Artificial Intelligence (AI) Career Roadmap: Jobs and Levels Guide

Written by Coursera • Updated on

Explore the job-leveling matrix for AI careers. Understand the roles and skills needed to advance from beginner to leader.

Artificial Intelligence Job Matrix

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents the cutting edge of technological innovation, reshaping industries with its capacity to automate complex processes and generate insights. This guide provides a structured pathway for career development in AI, detailing essential roles and skills needed to progress from a beginner to a visionary leader.

Read more: Artificial Intelligence Careers

What is a Job Leveling Matrix for AI?

Due to AI's depth and breadth, navigating a career can often be complex. Whether new to AI or seasoned experts, professionals frequently face questions about career progression, organizational hierarchy, essential skills, and role responsibilities. A job leveling matrix tailored for AI professionals addresses these issues by outlining clear career paths and ensuring everyone understands their current status, potential trajectory, and the competencies needed for advancement.

How to Use This Job Leveling Matrix for AI

This AI career matrix guides you through a structured progression to enhance your career in Artificial Intelligence:

  • Identify Your Current Level: Evaluate your expertise and position within the AI landscape.

  • Advance Your Skills: Focus on the critical competencies required to progress to the next career stage in AI.

  • Branch Out: Explore how AI skills can be applied across various industries and prepare for role transitions that align with your professional goals.

Example Roadmap: AI Jobs and Levels

Career PathLevel 1: BeginnerLevel 2: IntermediateLevel 3: AdvancedLevel 4: ExpertLevel 5: Leader
AI Research Scientist• Basic programming skills
• Understanding of AI principles
• Proficiency in machine learning libraries
• Implementation of standard algorithms
• Novel algorithm development
• Publish research papers
• Pioneering new AI techniques
• Cross-disciplinary research
• Leading AI research departments
• Defining research agendas
Machine Learning Engineer• Data pre-processing
• Basic model building
• Advanced model tuning
• Feature engineering
• Deep learning implementations
• Model deployment
• Architecture of ML systems
• Optimization for scale
• Strategy for ML deployment
• Innovation in ML application
AI Product Manager• Understanding of AI capabilities
• Product vision and roadmap planning
• Coordination between engineering and business teams• Go-to-market strategy for AI products
• User experience design
• Leadership in product direction
• Market analysis
• Executive-level strategy for product lines
• Company-wide AI vision
Robotics Engineer• Basic robotics and automation
• Control systems
• Integration of sensors and actuators
• Robotic software platforms
- Design of intelligent robotic systems
• Machine perception
• Advanced kinematics and AI-driven control
• Human-robot interaction
• Robotics lab direction
• Industry-specific robotics solutions
Data Scientist (AI Focus)• Statistical analysis
• Data visualization
• Machine learning applications
• Big data toolkits
• Deep learning for data insights
• Advanced predictive models
• AI-driven data strategy
• Complex data pipeline engineering
• Leadership in data-centric AI projects
• Vision for data-driven culture
Ethical AI Advocate• Awareness of ethical AI importance
• Basic AI ethics guidelines
• Development of ethical AI frameworks
• AI policy advocacy
• Implementation of ethical AI practices
• Education and training
• Creation of industry standards for AI ethics
• Public speaking
• Global leadership on AI ethics
• Policy influence at scale

The journey through the world of artificial intelligence is as thrilling as it is rewarding, filled with opportunities to innovate and make an impact. Exploring this matrix, remember that AI is a field of continuous learning and exploration. Armed with the skills outlined here, you can lead the AI revolution, shaping a future where technology and human aspiration converge.

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