Machine Learning Data Linguist
Josie Baeza
Machine Learning Data Linguist, AI Data Team, Amazon
The Machine Learning Data Linguist position at Amazon is part of the AI Data Team, where the goal is to improve AI and voice recognition systems through the analysis of speech data. This role requires advanced fluency in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, along with experience in phonemic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). As a linguist in this team, you will contribute to improving AI’s ability to recognize and interpret different accents, dialects, and languages, directly influencing the performance of Amazon’s AI products and services. Through the career exploration process, I learned that this position offers linguistic expertise and technical skills, making it appealing to individuals interested in AI and machine learning. It’s interesting because you play a direct role in training AI systems, helping them better understand human language, which is the main goal of AI innovation.
How did you find this position?
I discovered this position while researching opportunities as I pursue a career in Spanish. I found this posting on Indeed.com, and it caught my attention because it specifically calls for Spanish speakers.
Minimum Qualifications:
The minimum qualifications for this position are advanced fluency in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, along with experience in phonemic transcription using tools like the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). A degree in linguistics or computational linguistics or equivalent experience in data markup is required. Language majors would find their skills in transcription, language analysis, and linguistic fluency relevant to this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
The preferred qualifications focus on experience working with speech data, accents, and dialects. Another preferred qualification for this position is being comfortable with fast-paced environments and having the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, having practical knowledge of data processing and strong research skills is needed. Language majors would benefit from experience working with speech from various languages and accents.
What are some other skills that are important for success in this field?
Another skill to succeed in this field is critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to
analyze speech data accurately. Research skills and problem-solving are essential for processing
data. Technology proficiency, such as working with annotation tools, is also important. The 2021
Association of American Colleges and Universities Report highlights skills like adaptability,
teamwork, and interpersonal communication, which are essential for collaborating in a dynamic,
tech-driven environment.
What might be helpful to prepare for a language major to prepare for this field or position?
Language majors can prepare for this field by taking courses in phonetics, linguistics, and computational linguistics at Boise State or pursuing relevant graduate certificates in Linguistic Data Science. Practical experience in data annotation, internships in AI or tech, and exposure to coding or speech processing tools like IPA will prepare you for this role.
How is proficiency in another language useful or important in this position?
Proficiency in languages like Portuguese, English, and Spanish is important for understanding speech data and transcribing it accurately. This helps in training AI systems to recognize and process multiple languages. Having strong language skills ensures you can handle different accents and dialects effectively, improving overall AI performance.
How is the ability to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds useful or important in this position?
Working with people from different cultures allows you to understand diverse speech patterns, accents, and dialects, which is key in AI language training. It ensures that the AI system works effectively for many users. Teamwork across cultural boundaries also leads to better collaboration and innovation with AI.
Anything else interesting to share about the position?
The position is particularly interesting because it combines linguistic skills with technology, offering an opportunity to shape the future of AI and voice recognition. The role allows language majors to apply their knowledge in a tech-focused environment, contributing directly to AI innovation and helping create systems that understand human speech more effectively.
