AI’s Disruption: A Growing Concern for Engineers

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is sparking significant concern among engineers, with many worried about job security amid rising automation. A recent study by Great Learning reveals that 67.5% of engineers feel their roles are negatively affected by AI, while 87.5% believe that upskilling is essential to secure their careers against technological disruption.

The Impact of AI on Engineering Roles

AI’s capability to automate routine tasks and perform complex data analysis is fundamentally changing the engineering field. Estimates suggest that 20-40% of engineering tasks may be automated over the next decade. This shift is driving a transformation in job requirements, with a marked decline in demand for traditional roles and an increase in opportunities for those skilled in AI-related fields.

Why Upskilling is Critical for Engineers

According to the Great Learning Upskilling Trends Report 2024-25, 87.5% of engineers assert that upskilling is crucial for future-proofing their careers. The report highlights that 89% of engineers plan to acquire new hard skills, particularly in AI and machine learning, with 86% seeking expertise in Generative AI.

Experts suggest that engineers will need to evolve by focusing on supervising AI outputs, integrating AI with existing systems, and managing AI-driven processes. Those specializing in AI and data analytics are anticipated to remain in high demand, while engineers lacking these skills may face job insecurity.

Current Challenges in Engineering Employment

Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-founder of Great Learning, highlights a significant misalignment between engineering graduates’ skills and industry demands, noting that only 46% of engineering graduates are considered employable according to the 2023 India Skills Report. This gap, attributed to inflexible curricula and insufficient industry-focused education, exacerbates the hiring challenges, especially in the IT sector where onboarding delays are prevalent.

Essential Skills for the Modern Engineer

To stay relevant, engineers must develop skills that complement AI technologies. Expertise in AI, machine learning, and data analytics is increasingly valuable. Additionally, skills in creativity, complex problem-solving, and critical thinking remain important as these capabilities cannot yet be replicated by AI.

Opportunities Amidst Change

Despite the challenges, AI presents new opportunities. AI is expected to create novel roles and transform existing ones, requiring engineers to collaborate with AI systems and focus on tasks demanding human creativity and complex decision-making. The growing number of job openings in AI and data science, along with increased recruitment by tech startups, underscores the evolving landscape.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

To thrive in this new environment, engineers must commit to lifelong learning and adapt to evolving industry requirements. Embracing AI and data science skills, along with focusing on roles that AI cannot easily replace, will be crucial for continued success in the engineering profession.