A computer vision engineer is responsible for creating programs that can see and interpret visual information. They essentially help computers ‘see’ and process visual data for solving problems or performing specific tasks. What does a computer vision engineer do?
What is Computer Vision?
Computer vision is an AI field that deals with the process of getting computers to understand and interpret the visual world. The goal here is to help computer systems gain meaningful information from digital images, videos and various other visual inputs.
Up until a few years ago, computer vision only worked in limited capacity. However, thanks to advances in AI and fields like deep learning, computer vision has been able to surpass even human beings in some tasks.
Computer vision has many practical uses and is utilised across various industries to enhance customer experience, reduce costs and increase security. A few examples of computer vision applications include:
- 3D model building
- Road condition monitoring
- Object detection and tracking
- Pedestrian detection
- Traffic flow analysis
- Cancer detection
Are computer vision engineers in demand?
Rise in AI technologies makes computer vision engineering a job with a strong outlook. It’s safe to say that computer vision engineers will be in high demand in the coming years with competitive salaries.
Responsibilities of a Computer Vision Engineer
While computer vision engineers are often asked to multitask and focus on more than one objective at once, they are usually in charge of developing, testing, and maintaining algorithms to fulfil particular tasks for different environments.
They explore and analyse unstructured data and gather and optimise analytics from computer vision algorithms to improve their performance.
These engineers are also responsible for adapting existing technology to make it perform specific tasks and implementing algorithms within existing frameworks and systems.
They develop new systems to improve the efficacy of visual technology and work closely with infrastructure engineers to make sure that algorithms will effectively scale to large data sets.
What are the responsibilities of a computer vision engineer?
- Develop, test, and maintain algorithms to fulfil particular tasks
- Explore and analyse unstructured data
- Gather and optimise analytics from computer vision algorithms
- Adapt existing technology to make it perform specific tasks
- Implement algorithms within existing frameworks and systems
- Develop new systems to improve the efficacy of visual technology
- Research, develop, and deploy scalable computer vision, DL, and image processing solutions
- Develop tools to assist with algorithm development, testing, and image quality evaluation
- Work closely with infrastructure engineers to make sure that algorithms will effectively scale to large data sets
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Skills of a Computer Vision Engineer
A computer vision engineer has extensive knowledge of computer vision and deep learning algorithms. They must also have a strong foundation in data structures and algorithms in Python or C++.
They must possess strong knowledge of linear algebra fundamentals and have proficiency with edge computing principles and architecture.
Furthermore, computer vision engineers should have proficiency with AWS or Azure cloud computing environments and must have experience with deep learning frameworks such as Caffe and TensorFlow.
These engineers must be able to work well with other algorithm, software and hardware engineers and must have the curiosity and motivation to be involved in Data Science and Image Processing. They must also have strong analytical thinking and have good communication skills.
What are the skills of a computer vision engineer?
- Extensive knowledge of computer vision and deep learning algorithms
- Strong foundation in data structures and algorithms in Python or C++
- Strong knowledge of linear algebra fundamentals
- Proficiency with edge computing principles and architecture
- Proficiency with AWS or Azure cloud computing environments
- Knowledge of dataflow programming
- Understanding of IoT technology
- Programming experience with computer vision libraries
- Strong experience in using image processing algorithms
- Experience with deep learning frameworks like Caffe and TensorFlow
- Ability to work well with other algorithm, software and hardware engineers
- Strong curiosity
- Strong analytical thinking
- Excellent communication skills
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Background and education
Computer vision engineers typically have at least a Bachelor’s degree. This could be in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or a related field.
Getting a Master’s degree is also advisable since you have a better chance of obtaining high-paying jobs and projects with one. You can also obtain certifications through online courses to advance your knowledge and skills.
Check out options for such courses down below:
- Deep Learning and Computer Vision A-Z™: OpenCV, SSD & GANs
- Certified Computer Vision Expert Certification (CCVE – AI3080)
- Computer Vision for Engineering and Science Specialization
- Master Deep Learning for Computer Vision in TensorFlow[2023]
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How much do Computer Vision Engineers make?
Computer vision engineers typically make around $119,600 per year on average in the US. On the lower end, engineers in this field make around $45,000 per year whereas on the higher end, they can make around $137,000 per year.
In Germany, computer vision engineers make between €41,000 – €74,000 whereas in the UK, they make between €46,000 – €76,000 per year.
Salary of computer vision engineers:
| US | $45,000 – $137,000 |
| Germany | €41,000 – €74,000 |
| UK | €46,000 – €76,000 |
How much do freelance computer vision engineers make?
Computer Vision Engineers on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in the Computer Vision Industry range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Computer Vision Engineers (8 working hours) would be around:
