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AI's threat to engineering jobs: Why critical thinking is key for engineers

Oct 10, 2024 11:03 AM IST

AI's ability to automate routine tasks, refine searches, and perform complex data analysis poses a significant threat to many engineering jobs.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the engineering landscape, presenting both, significant challenges and promising opportunities. As automation takes over more engineering tasks, engineers face the challenge of either adapting or becoming outdated. A recent study by Great Learning highlights that 67.5% of engineers feel their jobs are negatively impacted by AI, while 87.5% believe that upskilling is vital for career security and growth amidst this technological upheaval.

A recent study by Great Learning highlights that 67.5% of engineers feel their jobs are negatively impacted by AI, while 87.5% believe that upskilling is vital for career security and growth amidst this technological upheaval.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A recent study by Great Learning highlights that 67.5% of engineers feel their jobs are negatively impacted by AI, while 87.5% believe that upskilling is vital for career security and growth amidst this technological upheaval.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The impact of AI on engineering careers

AI's ability to automate routine tasks, refine searches, and perform complex data analysis poses a significant threat to many engineering jobs. Estimates suggest that 20-40% of engineering tasks may become automated over the next five to ten years, depending on the specific discipline and role. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on engineering is expected to be profound, revolutionising how technocrats approach their work.

The automation of traditional engineering tasks is reducing demand for some job types while increasing the need for roles that require higher-level problem-solving and AI integration. As AI takes over routine tasks, jobs that need advanced skills or human judgment will be in higher demand. Engineers who lack proficiency in AI and data analytics may find themselves at a disadvantage in this changing landscape. Consequently, a growing divide is emerging between high-skill, high-paying jobs and low-skill, low-paying jobs, resulting in fewer opportunities in the middle.

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Shifting role of engineers

Engineers will need to adapt by focusing on supervising and interpreting AI outputs, integrating AI with existing systems, and managing AI-driven processes. This shift introduces uncertainties and challenges for those unprepared for the transition. Traditional engineering tasks, particularly those involving repetitive procedures and data-heavy analysis, are particularly vulnerable to AI-based automation. This trend is decreasing demand for certain engineering roles while increasing the need for advanced problem-solving and AI integration skills.

Opportunities amidst disruption

Despite the challenges, the rise of AI is not just a signal of impending job losses. It is anticipated to generate new opportunities and reshape existing roles. AI-augmented engineering will demand that engineers collaborate with AI systems, focusing on tasks requiring human creativity and complex decision-making, while AI handles data-driven and repetitive functions. This shift provides an opportunity for engineers to evolve and thrive in new roles demanding creativity and better designs that AI cannot easily replicate. Engineers who lack skills in AI and data analytics will find themselves at a disadvantage. There is going to be a growing divide between high-skill, high-paying jobs and low-skill, low-paying jobs, with fewer job opportunities in the middle.

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Changing job market dynamics

The evolving job market demands that engineers should assimilate lifelong learning capabilities. It also reflects these changes, with recruiters increasingly seeking candidates who can bridge the gap between traditional engineering and AI. Engineers who possess skills in AI, machine learning, and data analytics are highly sought after. This shift is evident in campus recruitment trends, with a growing number of job openings related to AI and data science. Students with experience in AI projects, internships, or specialized courses are attracting greater attention, and startups and tech companies focused on AI innovations are ramping up their recruitment efforts.

The importance of critical thinking and upskilling

To remain competitive, engineers must develop skills that complement AI technologies. Embracing lifelong learning and gaining expertise in AI, machine learning, and data analytics will be essential. Skills in creativity, complex problem-solving, and critical thinking are invaluable, as they are not easily replicated by AI. Engineers who adapt to these changes and focus on roles that AI cannot easily replace will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving job market.

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Not everything is gloomy, though; AI is expected to create new opportunities and transform existing roles, resulting in a shift rather than an outright reduction in employment. The rise of AI-augmented engineering will require engineers to collaborate with AI systems, concentrating on tasks that demand human creativity and complex decision-making, while AI manages more data-driven and repetitive aspects.

To sum up, while AI presents significant challenges to traditional engineering roles, it also opens new avenues for growth and innovation. By staying informed about technological advancements and continuously developing relevant skills, engineers can navigate the shifting landscape and leverage AI to enhance their careers. Embracing critical thinking and upskilling will be crucial for thriving in the AI-driven future of engineering.

(Authors Dinesh Seth Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technologyand Mangesh Bedekar are from the School of Engineering & Technology and the School of Computer Engineering, respectively MIT, World Peace University, Pune

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