What you need to know about becoming a machine learning engineer
| 6 Min Read
Machine learning engineers combine software engineering with machine learning to create systems that can analyse data to predict outcomes. These systems can then refine their predictions as new data becomes available.
Learn what machine learning engineers do and how postgraduate study can help prepare graduates for this career in this article.
What does a machine learning engineer do?
Machine learning engineers develop AI systems that help solve real-world problems. They work with large datasets, create machine learning models, and integrate them into software applications that people and businesses use every day.
Core responsibilities of a machine learning engineer
A machine learning engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle of a machine learning model, and some of these responsibilities include:
- Preparing and processing data for training
- Building and training machine learning models
- Testing and improving model performance
- Deploying models into production environments
- Monitoring models and updating them as new data becomes available
- Working with software engineers, data scientists, and product teams
In practice, the role sits between model development and software engineering, with responsibility continuing after a model is deployed.
Machine learning engineer vs software engineer vs data scientist: What’s the difference?
The following three roles can involve similar technical skills, but they focus on different aspects of software development.
- A data scientist: Analyses data to uncover trends and build predictive models that help businesses make decisions.
- A machine learning engineer: Takes the predictive models further by building production-ready systems that can be deployed and maintained.
- A software engineer: Builds and maintains all kinds of software systems, not just machine learning-specific software.
If you’re someone who enjoys building applications and writing production-ready code, you can explore machine learning.
How to become a machine learning engineer
There’s no fixed path into machine learning. Some machine learning engineers begin with a degree in computer science or engineering, while others transition from software development or related technical fields.
If you’re a career changer coming from outside tech, you might need postgraduate study to build the AI and machine learning knowledge employers expect.
The must-have technical foundations for a machine learning engineer
Most employers expect machine learning engineers to have a strong foundation in several technical areas, including:
- Python programming
- Statistics and probability
- Linear algebra and calculus
- Machine learning algorithms
- Deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
- SQL and data processing
- Cloud platforms and Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) tools for deploying and monitoring machine learning systems
Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are also valuable, as machine learning engineers often work across multidisciplinary teams on a regular basis.
Routes to a machine learning career
An undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or mathematics provides a strong technical foundation for those starting their careers, and is equally suitable for career changers looking to build that same foundation in a new field.
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, bootcamps can also help learners gain practical coding and machine learning skills over a shorter period, although they may not provide the same depth of theoretical knowledge. If you already have a solid foundation of machine learning theory and just need to polish your practical skills, this can be a good option.
For graduates or experienced engineers who are looking to specialise or if you’re changing careers, a postgraduate degree like an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning MSc (Online) offers a more comprehensive route. Here, you will find opportunities to combine advanced technical knowledge with practical projects that reflect industry needs and develop your skills and expertise in machine learning.
Salary of a machine learning engineer in the UK
Machine learning engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in the UK, with earnings that reflect both the technical demands of the role and the value organisations place on AI expertise.
Salaries can also vary by sector and specialisation, with expertise in areas such as cloud computing or MLOps influencing earning potential.
Typical salary ranges across career stages include1:
| Career stage | Salary per year |
|---|---|
| Junior Machine Learning Engineer | £53,100 |
| Mid-Level Machine Learning Engineer | £74,801 |
| Senior Machine Learning Engineer | £86,000 |
As organisations continue investing in AI-powered products and services, the demand for machine learning engineers is expected to grow, along with the need for candidates with the right skills and qualifications.
How an MSc in AI and machine learning supports this career path
A career in machine learning requires technical grounding along with evidence of applying that knowledge. This is where postgraduate study can help you by supporting the development of both aspects.
Studying at Goldsmiths
The online MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Goldsmiths is designed to prepare students for careers in AI, including machine learning engineering.
The programme develops practical skills in machine learning, deep learning, data science, and AI while strengthening the mathematical and programming foundations needed for advanced technical roles. Students also gain experience applying these skills to real-world projects, helping them build the confidence employers value.
For graduates entering the field or professionals looking to move into AI, the programme provides a structured pathway to develop industry-relevant knowledge and support progression into machine learning engineer roles.
Start your machine learning career
Machine learning engineering offers a career where you combine AI with software development, with opportunities to build systems that turn machine learning models into practical applications. Developing the technical depth and practical experience required for the role is an important step towards entering the field.
Goldsmiths’ online MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning offers an industry-focused route for professionals looking to pursue a career in AI and machine learning.
Frequently asked questions
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence is the field of computer science focused on building intelligent systems capable of analysing data, recognising patterns, and solving complex real-world problems, for example, natural language processing to computer vision. At Goldsmiths, AI is explored across two MSc pathways: one focused on building and deploying machine learning solutions, and another on applying AI as a creative medium in film, music, and design.
Is machine learning artificial intelligence?
Machine learning is a core branch of AI and is the method by which intelligent systems learn from data to make predictions and decisions without being explicitly programmed for each task. Goldsmiths’ AI and Machine Learning MSc covers this in depth, spanning machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
What are the types of artificial intelligence?
There are three main types of AI:
- Rule-based systems that follow fixed logic written by programmers
- Machine learning that learns patterns from data instead of following pre-set rules
- Deep learning that uses layered neural networks to handle complex patterns
At Goldsmiths, you’ll engage with these types of AI across modules in applied machine learning, MLOps, and computer vision, while the Creative Practice MSc adds generative AI systems and creative coding as distinct areas of study.
Is there a demand for these skills?
Graduates of Goldsmiths’ AI and Machine Learning MSc enter an industry with exceptional market demand, with opportunities across industries such as finance, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment, with roles such as AI Engineer and Machine Learning. The Creative AI pathway similarly prepares graduates on how to effectively utilise AI across high-growth roles in animation and VFX with opportunities to also branch out this understanding to music and advertising.
Is an artificial intelligence degree worth it?
Goldsmiths’ MSc in AI and Machine Learning offers full-stack AI capabilities and a prestigious qualification that acts as a competitive differentiator in the job market. The Creative Practice MSc equips graduates with a strong portfolio of AI-driven projects, positioning them for roles at generative AI start-ups and established media organisations.
Source
- ERI Economic Research Institute (2026). Machine Learning Engineer Salary in United Kingdom (2026). [online] SalaryExpert. Available at: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/machine-learning-engineer/united-kingdom [Accessed 31 Aug. 2026].