The Future Software Engineer
Murat Durmus
CEO & Founder @ AISOMA AG | Thought-Provoking Thoughts on AI | Member of the Advisory Board AI Frankfurt | Author of the book "MINDFUL AI" | AI | AI-Strategy | AI-Ethics | XAI | Philosophy
Much has already been said and written about this topic. Understandably, many in this sector fear for their jobs. Presentations by CursorAI and Co. Fuel this even more. I believe that there is no great danger for software engineers in the foreseeable future. Of course, under one condition (and this is essential) they have to develop faster and faster and adapt to the circumstances (actually nothing new for software engineers;-)). Here are a few more thoughts on this:
In this future role, the engineer does not simply write code but conducts a complicated symphony of algorithms, AI agents, and automated processes. Like a maestro in front of a digital orchestra, their job shifts from creation to curation, from inputting commands to harmonizing systems that can learn, adapt, and even evolve without constant human intervention.
The main difference?
While the traditional engineer works out every single line of code, the orchestrator is responsible for the results. They work at a higher level, shaping how systems work together and deciding what gets built, but they rarely make it from scratch themselves. The future engineer must find a balance between technical mastery and an almost philosophical approach. He must know when to intervene and let the machine go its own way, like an artist who lets the paint drip as part of his masterpiece.
The irony of the whole ... the more autonomous the machines become, the more human the engineer's role becomes. Empathy, ethics, creativity - all of these will become the new tools of the trade. The orchestrator's job will be to decide what machines can do and whether they should do it. The AI will write the code, but the soul of the system will still belong to the engineer.
The future software engineer becomes a conductor, shaping code and conscience into a symphony in which the harmony between automation and human values defines the true masterpiece.
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Chief Cyber Risk Officer at MTI | Advancing Cybersecurity and AI Through Constant Learning
2 个月Thank you for sharing these compelling insights. The envisioned shift from coding to orchestrating AI systems underscores the increasing complexity and responsibility placed on future engineers. While this evolution presents opportunities, it raises concerns about accountability and the potential for unintended consequences in autonomous systems. Striking the right balance between innovation, ethical oversight, and human values will be paramount to ensuring these systems align with societal needs while minimizing risks.
CTO @ Pinpoint Labs | Head of Development | Head of Cybersecurity | Digital Forensics Examiner | eDiscovery Specialist
6 个月Murat Durmus, this has always been the pattern of software development. It will be interesting to see if these new AI agents are really a bridge to this field's logical conclusion. More likely, though, we'll just start teaching these high-order skills to the next generation of engineers.
FüHREN IM TOPMANAGEMENT | Leadership Advisor & Strategist | Führungsexzellenz entwickeln, Zukunft von Organisationen gestalten
6 个月Thank you for your important contribution, Murat Durmus. The requirements for software engineers will also change significantly. Just like for managers, for example.?For many of them, it will be a great challenge to use empathy, ethics and creativity as new tools of the trade.