Companies are investing more and more in data management and processing.
In response to this trend, the role of the Machine Learning Engineer, also known as ML Engineer, is growing rapidly. This professional stands between a Software Engineer and an AI expert. They design, develop, and deploy Machine Learning models to enable systems to learn from data without being explicitly programmed at every step.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into every sector: Finance, Healthcare, Logistics, e-commerce… It is becoming indispensable. But to fully exploit its potential, it is necessary to surround yourself with experts. In this article, our recruitment agency presents the role, skills, training, and career prospects of the Machine Learning Engineer.
If you are looking to hire a Machine Learning Engineer, contact our recruitment agency. We help you target the best profiles and succeed in your hiring.
1 – What is Machine Learning?
Given the massive amount of data generated by companies (social networks, sensors, transactions), it becomes essential to use it intelligently. This is where Machine Learning comes into play. This branch of AI allows data analysis to recommend products, recognize images or voices, anticipate fraud or payment defaults, and automate industrial processes. The Machine Learning Engineer makes these applications possible by ensuring their actual, reliable, and continuous operation.
Our recruitment agency supports you in hiring Tech positions in AI and software development. Contact us to learn more.
2 – The Role of the Machine Learning Engineer
The Machine Learning Engineer develops systems capable of learning and improving autonomously from data. They often work with Data Scientists, but their scope is different: they focus on productionizing models, optimizing, deploying, and ensuring their robustness. Every time software performs an operation with increased accuracy, the machine “learns.” They may also work upstream to prepare data, though in large companies, this is usually the role of Data Engineers. The ML Engineer is therefore the craftsman of AI industrialization, with responsibilities that vary by sector.
Typical tasks include selecting algorithms, training and validating models, deploying them in production, managing performance and scalability, integrating models into existing systems, and setting up automation pipelines (MLOps).
3 – What Skills Are Expected?
A good Machine Learning Engineer combines strong technical skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. To become a competent Machine Learning Engineer, a solid background in mathematics, statistics, and programming is essential. A passion for problem-solving is also key.
Essential skills include:
- Programming: mastery of languages such as Python (priority) with Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas, NumPy; also SQL, Java.
- Applied Mathematics (statistics, probability, linear algebra)
- Software development (modular architecture, testing, documentation)
- Cloud & DevOps (AWS, GCP, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD)
- Version control and code management (Git)
- Data analysis to understand, explore, and preprocess datasets
- Collaboration and communication to explain results and integrate into product or data teams
The ML Engineer also shows technological curiosity to stay updated on industry developments and knows how to communicate and collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders to present results coherently.
Contact our recruitment agency to find candidates with these skills.
4 – Education to Become a Machine Learning Engineer
A Master’s or Doctorate degree is preferred. Several paths can lead to becoming a Machine Learning Engineer:
- Engineering degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics
- Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Machine Learning
- Master’s in Electronics, Electrical Energy, Automation, Communications, and Security
It is also possible to train through certified online courses (Coursera, OpenClassrooms, edX), especially for professionals changing careers or those with a solid technical base.
If you want assistance from a recruitment agency to find the right Machine Learning Engineer profile, contact our recruitment agency Bessand, specialized in identifying this type of profile.
5 – Career Evolution and Prospects
The machine learning field is evolving; trends and opportunities can change over time and depend on factors such as geographic location, industry, and personal experience.
The ML Engineer role offers promising long-term career prospects; for example, one can become a Senior ML Engineer, move to a Tech Lead or Head of AI role, work in applied research, start their own AI startup, or specialize in a high-value sector (healthcare, finance, robotics).
Machine Learning is a growing field where experience and the ability to deliver reliable large-scale systems are highly valued.
In France, salaries vary by experience level, sector, and location:
- Junior: €50,000 to €60,000 gross/year
- Mid-level: €60,000 to €90,000
- Senior / Expert: up to €150,000 or more, especially in large Tech companies or internationally
To maximize earnings:
- Target well-paid sectors (FinTech, DeepTech, healthcare)
- Highlight your impact (projects, performance, ROI)
- Negotiate a comprehensive package (base salary, bonuses, stock options, training, remote work)
Our recruitment agency identifies candidates and job opportunities in France and internationally. Contact us if you want support for recruitment in France and/or abroad.
Contact our recruitment agency.
The Machine Learning Engineer plays a central role in the practical application of Artificial Intelligence. They enable complex solutions to move from prototype to production with reliable and measurable performance.
It is a high-value, constantly evolving profession at the heart of companies’ digital transformation challenges.
Using a specialized recruitment agency can save you valuable time and ensure you find the right profile, at the right time, for the right project.
Contact our recruitment agency Bessand; we will be happy to support you.
