Artificial intelligence has grown like a cloud over the IT development industry. The use of AI can improve decision-making and automation related to the tech landscape. The AI adoption market will grow at a pace of 37.3 percent for the next few years. To create innovation and novelty from AI, you have to engage AI App Development Services.
For AI development services to be active, you need to hire AI developers who specialize in AI solution development. An AI development company helps you step into the future of AI and ML.
In this article, let us delve into the ways to hire the best AI developers and how to build a team of developers that is ready to help your company grow into an AI development company.
Table of Contents
The Deployment of AI Developers in AI Development Projects
There is a growing need for AI developers in the IT and app development sector, which is driven by the demand for AI technology. AI is an innovation that can be integrated into new products and services for different purposes. From the general population to tech-savvy people, everyone wants to use AI, so AI-enabled products are sold like hotcakes.
AI developers are sought after for AI Consulting Services and other services that they can provide expertly. 83 percent of companies claim that integrating AI into their business and products is their priority at this point. So, AI developers will see growth in their careers in the coming years.
Why is it Important to Hire the Right AI Developer for a Project
Hiring the right kind of AI developer is important for businesses. The decision is crucial because the success of AI-powered products depends highly on the skills of AI developers. AI as a technology has been adapted to industries such as retail, healthcare, fintech, etc. AI technology has been evolving since the 20th century, and today, it has grown into the assistive intelligence that everyone can depend on.
The AI developer you want to hire should be skilled in Generative AI Development Services, as Gen AI is the main focus of the sector today. The developers have to work proactively to develop algorithms and features that help predict and take decisive actions with nearly human understanding.
The right kind of AI developer should be skilled in multiple programming languages and development environments so that they can create highly advanced technical resources and products for the industry.
How does an AI Developer do his Work?
In the IT and digital development sector, AI developers have created their own niche and segment. AI app developers and Gen AI experts can use data analysis and algorithm design skills to create solutions that are intelligent and helpful to people. Such developers create solutions that help in statistical analysis, predictive analysis, and other forms of data analysis.
AI developers and experts are responsible for introducing new and improved products like Robotic Process Automation, AI-powered chatbots, and virtual assistants in different sectors. Facial recognition systems in digital devices and security are also designed by AI developers. An AI developer needs to know how to use different programming languages and frameworks like Tensorflow and PyTorch so he can create advanced AI solutions for his clients.
Different Branches of AI Development and Professionals
Before you start on How to hire an AI developer, you need to understand that the AI landscape is diverse and evolved. There are AI development engineers with different specializations and skills. Depending on what kind of project the ML development company creates, it will hire the right kind of AI developers.
For example, a dedicated ML development company will need an ML engineer who can create Machine learning solutions to automate devices like computers.
1. Machine learning
Machine learning is a branch of AI development that deals with the statistical approach of developing algorithms for automating machines with artificial intelligence. The machine learning engineer has the analytical and statistical knowledge to use data and create ML algorithms.
The machine learning engineer trains the AI features with the help of data and insights drawn from different sources. From creating algorithms to evaluating an AI model, there are many areas that the ML engineer deals with.
2. Deep Learning Engineer
A deep learning engineer is one who specializes in building and maintaining highly advanced neural networks. These deep neural networks that the deep learning engineer focuses on are designed to mimic the human brain so that the power of artificial intelligence can increase.
AI capabilities like advanced speech recognition, image recognition, and computer vision are possible with deep learning architecture. The deep learning engineer creates and experiments with neural networks to add features to AI tools.
3. Robotics Engineer
A Robotics engineer is one who designs AI and ML algorithms to automate large-scale machines to work on their own. From humanoid AI-powered robots to manufacturing-level machines for assembly lines, Robotics deals with a wide range of machines.
For this, the Robotics Engineer has to use his knowledge of the Robotics operating system, path planning, and kinetics to make responsive and moving machines.
Outlining Project Needs for Hiring an AI Developer
Before you hire the Best AI developers for custom projects for your AI development company, the senior management team has to gauge which kind of AI development projects will come into the pipeline. The project needs and goals determine the kind of developer you need for the company. Here is the process to outline the project goals and aims before starting to look for an AI developer.
1. Defining the Project Scope
First, the technical and HR team needs to discuss the scope of the project and outline the aims that the AI development team will achieve. The team has to narrow down to the central problem statement outlined by the client. The problem statement will lead to the solution needed, and according to that, the senior management can hire an AI developer.
2. AI Solution Specification
Once the problem statement is set, the management and technical team have to outline the solution that is needed and how to create it. There could be different types of solutions for different purposes.
