AI Effects On Engineering Jobs
By Ian Greenough
About this collection
# AI's Impact on Engineering Jobs: Current Reality vs. Future Uncertainty This collection examines whether artificial intelligence will replace engineers, particularly mechanical engineers, drawing from industry discussions, expert analyses, and professional perspectives. ## Key Insights **Current Consensus**: Most engineering professionals believe their jobs are relatively safe from AI replacement in the near term. Engineers emphasize that AI lacks critical capabilities like engineering judgment, creativity, and the ability to handle complex, non-routine problems requiring human oversight. **AI as Enhancement Tool**: Rather than replacement, AI is emerging as a powerful assistant that automates tedious tasks (basic CAD work, routine calculations, documentation) while freeing engineers to focus on higher-level design decisions, innovation, and complex problem-solving. **Industry Transformation**: While complete job replacement seems unlikely, the engineering profession is evolving. AI will likely reduce demand for entry-level positions and routine work, while creating new roles like AI-assisted design specialists and requiring engineers to develop hybrid skillsets combining traditional engineering with AI literacy. **Timeline Reality**: Despite rapid AI advancement, practical implementation faces significant barriers including data limitations, liability concerns, and the conservative nature of engineering companies. Most experts suggest meaningful disruption is decades away, not imminent. **Strategic Takeaway**: Engineers who adapt by learning to work with AI tools will likely thrive, while those who resist technological integration may face challenges. The future belongs to "AI-augmented engineers" rather than AI replacements.
Curated Sources
Will artificial intelligence lead to a higher rate of unemployment compared to job creation in the future, given its high level of accuracy and the prevalence of human error in most jobs? - Quora
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Key Takeaways
- The categorization of cookies into different types (Strictly Necessary, Performance, Functional, and Targeting) helps users understand their specific purposes and implications for website functionality and user privacy.
- Users have limited control over some cookies, as certain types are always active, which may impact their ability to manage their privacy preferences fully.
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OpenAI CEO says AI era is 'exciting time' to start a career
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the AI era is 'probably the most exciting time to be starting out one's career, maybe ever.' He suggests that AI could create new industries and roles, enhance workers' ability to learn and implement new skills, and 'democratize access to jobs' for young workers. While some experts predict that AI will create millions of new roles, others are concerned about job cuts due to AI adoption. According to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, over 10,000 jobs were cut in the first seven months of 2025 due to AI. However, MIT researchers found that generative AI tools can increase individual workers' productivity, and early-stage startups led by young entrepreneurs have successfully used AI models tailored to their businesses. Experts like entrepreneurship expert Steve Blank note that AI can give first-time business founders a huge boost by helping them vet startup ideas, draft business plans, and fill gaps on small teams.
Key Takeaways
- AI is likely to create new industries and job roles, but may also lead to job cuts in certain sectors.
- The success of AI implementation depends on redesigning workflows around AI's strengths, rather than shoehorning AI into existing processes.
- Early-stage startups and young entrepreneurs are well-positioned to benefit from AI, as it can help them achieve tasks that previously required 'decades of experience or large teams of people'.
- While AI adoption may lead to short-term job displacement, it has the potential to increase productivity and 'democratize access to jobs' in the long run.
Character.AI Gave Up on AGI. Now It’s Selling Stories | WIRED
Character.AI, a startup that once aimed to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI), has shifted its focus to becoming an entertainment company. The company now boasts 20 million users who engage with its AI chatbots to create stories. The new CEO has rebranded the company, moving away from its original goal of achieving superintelligence. Users, including children, are using the platform to interact with chatbots, such as a Sherlock Holmes bot, to build their own mystery stories. This change in direction comes as the company sees significant user engagement and potential in the entertainment sector.
Key Takeaways
- The shift from AGI to entertainment represents a significant change in direction for Character.AI, indicating a potential pivot in the company's business strategy.
- The company's success in user engagement, with 20 million users, suggests that AI chatbots can be effectively used for entertainment purposes.
- Character.AI's new focus on storytelling and user-generated content highlights the potential for AI in creative industries.
