The ReadJune 24, 2026via TechCrunch Startups
AI was supposed to kill engineering jobs, but new data suggests they’re the most resilient
Why it matters
Contrary to prevailing narratives about AI-driven job displacement, empirical hiring data reveals engineers are among the most resilient job categories—a critical insight for workforce planning and AI adoption strategy.
Key signals
- Engineers as a share of total new hires have increased (SignalFire data)
- Challenges dominant AI layoff narrative
- Suggests AI is creating rather than destroying engineering roles
- Implications for workforce displacement forecasts and enterprise hiring strategy
The hook
Everyone predicted AI would kill engineering jobs. The data says the opposite.
While AI dominates the layoff narrative, engineers as a share of total new hires have actually increased, according to SignalFire data.