For example, do you need a solution based on machine learning or deep learning networks? Is the project focused on finding a computer vision solution? Depending on the kind of solution envisioned, the development company hires an engineer specializing in the sector.
3. Outlining the Necessary Skills
Based on the solution identified and the role of the developer in the project, the senior management outlines the skills needed by the professional. They then discuss it with the HR team or the recruiting agency so the skills can be highlighted in the job description, and they can find a professional who matches these standards. The company has to find out the programming languages and skills that they need in the professional.
Professional Skills an AI Developer should have
An AI developer should have a strong hold on professional and technical skills that help develop AI solutions with high accuracy and great features. Here are the professional skills that an AI developer should have.
1. Proficiency in Programming
An AI developer should be proficient in different kinds of development languages like Python, R, Java, and C++. Apart from the classic development languages, the team of AI developers should also be skilled in new programming languages such as SQL and Ruby on Rails.
2. Knowledge of Algorithms and Deep Learning Frameworks
The AI developer should also have a strong understanding of the ML algorithms and ML capabilities. The developer should also know how to fine-tune and train an advanced AI model.
The AI developer should also ideally go for skill development in deep learning frameworks like Pytorch and Keras. The AI developer should also have mathematical and statistical knowledge that he can use to develop high-speed data analysis algorithms.
3. Big Data Tools
The AI development team should also be familiar with Big Data development tools so that they can use different tools to manage the flow of data into AI algorithms.
The AI developer has to work with data sets and use advanced tools to derive insights from data and feed them into AI models for training. Therefore, he should have skills in using tools like Hadoop and Spark.
4. Values and Skills to Look for in AI Developers
An AI developer should also have strong skills in communication and other soft skills so he can be part of the team. The AI development team should have excellent professionals who are skilled in using soft skills like problem-solving and coordination to get things done on a project.
The AI developers should be able to think critically and develop solutions quickly to resolve an issue within the AI development project. The AI developers should also have the skill of adaptability so they can adapt to any project requirement and changes needed in the long term.
You also need to see if the developers that the company hires have analytical and decision-making skills. Even behind the most automated AI solutions, the decisive actions of AI developers lie.
The AI Developers should be open to new possibilities and solutions in a project. The developers should value teamwork and communicate effectively to finish all tasks. There should be higher abilities of collaboration between the AI developers so that the team can finish the project quickly.
The Steps to Take to Hire AI Developers
To hire the best AI developers, there is a definite and dedicated approach to screening candidates. You need to look at the skills and capabilities of each candidate before hiring him or her for any project. Only after complete scrutiny and tests should you hire an AI developer.
Here are some simple steps to follow. You can tweak these steps according to your needs and industry demand.
1. Outlining the Project Requirements and Job Role
Understand the role and requirements of the AI development project first. The hiring team needs to understand the kind of project and its requirements first. The team has to outline the kind of professional it needs for the project and then look for those particular skills in a candidate.
2. Job Description Creation
The company has to create a detailed job description that explains the certifications and skills the professional needs to have. The company has to also include details about the job role in it. The job description should have the skill and experience level needed for the job in it.
3. Screening the Resumes
The company HR team then has to screen the initial resumes and candidates that come through.
4. Phone or Personal Interview
The HR team should conduct an initial personal interview or phone interview to get to know the candidates better and also learn about their soft skills.
5. Technical Round Interview
The AI development company then has to conduct a technical assessment and in-depth technical interview to see if the candidates can solve real problems related to the AI development sector.
5. Running Background Checks
The AI development company should also run background checks and reference checks on each of the candidates before finalizing one.
Tips for Holding Technical Interviews for Hiring AI Developers
Use the tips mentioned in the next section and start finding the best talent for your AI development team. The AI developer should be skillful and apt for the work environment in the company.
1. Creation of Technical Challenges
Always try to tailor the interview rounds and technical challenges according to the projects that are going on. The problems pitched to the developer should be aligned with the project you want him to work on.
2. Specific Screening
The HR and technical team should look for specific tool skills and adaptation in the AI developer skill set.
3. Adding Real-world Problem-solving
When designing the interview questions, make sure that you create real-world challenges for the professional to overcome. This will show how ready he is to be part of the AI development team.
4. Use Data Science Challenges
An AI developer has to develop a strong grasp of the use of data science. The technical round should include questions that help understand if the developer knows how to preprocess data. The team for evaluation can add a challenge of Exploratory Data Analysis in the technical challenges that the candidate has to master.