AI Is Eliminating Jobs for Younger Workers | WIRED
New research from Stanford University provides evidence that artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce, particularly affecting younger workers by eliminating certain jobs. However, the impact is complex as more experienced workers are seeing new opportunities emerge. Economists found that while AI is replacing younger workers in some industries, it is also creating new opportunities for more experienced workers. The study highlights that AI is starting to have a significant impact on the job market, but there's still a lot of tasks where humans and machines can outperform AI on its own.
Key Takeaways
- The impact of AI on the job market is complex and multifaceted, affecting different demographics in various ways.
- While AI is displacing younger workers in certain industries, it is creating new opportunities for more experienced workers, indicating a shift in the workforce dynamics.
- The study suggests that despite AI's growing capabilities, there are still many tasks where human-machine collaboration outperforms AI alone, indicating a potential for complementary rather than replacement roles.
How safe are engineering jobs from AI? : r/MechanicalEngineering
The discussion revolves around the safety of engineering jobs, particularly CAD designer roles, from the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants share their opinions and experiences on how AI might affect their work, with some believing that while AI can assist in certain tasks like CAD design, it still requires human expertise to control and validate the process. Others point out that AI's data-driven nature may limit its applicability in fields like mechanical engineering where information is often not shared or is classified. The conversation also touches on the potential for AI to increase efficiency in certain roles, especially in smaller companies or niche areas where engineers handle multiple tasks.
Key Takeaways
- AI is unlikely to fully replace human engineers in roles requiring complex decision-making and expertise.
- The impact of AI on engineering jobs will vary depending on the specific role, company size, and industry sector.
- Smaller companies or niche areas with multifaceted engineering roles may benefit from AI integration, becoming more efficient and valuable.
- Highly specialized roles in large companies with segregated positions may be more susceptible to AI-driven changes or layoffs.
Why Offshoring AI Development Is Rising in the US
The document discusses the growing trend of US companies offshoring AI development to countries like India, the UK, Canada, the UAE, and Australia. It highlights the benefits of offshoring, including cost-effectiveness, access to global talent, quality work, round-the-clock development, and easy management. The top destinations for offshoring AI development are analyzed based on their tech infrastructure, talent pool, and market growth. The document also compares offshore and nearshore AI development, considering factors like cultural fit, time zones, and costs. It concludes that both offshoring and nearshoring can be viable options depending on project requirements and company needs.
Key Takeaways
- Offshoring AI development allows US companies to tap into global talent and reduce costs while maintaining quality.
- Nearshoring to countries like Canada offers cultural alignment and easier management, but at a higher cost compared to offshoring to countries like India.
- The choice between offshore and nearshore AI development depends on project needs, budget, and time zone considerations.
AI replacing mechanical engineers? : r/MechanicalEngineering
The discussion revolves around the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on mechanical engineering jobs, particularly in design and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Some experts believe that while AI may automate certain tasks, it is unlikely to replace human engineers entirely, especially in complex design and analysis tasks. The current limitations of AI in understanding complex physics and mechanical engineering concepts are highlighted. The conversation also touches upon the role of AI in augmenting engineering work, improving efficiency, and the potential for AI to take over more mundane tasks. Control systems are suggested as a more lucrative field within mechanical engineering. The service side of engineering, such as troubleshooting and problem-solving, is considered less likely to be replaced by AI.
Key Takeaways
- AI is unlikely to fully replace human mechanical engineers in design and FEA roles due to the complexity of these tasks and current AI limitations.
- AI can augment engineering work by automating routine tasks and improving efficiency, but human oversight and validation will remain necessary.
- Control systems within mechanical engineering are considered a more promising field with higher job opportunities and salaries.
Jobs AI Will Replace First in the Workplace Shift
The article discusses the impending impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global workforce, with experts predicting significant job displacement and transformation by 2050. According to reports from PwC, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum, up to 60% of current jobs will require substantial adaptation due to AI. The article highlights various sectors and jobs that are vulnerable to automation, including data entry, customer service, bookkeeping, financial modeling, paralegal work, graphic design, and software development. On the other hand, roles that require human empathy, creativity, and complex decision-making, such as nursing, teaching, and high-level management, are expected to be more resistant to automation. Experts like Ray Dalio, Larry Fink, and Jamie Dimon warn of the need for workers to adapt and acquire new skills to remain competitive in an AI-driven economy.
