EVOLVING ENGINEERING IN THE AI ERA

July 3, 2026

In a recent interview with The Times of India, Awan Roy (VP and Head of NiCE India and Philippines) and Guru Majgaonkar (VP, Engineering, CX, NiCE) discussed the fundamental shift in software engineering as artificial intelligence moves from a novelty to a primary tool for development.

THE COMMODITIZATION OF CODE

The central theme of their discussion is that coding has become a commodity. Because AI can now generate complex code in any language, an engineer’s identity can no longer be tied to a specific programming language or technology.

·         The Shift: Engineers are moving away from traditional "coding-heavy" roles toward high-value activities such as system design, architecture, reliability, and innovation.

·         AI as a Force Multiplier: AI is not viewed as a replacement for engineers but as a tool that amplifies productivity, allowing teams to revisit and execute complex projects that were previously too time-consuming to prioritize.

CRITICAL HUMAN SKILLS

As AI takes over routine coding, the leaders highlight that specific human-centric skills are becoming more important:

·         Systems Thinking: The ability to understand how complex systems interact and how architectural decisions influence scalability, security, and business outcomes.

·         Problem Framing: Engineers must now excel at clearly defining the desired business outcome before tasking an AI to generate the solution.

·         Critical Thinking & Engineering Judgment: AI-generated code may appear correct but can contain subtle security vulnerabilities or operational risks. Human oversight remains essential to validate these outputs.

·         Communication & Collaboration: Engineering no longer happens in silos; engineers must work closely across product, data, and business teams to translate needs into effective solutions.

ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

For young engineers entering the industry, Majgaonkar and Roy emphasize building a career that thrives alongside AI rather than competing with it:

1.  Learn Deeply, Not Just Broadly: While technology cycles shorten, building strong foundations in computer science, cloud architecture, and security remains vital.

2.  Stay Curious & Build Things: Practical experience is the fastest way to develop "engineering judgment."

3.  Domain Expertise is a Superpower: Understanding the specific business domain (e.g., healthcare, finance, or supply chain) is becoming a unique competitive advantage. As Roy notes, in a world where everyone can build faster, the real differentiator is understanding what problems actually need to be solved