Working Life

An AI Engineer designs, builds, tests, and develops artificial intelligence (AI) systems that enable computers to perform tasks such as recognising patterns, understanding language, making predictions, and solving problems. They use software development, programming, data science, and machine learning skills to create practical AI applications.

AI Engineers work across many industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, and the public sector. They work with software developers, data scientists, and other specialists to develop AI solutions that improve products, services, and business processes.

Their day-to-day work may involve writing and testing computer code, working with data, training and improving AI models, solving technical problems, and working with teams to develop AI solutions.

AI Engineers usually work in office-based or remote environments and use computers, programming tools, and specialist software as part of their work.

As AI technologies continue to develop, AI Engineers need to keep learning and updating their skills.

With growing demand for AI skills, AI Engineers have opportunities to work in a wide range of industries and contribute to new and innovative projects.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
• Analyse user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
• Coordinate installation of software system.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
• Determine system performance standards.
• Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

To become an AI Engineer, you typically need recognised qualifications, practical experience, and strong technical skills in areas such as programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data. 

Typical qualifications include:

• A postgraduate qualification (such as a Master's degree) in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills and experience developing software applications.

Qualifications and training pathways include:

• QQI Level 8 and Level 9 qualifications in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Applied Computing, Data Science, or related areas.
• Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in AI, machine learning, software development, and data analytics offered by higher education institutions and universities. 
• Professional certifications and industry training in areas such as cloud computing, machine learning, data analytics, and AI technologies.

Industry certifications and online learning:
Professional certifications in cloud computing, data science, programming, and AI tools can strengthen job applications when combined with practical projects.

Work experience and projects: Building a portfolio of machine learning projects, contributing to open-source work, completing internships, or gaining experience in software development and data analysis can help develop the skills employers look for. Practical experience through projects, internships, research, or workplace experience is also highly valued by employers.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Programmes offered through Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and supported by SOLAS can provide entry routes into technology careers, including areas such as software development, data analytics, and AI skills.

Example Courses 

• Computer Systems and Networks QQI Level 5 – Dunboyne College of Further Education (LMETB)    
• Computer Science and Mobile Apps QQI Level 5 – O Fiaich Institute of FET (LMETB)    

SOLAS also supports AI-focused micro-qualifications through the Skills to Advance initiative.

Example search terms include: Artificial Intelligence, ICT Skills Development, Software Development, Data Science.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example Courses 

• Computer Software Development with AI (Level 5) – Bray Institute of Further Education 
• AI and Machine Learning Foundations (Level 5) – Dublin College Dundrum

Example search terms include: Artificial Intelligence, Software development, apps, games, network architecture. 

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: ICT Software Developer, Software Architect. 

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – Dublin City University (DCU)
• Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning - University of Limerick (UL)
• Computing and Artificial Intelligence – ATU Donegal 
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – University College Cork
• Computing with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence – Technological University (TU) Dublin 

Students do not always need a degree titled "Artificial Intelligence". Strong pathways also include:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Computer Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Data Analytics

These provide the programming, mathematical, and data skills needed for AI roles.

Example search terms include: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT, Data Science, Software Engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Examples of courses include:

• Advanced Artificial Intelligence – University College Dublin (UCD)
• Applied Artificial Intelligence – SETU Carlow Campus
• Artificial Intelligence – Dublin Business School (DBS) 
• Artificial Intelligence – National College of Ireland (NCI)
• Artificial Intelligence – University of Limerick (UL)
• Artificial Intelligence - Online – Munster Technological University (MTU)
• Artificial Intelligence for Business – TUS Midlands (Athlone) 

Postgraduate conversion courses:
Graduates from other fields can move into AI through higher diplomas or masters programmes focused on computing, data analytics, or artificial intelligence.

Example search terms include: Artificial Intelligence, Computer science, ICT, computing, software engineering.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Springboard+ courses:
Government-supported courses that allow eligible learners to upskill or change careers in areas such as computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. 

The Irish government funds many free and low-cost part-time programs, such as the Certificate in AI and Machine Learning Engineering at South East Technological University.

ICT Skills development courses are also available via Springboard, at NFQ level 6-9 

Search Springboard Courses  

Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet 

• Certificate in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
  This course has been designed as an introduction to the Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is most suitable for those with an interest in, and aptitude for, transitioning into the AI disciplines but who do not necessarily have a background in AI.

• National MSc in Artificial Intelligence (primarily online via University of Limerick)
  Students on the National Masters in Artificial Intelligence follow a pathway in Modern Machine Learning, NLP or Computer Vision.

Search Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet    

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €110k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, locaiton, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Brightwater / Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2026

AI Engineers are in demand as organisations increasingly use artificial intelligence technologies.

AI-related roles are recognised within Ireland's ICT skills shortage areas, creating strong career opportunities for people with skills in programming, machine learning, data science, and software development.

See the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Critical Skills Occupations List      for a full list of Ireland’s ICT skills shortage areas.

(A skills shortage in the ICT sector means there is a recognised need for people with these skills. It allows employers to recruit qualified professionals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) through the Critical Skills Employment Permit scheme, subject to meeting the relevant job and salary requirements.)

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, Web design and development professionals, Information technology & telecommunications professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation over the five-year period, although employment levels have fluctuated over this time; strong employment growth in both 2020 and 2023 more than offset the declines in the other years.

The number of non-Irish citizens far exceeded the national average and almost 2,000 new employment permits were issued (in roles including analysts (data, business, IT), data scientists, network and security engineers and web and UX/UI developers. Online job adverts for these roles included network and cyber security specialists (jobsireland.ie) and IT business analysts, architects and systems designers (Eurostat/CEDEFOP). Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions (Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey) included digital and data scientists, cloud security engineers, and SOC (Security Operations Centre) analysts.

Increasing reliance on digital systems as well as global insecurities in recent years, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, have fuelled demand for cyber security specialists as organisations recognise the need to safeguard systems against potential cyber security breaches.

Skills to anticipate, manage and address IT security risks across both private and public sector organisations mean security-related skills will be key for this occupation, with shortages occurring for network and security engineers.

Skills shortage:

IT analysts/ engineers

• Irish Computer Society

  • Click Here

• FIT Fastrack into IT

  • FIT ltd Unit 2C Donnybrook Commercial Centre Donnybrook, Douglas, Cork
  • 021 242 8755
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Centre for Applied Data Analytics Research (CeADAR)

  • CeADAR University College Dublin NexusUCD Belfield Office Park, Unit 9, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4
  • (01) 716 5713
  • melina.ziegel@ucd (CeADAR Project Manager)
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet

  • 50-56 Merrion Road Dublin D04 V4K3
  • 01 469 3754
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Research Ireland – Taighde Éireann

  • Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland D02 FX65
  • 353 1 607 3200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here