Key Takeaways
- The article highlights the urgent need for workers to develop AI-resilient skills, such as critical thinking and digital fluency, to remain competitive in the job market.
- Experts predict that while AI will automate many jobs, it will also create new opportunities in fields like cybersecurity and AI-adjacent roles.
- The pace of AI adoption and job displacement will depend on factors like technological breakthroughs, regulatory frameworks, and economic incentives, with estimates suggesting a transformative window of 10 to 30 years.
Will AI Replace Mechanical Engineers? Risks and Opportunities | Neural Concept
The document explores the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and mechanical engineering, discussing the potential risks and opportunities AI presents for mechanical engineers. It examines the current state of mechanical engineering, the evolution of jobs in the field, and how AI is reshaping workflows. The document highlights AI's applications in design optimization, predictive engineering analytics, and automation, while emphasizing that AI is not likely to replace human engineers but rather augment their capabilities. It also discusses the need for mechanical engineers to develop new skills to thrive in an AI-driven industry, including proficiency in AI-assisted design tools, machine learning, and data analysis. The future of mechanical engineering is seen as involving a collaboration between human expertise and AI technology, leading to new job opportunities and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- The integration of AI in mechanical engineering is creating new job opportunities and transforming existing roles, rather than simply replacing human engineers.
- Mechanical engineers must develop a hybrid skillset that combines traditional engineering knowledge with AI and data analysis skills to remain relevant in the industry.
- AI is enhancing mechanical engineering careers by automating repetitive tasks, improving design optimization, and enabling predictive maintenance, thus freeing engineers to focus on higher-level decision-making and strategic thinking.
- The future of mechanical engineering involves a collaboration between human engineers and AI systems, with AI handling tasks that are repetitive or require significant computational power, while humans focus on complex problem-solving, creative design, and strategic decision-making.
- The demand for mechanical engineers is not decreasing, despite the growing use of AI, as AI technology creates new applications and opportunities for innovation in the field.
Will AI Replace Engineers? AI Implementation for Engineers
The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the engineering industry by automating tedious tasks, improving product development processes, and enhancing decision-making. It highlights the benefits of AI implementation, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved product quality. The authors emphasize that AI will not replace engineers but rather augment their capabilities, allowing them to focus on high-level tasks that require critical thinking and expertise. The article also introduces Monolith's AI software, which enables engineers to build self-learning models, optimize test plans, and predict system performance. By adopting AI, engineers can create better products in less time, and businesses can gain a competitive edge in their respective industries.
Key Takeaways
- AI implementation in engineering workflows can lead to significant productivity gains and cost savings by automating tedious tasks and improving product development processes.
- Engineers who adopt AI will have a competitive advantage over those who do not, as they will be able to focus on high-level tasks that require critical thinking and expertise.
- Monolith's AI software provides a tailored solution for engineers to build self-learning models, optimize test plans, and predict system performance, enabling them to create better products in less time.
how easy is it to replace engineers with AI/robots? : r/AskEngineers
The discussion revolves around the potential for AI and automation to replace engineers, with various perspectives on the likelihood and timeline of such a shift. Some argue that while AI will certainly impact the profession, it will augment rather than replace engineers, citing the need for human judgment and creativity in complex problem-solving. Others point out that AI's capabilities are rapidly advancing and could potentially automate many tasks currently performed by engineers. The conversation also touches on the historical context of technological advancements in engineering and the adaptability required of professionals in the field.
Key Takeaways
- The impact of AI on engineering will likely be significant but is difficult to predict with certainty.
- While AI may automate some tasks, human engineers will still be needed for complex problem-solving and judgment.
- The profession will likely evolve, with engineers working alongside AI to enhance productivity and capabilities.