immediately benefit from our instructors’ dedication to teaching the fundamentals, including Java and C++ application development, web programming, data structures, computer theory, artificial intelligence, and system architecture.
Each of the skills you’ll acquire through your courses is immediately applicable on day one of your career as an algorithm engineer. After completing an applicable IT degree, you’ll have all of the industry understanding you’ll need to fill the shoes of an algorithm engineer, from algorithm development to data-based research.
What Certifications Does an Algorithm Engineer Need?
Algorithm engineers often must complete technology-specific certifications before they are considered for employment. Algorithm engineers often pursue the following certifications:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CIW User Interface Designer
- ITIL®1 Foundation
These certifications help inform a student’s understanding of necessary programming languages.
Best Degrees for an Algorithm Engineer
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate – School of Technology
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of the Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate from the School of Technology.
- Time: 5 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This certificate also offers two industry certifications, Linux Essentials and AWS Cloud, which will add extra power to your portfolio of experience. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This program is ideal for individuals who have 3-5 years of IT experience and a basic understanding of scripting languages and SQL. Prerequisites include: Experience with either Python or Java or another high-order OO (object-oriented) programming language along with Git, experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with a major DBMS (database management system) - MySQL (preferred), SQL Server, Oracle, MariaDB, etc.
How Much Does an Algorithm Engineer Make?
$121,500
The exact income for an algorithm engineer will vary based on employer, employer location, years of experience, algorithm proficiency, and other factors. The salary of an algorithm engineer averages $121,500; the lowest earners on the pay scale make about $103,000, while the highest make $142,000.
The high average income range for algorithm engineers—together with other rewarding aspects of the job—makes a student’s initial investment in a computer science degree well worth the effort.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
22%
Bolstered by our society’s increasing dependency on technology, the career outlook for an algorithm engineer is a bright one. Computer and information research science careers are expected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average expansion rate for all jobs.
The demand for adept algorithm engineers is expected to grow in parallel with the demand for data collection, and improved technology interpretation in general. As artificial intelligence begins to better inform a company’s understanding of customer activity, the need for algorithm engineers will only grow.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Algorithm Engineer Need?
Algorithm engineers regularly use their highly developed skills to help clients improve processes and find solutions in data sets. These specific skills include:
- Algorithm development and deployment skills. The ability to create and implement algorithms to solve client problems and contribute to AI functionality.
- Advanced coding skills. The ability to code algorithms to assess data sets, through the use of appropriate programming languages like Python and C++.
- Analytical thinking. The ability to critically assess a project and develop an algorithm that combs data sets to arrive at specific conclusions.
- Signal processing skills. The ability to analyze and synthesize signals to improve the efficiency of transmissions, storage, and data quality.
- Results reporting skills. The ability to provide real-time algorithm results to company executives.
- Machine learning aptitude. The ability to integrate algorithms and statistical models with computer systems, which identify data patterns.
- Team coordination. The ability to assist other algorithm engineers and team members in fulfilling project schedules.
These and other skills help algorithm engineers thrive in a technological environment.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming an Algorithm Engineer?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
