Software engineer

Software engineers create, maintain, audit and improve systems to meet particular needs. They test hardware and software systems to diagnose and resolve system faults. Software engineers also write diagnostic programs and write code for operating systems and software.

Attributes: logical, patient, communicator

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Science communicator

Science communicators communicate science to the general public. They need to make scientific research understandable to people who may not have a background or career in science. Science communicators can be a science journalists or work in a university press office promoting the scientific research carried out by academics. They may deliver science shows or organise events at science festivals, schools or science centres or design and make interactive exhibits for science centres.

Attributes: creative, curious, logical

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Machine learning engineer

Machine learning engineers combine software engineering and data analysis to create programmes and algorithms that enable machines to take actions without being directed. They provide computers with the ability to learn automatically and improve from experience, without being programmed.

Attributes: imaginative, curious, communicator

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Data scientist

Data scientists find patterns in data collected by large organisations in order to solve the problems that the organisations face. Data scientists extract, analyse and interpret data using algorithms, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical tools. They then present this data and find ways to solve problems in innovative and imaginative ways.

Attributes: imaginative, logical and open-minded

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Computer scientist

Computer scientists use technology to solve problems and prepare for the future. They write and program software to create applications. Computer scientists work in database theory and software engineering. They use numerical analysis and programming languages in their work.

Attributes: organised, logical and resilient

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Artificial intelligence researcher

Artificial intelligence researchers create models and simulations to teach computers how to solve complex problems. They model the problems using mathematics, and develop new methods to solve these problems. They write code to create algorithms and test and analyse these algorithms to see how well they solve the problem.

Attributes: curious, resilient and open-minded

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Systems Engineer

Systems engineers design and create systems to meet specific needs by combining and integrating people, components and processes into a whole system and ensuring each of those components work correctly. Systems are used in industrial processes to increase output, but a toilet, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, an automatic iron, a car and even the human body are all systems. Larger systems include moveable bridges, manufacturing plants or the International Space Station.

Attributes: collaborative, imaginative, resilient

Marine Engineer

Marine engineers are involved in the designing, building, testing, maintaining and repairing of boats and ships as well as underwater craft such as submarines. They are responsible for the internal systems of a ship, such as the propulsion, electrical, refrigeration and steering systems. They can be involved in work such as marine surveying, drilling underwater for oil and gas and in the building of offshore platforms.

Attributes: passionate, imaginative, open-minded

Structural Engineer

Structural engineers are focused on all aspects concerned with buildings and built structures, such as houses, hospitals, office blocks, bridges, oil rigs, ships and aircraft. They work to understand, predict and measure aspects such as the strength, stability and how rigid buildings are. They also work to develop new designs or modify the designs of buildings or structures which are to be constructed and are responsible for choosing the appropriate materials, such as concrete, steel, timber and masonry, to meet design specification.

Attributes: observant, committed, resilient

Astronomer

Astronomers are a type of scientist that study objects in space. There are two types of astronomers. Observational astronomers collect data from satellites and spacecraft using radio and optical telescopes, develop new instruments to gather information and develop software to analyse and interpret data. Theoretical Astronomers develop theories on the physical processes happening in space and analyse data to help develop our understanding of events in the universe.

Attributes: open-minded, self-motivated, patient

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