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* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California) OR JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide) |
Profiling:
Artificial Intelligence Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Systems Analysts
Why are these jobs emerging?
They fit the category of existing occupations that require significant
skills modification.
Computer technology is constantly advancing. Today's computer specialists
working in manufacturing need skills in many forefront technologies including
Artificial Intelligence (AI), networking, computer-aided design/computer-
aided manufacturing/computer-aided engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE), and computer
simulation.
"Computer scientists and systems analysts will be among the fastest growing
occupations through the year 2005."
"The rising demand for information, further automation of offices and
factories, advances in health and medicine and continuing scientific
Research will stimulate the demand for skilled programmers."
Computer professionals play a major role in robotics and automation.
-- They work with engineers and other experts to design computer systems.
-- They create CAD/CAM engineering programs used in advanced manufacturing
systems to both design and build a product.
-- They make robots "smarter" by programming systems that allow robots to
communicate digitally with the computer system.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS
WHAT THEY DO
Artificial Intelligence (AI) programming describes the ability of a computer
to think for itself. AI Specialist is the name often given to computer
scientists who specialize in AI. Those in automation and robotics design
software programs that utilize expert, or knowledge-based systems specific to
robotics and manufacturing operations, including product specification and
design applications. They also use AI in sensor and vision applications.
AI Specialists are also involved in studying neural networks which is the
fastest-growing segment of AI. Neural networks mimic the brain's ability to
recognize and comprehend patterns, voices, and written characters.
Researchers are involved in developing industrial applications including
software for diagnostic tools, and self-taught robots.
JOB RELATED SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- Expert systems
-- Neural networks
-- Machine vision systems
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- Bachelor degree in computer science, information science, information
systems, data processing or a related major.
-- Advanced degree may be required.
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
Wage information not available
California Projected Job Outlook*
1990-2005
Computer Scientists, Related Workers, Not Elsewhere Classified
Estimated Employment in 1990: 6,060
Projected Employment in 2005 11,660
New Jobs in all industries: 5,610
Percent Change 1990-2005 92.7%
An additional 1,140 openings will occur as workers retire or leave the labor
market for other reasons.
*Projected Job Outlook is not industry specific.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS
WHAT THEY DO
Computer Programmers, working in robotics and automation create software
programs for the computer that controls the system. The programmer must be
familiar with manufacturing application programs that permit the integrated
use of machines and robots in manufacturing. They may input test data into
computers, correct errors, and write instructions to guide operating
personnel during production runs. These programmers are experts on Local
Area Networks (LAN) that link all the computers and computer controlled
equipment on the factory floor and are increasingly involved in AI
programming.
JOB RELATED SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- AI Programming;
-- Computer-aided software
-- Fourth generation computer
languages;
-- Local Area Network (LAN).
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- Bachelor or AA degree in computer science, information science,
information systems, mathematics or data processing preferred;
-- Substantial specialized experience.
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Computer Programmers ranges from $36,000 to $42,000.
California Projected Job Outlook*
1990-2005
Computer Programmers, Including Aides
Estimated Employment in 1990 74,610
Projected Employment in 2005 107,540
New Jobs in all industries 32,930
Percent Change 1990-2005 44.1%
An additional 30,270 openings will occur as workers retire or leave the
labor market for other reasons.
*Projected Job Outlook is not industry specific.
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSTS
WHAT THEY DO
In the robotics/automation field Computer Systems Analysts, also known as
Computer Scientists, work with engineers and other experts to determine how
computers can be used to meet specific needs. They must fully understand
the work goals and the capabilities of both the computer control system and
all equipment that will be computer controlled. These analysts may
specialize in AI, expert, or knowledge-based systems, robotics systems,
simulation software, machine vision, advanced robot control or digital
control of manufacturing processes.
JOB RELATED SKILLS
Knowledge of:
-- AI Technology;
-- Computer Simulation;
-- Database management;
-- Local area networks (LAN); and Wide area networks (WAN);engineering.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, information
systems, engineering, or a related major;
-- Graduate degree often required for more complex work.
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
According to a number of California surveys the annual median salary for
Systems Analysts ranges from $31,900 to $50,000.
California Projected Job Outlook*
1990 - 2005
Systems Analysts - Electronic Data Processing
Estimated Employment in 1990 53,110
Projected Employment in 2005 76,720
New Jobs in all industries 23,610
Percent Change 1990-2005 44.5%
An additional 8,330 openings will occur as workers retire or leave the labor
market for other reasons.
*Projected Job Outlook is not industry specific.
TRAINING INFORMATION
For information about training and education in the computer science fields
contact:
California Community Colleges
1107 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-8752
http://www.cccco.edu
University of California
300 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612-3550
(510) 987-0700
http://www.ucop.edu
California State University
Academic Affairs, Plans and Programs
400 Goldenshore
Long Beach, CA 90802
(310) 985-2845
http://www.calstate.edu
California Postsecondary Education Commission
1303 J Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-1000
http://www.cpec.ca.gov
The California Council for Private Post
Secondary and Vocational Education
1027 10th Street, 4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
http://infra1.dgs.ca.gov/cppve
WHERE ARE THE JOBS?
Job opportunities in manufacturing should be good for computer specialists
with advanced technological skills. Manufacturers continue to turn to
factory automation and are attempting to maximize the efficiency of their
computer systems. Job opportunities in manufacturing related sectors will
be found mainly in durable goods manufacturing and in industries involved
with computers, peripheral equipment, parts and software. Opportunities in
California industries include automotive, aerospace, apparel, computers,
electronics, food processing and pharmaceutical industries. (For more
detailed industry information see Occupational Guide Number 2004 A,
Engineering Occupations in Robotics and Automated Systems).
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of this occupational guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to: