AI’s Impact on Engineering: Why the Right Skills Matter More Than Ever
In the traditional engineering view, the focus has often been on technical expertise. From university courses to online tutorials, the emphasis is on mastering programming languages, understanding complex algorithms, and working with data structures. While these skills are undeniably valuable, they represent only one piece of the puzzle for today’s engineers.
In light of the growing influence of AI in the tech industry, this article challenges the conventional narrative of what it means to be a successful engineer. As AI reshapes the landscape, engineering success demands more than technical competence. It requires an approach that considers the broader ecosystem in which software operates. The role of engineers is expanding beyond coding to include critical areas such as product ownership, collaboration, and understanding the impact of their work. In this evolving landscape, engineers must adapt and embrace the intersection of technical skills and team impact to thrive.
In this article, we aim to challenge the conventional narrative. True engineering success extends far beyond simply knowing how to code or grasping the intricacies of algorithms.
This perspective shift takes us into three crucial areas that define engineering excellence:
1. Technical Excellence
At its core, engineering demands a solid foundation in technical principles. A deep understanding of fundamental computer science concepts — data structures, algorithms, software design patterns — is essential. Engineers need proficiency in programming languages, whether object-oriented or functional, as well as a clear understanding of system architecture, ensuring different components interact seamlessly in scalable and maintainable systems.
However, in today’s world, technical excellence goes beyond just coding proficiency. It’s about continuously learning, staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and methodologies, and dedicating oneself to writing clean, efficient, and well-documented code. Embracing best practices like unit testing, code reviews, and continuous integration helps ensure the codebase remains robust, adaptable, and maintainable.
2. Product Ownership
In today’s fast-paced, user-centric world, engineers need to be more than just code producers — they must become product owners. This means they need to understand the underlying business objectives and the needs of the users. Engineers must shift from a task-oriented mindset to a product-focused approach.
Active participation in product discussions with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders is key. Engineers must understand user needs, define product requirements, and translate those needs into effective technical solutions. A strong grasp of user experience (UX) principles is essential, as engineers strive to build products that are not only technically sound but also intuitive and user-friendly.
Moreover, successful engineers track the impact of their work by defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs). This allows them to make data-driven decisions, prioritize efforts effectively, and continuously enhance their contributions.
3. Collaboration & Influence
Engineering is inherently collaborative. Successful projects almost always result from the effective interplay of diverse skills and perspectives. This part of engineering is about more than just technical output — it’s about relationships, influence, and building a positive, productive environment.
Building Strong Relationships
Effective Communication: Clear, concise communication of technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is essential. Whether it’s explaining complex systems to stakeholders or writing documentation, strong communication skills are a must.
Active Listening: Listening to understand others’ perspectives fosters empathy and builds stronger relationships.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engineers need to work effectively with various teams — product managers, designers, and marketers — ensuring that everyone is aligned and any conflicts are resolved.
Leading and Influencing Without a Title
Mentorship & Guidance: Supporting junior engineers, sharing knowledge, and fostering a learning culture strengthens the team as a whole.
Driving Positive Change: Engineers should take the initiative to improve processes, increase efficiency, and raise team morale.
Building a Strong Engineering Culture: Contributing to a team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose can have a lasting impact.
Expanding Your Impact: From Implementation to Influence
The traditional image of an engineer is often that of a lone coder, focused solely on writing code. While this picture still holds some truth, it misses the broader role that engineers play today. The journey from being a proficient coder to an outcome-driven engineer involves a fundamental shift:
From Task-Oriented to Product-Oriented: Engineers need to engage in product discussions, understand strategic goals, and prioritize their work based on potential impact.
From Individual Contributor to Team Player: Engineers should contribute to creating a positive team environment, share knowledge, mentor others, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
From Code Producer to Problem Solver: Engineers should focus on solving real-world problems rather than just writing code. They must design solutions that meet user needs, address business challenges, and drive innovation.
From Technical Specialist to Business Partner: Engineers should understand the business context of their work and communicate technical implications to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
This shift is ongoing. It requires continuous learning, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, and a commitment to personal growth. The engineers who thrive today are those who embrace these transformations and actively seek opportunities to expand their skills and influence.
By embracing this engineering approach — technical excellence, product ownership, and collaboration — engineers can unlock their full potential. They can move beyond just writing code and become indispensable contributors to their teams and the broader tech ecosystem.