Machine Learning Engineer
Build and deploy machine learning models at scale. Focus on model optimization, training pipelines, and production ML systems that power intelligent applications.
What you need to know
Overview
Machine Learning Engineers bridge data science and software engineering, taking ML models from research to production. They build scalable systems that train, deploy, and monitor ML models serving millions of users. This role requires strong engineering skills combined with ML expertise.
Ireland's tech giants (Google, Meta, Amazon) employ ML engineers working on recommendation systems, fraud detection, and personalization at massive scale. Irish ML engineers contribute to global products while enjoying Ireland's tech ecosystem and quality of life.
Specializations include MLOps, Computer Vision Engineering, NLP Engineering, and Recommendation Systems.
What do ML engineers do?
ML engineers work full-time with strong remote/hybrid flexibility in Irish companies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and implement ML training pipelines
- Deploy models to production environments
- Optimize model performance and inference speed
- Build feature engineering pipelines
- Monitor and maintain production ML systems
- Implement A/B testing for models
- Scale ML infrastructure
- Collaborate with data scientists and engineers
- Automate ML workflows (MLOps)
- Ensure model reliability and quality
What skills are needed?
ML & Engineering
- • Python (advanced)
- • TensorFlow, PyTorch
- • ML algorithms and theory
- • Model optimization
- • Feature engineering
Production & Scale
- • MLOps tools (MLflow, Kubeflow)
- • Docker & Kubernetes
- • Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
- • CI/CD pipelines
- • Distributed systems
Professional Skills
- • Software engineering best practices
- • System design
- • Performance optimization
- • Cross-functional collaboration
- • Problem-solving at scale
What is the pay?
Average Salary in Ireland
€50,000 - €95,000
Mid-level ML engineers earn €50,000-€70,000, senior engineers earn €75,000-€95,000, while staff/principal ML engineers at tech giants can earn €110,000-€160,000+ with substantial stock compensation.
ML engineering commands top-tier salaries due to rare skill combination. Packages include significant equity (20-40% of total comp at tech companies), performance bonuses, comprehensive benefits, conference budgets, and cutting-edge hardware/tools.
What is the career outlook?
Job Growth in Ireland
ML engineering is among Ireland's most in-demand roles with severe skills shortage. Over 600 positions advertised annually with competition for candidates driving premium salaries and benefits.
Every major tech company in Ireland seeks ML engineers. The role offers excellent career progression and international mobility within global tech companies.
Why the growth?
- • ML adoption accelerating across industries
- • Need for production ML expertise
- • Scaling challenges require engineering
- • MLOps becoming critical discipline
- • Ireland's tech ecosystem expansion
- • Gap between research and production
What education is required?
Educational Pathways
CS Degree + ML Experience
Computer Science or Software Engineering degree plus ML experience through projects, courses, or work. Master's in ML/AI advantageous but not required with strong portfolio.
Transition from SWE/Data Science
Many ML engineers transition from software engineering (learning ML) or data science (strengthening engineering). Irish companies support this transition with internal mobility.
Key Skills to Master
- • ML algorithms and frameworks
- • Software engineering fundamentals
- • System design for ML
- • Model deployment and serving
- • MLOps and automation
- • Cloud platforms and infrastructure
- • Performance optimization
- • Data engineering basics
- • Monitoring and observability
- • Production ML best practices
Ready to Become an ML Engineer?
Explore resources and discover how to launch your ML engineering career.
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