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The landscape of software engineering is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the profession. Once considered a bastion of job security and lucrative salaries, the sector is now grappling with mass layoffs and an uncertain future. Engineers are responding to this disruption by honing their foundational skills, exploring new avenues within AI, and seeking collective action to protect their interests.
The Changing Nature of Software Engineering
In 2022, software engineering was a highly sought-after profession in the United States, with salaries often exceeding £150,000, double the national median. However, the arrival of advanced AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has significantly altered the dynamics of this field. According to Layoff.fyi, over 600,000 technology workers in the U.S. have lost their jobs since the AI boom began, with the unemployment rate for computer science graduates rising to 7% in 2024, up from 6.1% the previous year. This shift has left software engineers feeling anxious about their job security and the value of their skills.
Matt, a software engineer who prefers to remain anonymous for job security reasons, illustrates the plight of many in the industry. His role has gradually evolved from coding and problem-solving to predominantly reviewing AI-generated code. Concerned that this shift could erode his skills, he has taken it upon himself to continue coding personal projects during his daily four-hour commute. “I am trying not to leverage AI where I can,” he states, highlighting the struggle many engineers face in maintaining their expertise and relevance.
A New Skill Set for the AI Era
With AI’s increasing involvement in software development, the emphasis on traditional coding skills is diminishing. Experts agree that while the ability to write code is becoming less critical, the ability to assess and enhance AI-generated code is gaining prominence. Bouke Klein Teeselink, an assistant professor of economics at King’s College London, notes, “AI is hugely augmenting what it means to be a software engineer.” This shift necessitates a re-evaluation of what constitutes success in the field.
Ethan Mollick, an associate professor at the Wharton School, adds that the role of software engineers is evolving. They are now tasked with defining problems, designing systems, and effectively directing AI tools. This evolution requires engineers to adapt their skill set to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. While some engineers embrace this change, others struggle to reconcile their traditional roles with new expectations.
Exploring New Opportunities
The AI disruption has prompted some engineers to reconsider their career paths altogether. George Dover, a software engineer based in Portland, Oregon, faced this reality head-on after being laid off in late 2024. He spent time working as a substitute kindergarten teacher while applying for new roles. Rather than succumbing to despair, he recognised the importance of understanding AI. By using AI tools to generate code and subsequently reviewing it for errors and inefficiencies, he successfully pivoted back into a software engineering role focused on AI.
Dover’s experience underscores a broader trend: as AI-generated code becomes more prevalent, the demand for professionals who can evaluate and validate this output is likely to increase. Shriram Krishnamurthi, a professor of computer science at Brown University, suggests that those engineers who adapt and acquire the necessary skills will thrive in this new landscape. However, he warns that not all professionals will successfully navigate this transition, as the ability to work with AI is becoming a critical differentiator.
Collective Action and Support Networks
As fears of job loss mount, many software engineers are turning to collective action for support. Kaitlin Cort, a former software engineer, founded a resource centre called What We Will, aimed at helping tech workers navigate the disruption caused by AI. Cort’s initiative supports workers facing layoffs, assists with upskilling, and advocates for unionisation efforts.
The growing interest in collective action reflects a shared anxiety among tech professionals regarding their future. As Cort notes, “There’s a lot of need right now.” With many engineers seeking guidance and support from established unions, the industry is poised for a potential shift towards greater solidarity among workers.
Why it Matters
The transformation of the software engineering profession due to AI is not merely a technical challenge; it represents a fundamental redefinition of job roles and skills. As engineers grapple with these changes, the industry’s response—through skill adaptation and collective action—will shape the future of work in tech. This moment of upheaval offers an opportunity for professionals to redefine their roles and forge a new path that balances human ingenuity with technological advancement. The ongoing evolution will not only impact individual careers but also the broader tech landscape, influencing how companies develop and deploy software in an increasingly AI-driven world.
