A knowledge engineer is a person who studies, designs, and implements computer software programs that can solve a wide range of problems. Knowledge-based systems (KBSs) are applications that incorporate artificial intelligence into data mining, data entry, calculation tasks, and decision-making. They try to create codes and programs that work in the same way as a human expert on a particular task, such as solving complex physics equations. The majority of knowledge engineers work for software development companies, but some also work for private companies and consulting firms.
A knowledge engineer first considers the limitations of current technologies and the need for more efficient programs when researching a new type of KBS. He or she might talk to programmers, software developers, and end users to find out about their concerns, problems, and requirements. With their criticisms in mind, the engineer takes on a new software project.
Building a new artificial intelligence system can take weeks or months to complete. The engineer attempts to make the system work by using commands and problems in the same way that an expert in a particular domain would. He or she creates logical steps for the computer to follow in order to quickly solve a problem or make a decision. When compared to a program that finds an answer algorithmically by exhausting all possible routes, time and energy are saved.
A knowledge engineer must be extremely detail-oriented and well-organized. He or she must ensure that no errors are made when writing a new program. Even a minor coding error can cause a program to crash and corrupt data output. A knowledge engineer must also have the foresight to include special instructions for the program that a less experienced programmer might overlook. He or she might, for example, be able to avoid common data entry errors in a spreadsheet application by programming the computer to recognize when one piece of data differs significantly from previous entries. If the application notices that a 100 has been entered instead of a 10, it may prompt the user to confirm that the entry is correct.
A person who wishes to pursue a career as a knowledge engineer should look into bachelor’s degree programs offered by accredited colleges and universities. Although there are few schools that offer degrees in knowledge engineering specifically, a program in computer science or software engineering can provide the necessary training. Before looking for jobs in the field, many future engineers decide to pursue master’s degrees or higher. For several weeks or months, a new knowledge engineer usually has the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals to hone his or her skills.