What's the difference between a data scientist and an AI engineer?

I just stumbled upon an article that got me thinking - what's the difference between a data scientist and an AI engineer?
As someone interested in learning more about data scientists, I'm curious to know more about their role and how it differs from an AI engineer.

From what I've learned so far, data scientists focus on analyzing and interpreting complex data to gain insights and make informed decisions.
They use tools like Python and machine learning to uncover patterns and trends in the data.

But how does this differ from an AI engineer's role?
Do they work together, or are they separate entities?

I'd love to hear from those who are more familiar with these roles - what skills are required for each position, and how do they overlap?
What are some common misconceptions about data scientists and AI engineers?

Let's discuss - what do you think is the most important skill for a data scientist to have in 2026?

Reference:

Data Scientist vs AI Engineer: Which Career Should You Choose in 2026?