Can AI Replace Engineers? How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Engineering Jobs
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how the world designs, builds, and innovates. From product development to transportation and manufacturing, AI and engineering jobs are becoming more interconnected than ever. But one question keeps surfacing — Can AI replace engineers?
To explore this, we spoke with several FORTEC Egypt engineers who work daily with smart technologies, embedded systems, and power solutions. Their answers shed light on how artificial intelligence and engineers can work together not as rivals, but as collaborators shaping the future of engineering careers.
This article is based on an original publication in the German magazine Markt & Technik, developed as part of FORTEC Egypt’s ongoing collaboration with the magazine. It reflects the shared insights and expert opinions that continue to shape the discussion around how AI is transforming the engineering profession worldwide. Read the full article here!
Professor Dr.-Ing. Torsten Weiss of Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences emphasizes that engineers should not rely solely on their technical expertise. To remain competitive and employable in the future, he advises them to cultivate strong personal competencies and commit to lifelong learning. According to Dr. Weiss, artificial intelligence should be viewed as a complementary tool, one that enhances daily workflows and boosts productivity when combined with sound engineering knowledge.
In this article, we explore how Egyptian engineers perceive artificial intelligence and examine the central question: Can AI replace engineers, or is it transforming engineering jobs instead?
1. Automation vs. Augmentation
“AI can do in minutes what used to take us days,” says Eng. Abdelrahman Ahmed Hardware Engineer at Fortec Egypt.
From running simulations to optimizing components, AI-powered tools are revolutionizing workflows. Using machine learning and generative design, these systems analyze thousands of options and recommend the most efficient solutions.
But, as Abdelrahman Elzorba, our Mechanical engineer, explains, “Automation doesn’t mean replacement. These systems still need human guidance to define goals, verify accuracy, and ensure safety.”
In short, AI assists — engineers decide said Fortec’s Manager Eng. Haitham Mohsen.
That’s why the real question isn’t “Can AI replace engineers” but how can engineers use AI to work smarter and more creatively?
2. A Shift in the Engineer’s Role
The rise of artificial intelligence in engineering is transforming what engineers actually do.
“Ten years ago, our job was mainly about manual calculations,” one hardware engineer notes. “Now, it’s about strategy, defining logic, integrating smart systems, and balancing technology with human insight.”
This shift doesn’t make human expertise obsolete, but it makes it essential. Engineers who understand how to combine domain knowledge with data-driven insights are becoming system architects of the future.
Those who adapt will lead the next wave of AI and engineering innovation.
3. New Skills for a New Era
As AI evolves, so do the skills needed to thrive.
Today’s engineers must combine creativity with computation and blending traditional expertise with new digital tools.
“Many of our younger colleagues use Python or MATLAB to analyze data, train models, and test ideas faster,” says Eng. Mohamed Imbabi software Engineer and project manager at FORTEC Egypt.
“They’re learning to speak the language of machines while staying true to the mindset of an engineer.”
Beyond technical ability, ethical and sustainable design are becoming central themes. As one engineer adds, “It’s not just about what AI can do, it’s about what it should do.”
4. Why Engineers Can’t Be Replaced
The response from FORTEC Egypt’s team was unanimous: no.
AI can optimize, predict, and simulate but it cannot imagine, empathize, or make moral judgments.
“It can’t understand why a bridge must be safe for a family, or why a power system must run sustainably,” explains Eng. Salma Hassan senior software engineer. “That’s our role — and that’s something no machine can replace.”
This is the core of the AI impact on engineers: it changes their workflow, not their worth. Engineers remain the human link between technology and purpose.
5. The Road Ahead
Rather than reducing opportunities, AI is expanding them. New positions are emerging across industries, such as:
- AI Systems Engineer – merging algorithms with mechanical or industrial systems.
- Digital Twin Specialist – creating virtual replicas for testing and optimization.
- Automation Developer – building adaptive, intelligent production environments.
As these roles evolve, the future of engineering careers will depend not on competing with AI but on learning to collaborate with it.
“AI takes care of repetition,” Eng. Mohamed Elsabagh concludes. “We take care of innovation.”
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence is not replacing engineers — it’s redefining engineering.
By automating the repetitive and accelerating the complex, AI gives engineers more time for creativity, problem-solving, and human-centered design.
As the FORTEC Egypt engineers summed it up best:
“The future of engineering isn’t human or artificial — it’s human intelligence powered by artificial intelligence.”
Author: Shaimaa Elroby
Date: 10/11/2025