5. Ethical Evaluation
The interview questions and challenges should also include ethical issues and the approach to resolving them. The team has to screen if the candidate can use AI tools ethically and without causing any legal trouble.
Estimated Budget for Hiring AI Developers
The yearly salary that an AI developer expects is around $60,000 to $250,000. The cost of hiring AI developers rests on a lot of different aspects. The AI developer needs to be highly skilled for a high-paying package. The hiring cost also depends on the kind of project and its duration, as well as the developer’s work hours.
The payment for an AI solution developer in North America is around $80-$250/hour. However, in the Indian market, the same cost is $20-$80/hour. This also brings us to the next question of hiring an in-house AI development team or outsourcing the project to a team on an offshore basis based on the cost of hiring AI developers.
Outsourcing AI Development or an in-house Team of Developers?
In-house AI development costs more and needs more resources as you have to maintain a workforce for the projects. Even when the project flow is less for AI development, you will have to keep the in-house team intact. There are many legal provisions and employment laws that your AI development company has to follow to maintain an in-house team.
The salary of each AI developer will be high as these are highly skilled professionals. However, if you outsource the project to an AI development team outside the country, then the hiring rates for the developers might be lower. The ultimate result is less hassle and fewer development costs for the AI-enabled project.
You can hire an outsourced AI development team very flexibly and get good results at a fast pace. You will find many AI development companies that give services through an outsourced mode of work. For a small to mid-scale AI business, deploying an outsourced development team is a good way of optimizing resources without affecting the end product.
Legal Frameworks to Know About when Hiring AI Developers
There is always a legal side to the AI developer hiring process and maintaining an in-house development team. If you are building a house team of AI developers, here are some of the legal frameworks that you have to keep in mind.
1. Employment Contracts and Work Rules
The company needs to draft clear employment contracts and offer letters that state the company’s rules and regulations. The contract should also state the responsibilities of the professional and what is the pay scale he is getting.
2. Understanding IP Rights
The company also has to look into intellectual property rights contracts, such as work-for-hire and patent rights contracts. The hired professional also has to sign non-disclosure agreements and other agreements that are supposed to protect a confidential project.
3. Rules of Exclusive Employment
The contract you design for the AI developer should also include non-compete clauses and non-solicitation clauses.
4. AI Specific Rules
The contract that you offer to the developer should also include AI-specific regulations like ISO rules, data privacy laws, and OECD AI principles.
What should an AI Development Team Manager Keep in Mind?
When you have a team for AI development solutions, you will have to manage the workforce effectively. The workforce will need to be handled and given directions to complete a project. The aim should be to work with the workforce and not create a conflicting environment for them. Here are some steps to effectively manage an AI development workforce and team that you are deploying.
- Set Clear Expectations- The manager of the AI development team has to outline the project roadmap and assign tasks while clearly explaining the goals to the professionals.
- Set the KPIs- The team manager has to set the KPIs and the goals so that the progress of the team on a skill level and the progress of the project are clear.
- Foster Collaboration- The team manager has to uphold values like teamwork and cooperation for fruitful collaboration between the team members.
- Resource Access- The team manager for the AI development team also has to secure access to resources and tools that the developers need and work with. From new AI frameworks to data sets to create new algorithms, the resources should be available for the tasks that the AI developers complete.
How to Retain High-quality AI Developers?
After you hire the AI developers, an important task is to maintain the workforce so that the ongoing and upcoming projects can be completed. To maintain a strong AI development team, you need to offer high compensation and better benefits to your workers than your competitors.
The salary and benefits that you offer the workers should be up to the industrial benchmark. You should also offer good bonuses and stock options to loyal employees. Another aspect to focus on is the work culture and balance your company offers the employees.
Problem Areas to Screen during the Hiring Process
There are some red flags that you need to screen for when hiring an AI developer. An AI developer has to meet all the job criteria and skill requirements that you set. Beware of these negative aspects of unqualified candidates.
- Gaps in skill level and actual practical use of skills related to AI
- Resistance and negative reaction to feedback and criticism
- Inability to upskill and adopt new tools and frameworks for AI development.
- Bad problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills that hinder the development of a project.
- Very little grasp of the ethical frameworks that govern the use of AI in business scenarios.
Rely on TriState Technology for AI development needs
For AI app development services and AI consulting services, you can always depend on TriState Technology. TriState Technologyhas expert AI developers on its team who have handled projects at different levels and across different industries. If you want to make your AI development project a success, you should rely on TriState Technology’s team.
