Change, not disappearance how AI tools are transforming jobs in technology.
Artificial intelligence is one of the most influential forces shaping the world of work right now. From powering tools that write text and code to automating data analysis and customer service tasks, AI systems are rapidly improving. This has led to a wave of speculation that many jobs, including those in software engineering, might soon disappear. But according to industry leaders, that view is overly simplistic and overlooks how technology evolves with human skill rather than against it. A key voice in this debate is Salil Parekh, CEO of the Indian multinational technology company Infosys, who has offered a grounded and optimistic perspective on what AI really means for engineers.
A Balanced View from an Industry Leader
Salil Parekh heads one of the largest IT services companies in the world. Infosys works with global clients to build large scale technology and business services. Last month, in a conversation with The Economic Times, Parekh addressed the fear that artificial intelligence will quickly make engineers obsolete. Although AI tools are becoming more capable, he said, “it is not that overnight everything is going to be replaced.” He explained that foundational AI models are indeed innovative, but their actual deployment inside complex enterprise systems still requires skilled engineers. His point was clear: AI can help, but humans are still essential to adapt and operate these systems at scale.
This is not just corporate reassurance. Parekh looked at the scale of the global technology services market estimated at around $1.5 trillion and compared it with the size of AI specific services, which he placed at roughly $300 to $400 billion. This contrast suggests that while AI is a fast-growing segment, it is only part of a much larger ecosystem that still needs human expertise. Based on this, Parekh argued that the Indian IT sector, and the broader global technology services industry, is likely to grow and evolve rather than shrink.
What AI Can and Cannot Do
Many executives are wrestling with the same questions about the impact of AI on employment and work. Studies have shown that large language models (LLMs) and other AI systems can write code, translate languages, and even generate creative work. Research from academic sources points out that AI models are increasingly effective at basic programming tasks and generating boilerplate code but they still struggle with deep design thinking, long term maintenance, and understanding complex business requirements. Engineers do much more than produce lines of code they solve problems, design systems, and ensure software works reliably in real world environments.
Technology leaders outside of Infosys echo this nuanced view. Many point out that AI excels at routine, deterministic tasks activities with well defined rules and predictable inputs but falls short in areas where human judgment and creativity are required. For example, the CEO of Palo Alto Networks recently said that the idea of AI wiping out 80% of jobs is exaggerated because human expertise remains vital for many cybersecurity decisions and cloud architecture roles.
New Opportunities in the AI Era
Instead of eliminating jobs, Parekh and other industry leaders believe that AI will shift the nature of work. At Infosys, recruitment is still robust the company has been hiring tens of thousands of college graduates even as it adopts new technologies. Rather than a reduction in jobs, what is coming is a change in the skills required. Engineers will increasingly work alongside AI tools, using them to augment their capabilities rather than replace them.
This trend aligns with broader global discussions about how AI can expand economic opportunity. At the recent India AI Impact Summit, experts underlined the need for workforce transformation, reskilling programs, and cross industry collaboration to prepare workers for an AI driven future. Governments and corporate leaders alike are focusing on responsible AI governance, talent development, and cybersecurity as core elements of this transition.
Real World Adoption and Collaboration
Infosys itself is actively integrating AI into its services. The company recently announced partnerships with firms like Anthropic, aiming to bring advanced AI agents into sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, and manufacturing. These efforts show that the future of IT work is not purely about automation, but about collaboration between human engineers, AI systems, and industry specific expertise. In one report, Infosys said it was working on thousands of AI related projects and building hundreds of agents for real clients a sign that demand for engineering talent remains strong even while technologies evolve.
Other executives also emphasize that AI adoption creates more specialized work. For example, cyber security and cloud infrastructure roles are growing as enterprises deploy more AI systems, because those systems introduce new attack surfaces and complex integration challenges. The result is that while some routine tasks may be automated, many new roles and opportunities are emerging that require human ingenuity.
Preparing for the Future
What does this mean for current and future engineers? The emerging picture suggests that education and continuous learning will become even more important. Engineers who understand both traditional development skills and AI augmented workflows will be in demand. Employers are already investing in training programs and innovation labs to help employees stay relevant and contribute to AI enabled initiatives.
In addition, the broader tech ecosystem including startups and large enterprises is focusing more on AI infrastructure, ethical considerations, and human centered design. Organizations that succeed will be those that balance technological capability with human experience and strategic thinking. This means using AI tools to amplify human talent, not to sideline it.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is a powerful and transformative technology, but it is not a magic wand that instantly replaces human expertise. As leaders like Salil Parekh have emphasized, change is happening, but it unfolds over time and in partnership with skilled professionals. Rather than fearing the future, engineers and organizations can prepare for a world where AI tools make work more efficient and open up new kinds of opportunities. The key is to adapt, to learn, and to use AI as a tool that complements human creativity instead of competing with it.
