Best AI Engineer Traits
What Separates Good from Great
The best AI engineers share specific traits that set them apart.
Learn what they do differently and how to develop those same abilities.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Technical Skills Alone
Will Not Make You Stand Out.
You have the technical knowledge but struggle to ship production systems that drive business results.
You can build models but lack the business acumen to identify what problems actually matter.
You work hard but feel stuck at the same level while others advance faster.
Learn How the Best AI Engineers Think and Work.
The AI Career Accelerator
Top AI engineers combine deep technical skills with business understanding, clear communication, and relentless focus on shipping. These traits can be developed with the right guidance and deliberate practice.
Identify Your Gaps
Assess where you fall short compared to top performers
Build the Right Habits
Adopt the practices and mindsets that drive excellence
Get Expert Feedback
Accelerate growth with coaching modeled on how the best work
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Every Year at the Same Level Is a Year of Unrealized Potential
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What traits do the best AI engineers have in common?
The best AI engineers share several key traits. First, they have deep technical skills but know when to apply them. They do not over-engineer solutions. Second, they understand business context and focus on problems that drive real value. Third, they communicate complex ideas clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Fourth, they ship consistently. They prioritize working systems over perfect systems. Fifth, they learn continuously but strategically, focusing on skills that compound. These traits can all be developed with deliberate practice and guidance.
How can I develop the traits of top AI engineers?
Start by working on real problems, not just tutorials. Build projects that solve actual business needs. Practice explaining your work to non-technical people regularly. Set aggressive deadlines to force shipping over perfecting. Find mentors who exemplify these traits and observe how they make decisions. Get feedback on your code, communication, and prioritization. Track what top engineers in your field are building and learning. Join communities where excellence is the standard. Consider coaching to accelerate development of these traits with structured guidance and accountability.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Why do the best AI engineers focus so much on shipping?
Shipping is where learning happens fastest. A deployed system teaches you more than months of planning. The best AI engineers know that real feedback only comes from production. They build iteratively, release early, and improve based on data. They resist the urge to perfect before shipping. This bias toward action compounds over time. Engineers who ship frequently build intuition, credibility, and impact faster than those who optimize in isolation. If you want to become a top AI engineer, make shipping your default.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available