Technical Depth: Master Production Patterns
3-4 monthsSkills You'll Build
Advanced RAG architecturesMulti-model orchestrationProduction error handlingPerformance optimizationCost management strategies
Junior AI Engineer → Senior AI Engineer
Junior to Senior AI Engineer Career Progression
A comprehensive roadmap for junior AI engineers to reach senior level. Based on real experience going from junior to senior in 4 years. Focus on technical depth, system design, leadership skills, and business impact. This is the path from $70k-$110k to $150k-$250k+ total compensation.
12-24 months
Prerequisites
- 1-2 years experience as AI engineer
- Working knowledge of LLM APIs and RAG systems
- Basic production deployment experience
- Python proficiency
- Familiarity with version control and CI/CD
Your Learning Path
System Design: Architect Complete Solutions
3-4 monthsSkills You'll Build
End-to-end system designScalability patternsDatabase architecture decisionsAPI design for AI systemsInfrastructure planning
Code Quality & Technical Leadership
2-3 monthsSkills You'll Build
Code review expertiseTechnical documentationTesting AI systemsArchitecture decisionsTechnical debt management
Business Impact & Communication
2-3 monthsSkills You'll Build
Quantifying AI impactStakeholder communicationProject scoping and estimationROI demonstrationTechnical presentations
Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
2-3 monthsSkills You'll Build
Mentoring junior engineersKnowledge transferDocumentation standardsOnboarding processesTeam skill development
Scope Expansion & Senior Responsibilities
2-3 monthsSkills You'll Build
Owning large projects end-to-endCross-team collaborationTechnical strategy inputHiring and interviewingIndependent problem solving
Salary Negotiation & Career Positioning
OngoingSkills You'll Build
Compensation researchNegotiation tacticsPortfolio of impactInterview preparationPersonal branding