I just copied the html from this thread into Claude to get a summary. I think being very realistic, a lot of SWE job requirements will be replaced by LLMs.
The expertise to pick the right tool for the right job based on previous experience that senior engineers poses is something that can probably be taught to an LLM.
Having the ability to provide a business case for the technology to stakeholders that aren't technologically savvy is going to be a people job for a while still.
I think positioning yourself as an expert / bridge between technology and business is what will future-proof a lot of SWE, but in reality, especially at larger organizations, there will be a trimming process where the workload of what was thought to need 10 engineers can be done with 2 engineers + LLMs.
I'm excited about the future where we're able to create software quicker and more contextual to each specific business need. Knowing how to do that can be an advantage for software engineers of different skill levels.
I'd argue design and UX will be more important for engineers. You need taste to direct LLMs. You can automate some things and maybe have it do data-driven feedback loops but there are so many random industries/locations with off requirements, changes in trends, etc. that it will require someone to oversee and make adjustments
"The expertise to pick the right tool for the right job based on previous experience that senior engineers poses is something that can probably be taught to an LLM."
AI is just ML Machine Learning which isn't about learning at all. It's about absorbing data, then reiterating it to sound intelligent. Actual learning takes human beings with feelings, hopes, dreams, motivations, passions, etc.
The expertise to pick the right tool for the right job based on previous experience that senior engineers poses is something that can probably be taught to an LLM.
Having the ability to provide a business case for the technology to stakeholders that aren't technologically savvy is going to be a people job for a while still.
I think positioning yourself as an expert / bridge between technology and business is what will future-proof a lot of SWE, but in reality, especially at larger organizations, there will be a trimming process where the workload of what was thought to need 10 engineers can be done with 2 engineers + LLMs.
I'm excited about the future where we're able to create software quicker and more contextual to each specific business need. Knowing how to do that can be an advantage for software engineers of different skill levels.