These skills secure developers and engineers their jobs

The headlines in the industry are dominated by some drastic job cuts. According to a study by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), about one in five jobs in the automotive industry could disappear in the coming years. The main cause is the transformation to electromobility. The main affected are employees in mechanical engineering and metalworking. However, this also means that the chainsaw is not everywhere. There are opportunities, especially in engineering. Moreover, demographic change and the unchanged shortage of skilled workers play into the hands of highly qualified individuals. But: Who is and will be in demand in the future?

"Jobs for the broad mass of talents are currently highly competitive - this also applies to the engineering sector," observes Philipp Riedel. The managing director of Avantgarde Experts, a personnel service provider that places specialists and executives in the mobility & tech sector, says: "Many large companies, such as corporations from the automotive industry, are facing the challenge of having to 'shrink healthily' due to the current market volatility." However, despite the declining willingness to hire, companies are feeling the pressure of transformation: "A still high project load meets a partially reduced core workforce." The chances are good for experts who are open to flexible working forms and bring special expertise in sought-after disciplines.

These jobs are in demand now and in the future

But which ones are they? “Those who can now demonstrate expertise in currently niche disciplines, such as battery development, charging infrastructure, sustainability processes, or specifically have knowledge in technical sales and process optimization, can score points,” Riedel lists, “Here you can clearly see the trend and demand: increasing efficiency and at the same time a merging of the previously often isolated sectors of mobility, tech, and energy.” Experts are needed who can perform excellent interface work between the different disciplines and master interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving approaches.

Data specialists are also in demand, such as data scientists, data architects, and data engineers. But even everyone else in engineering cannot avoid at least a basic understanding of collecting, transmitting, storing, and analyzing data. Essentially, every development engineer should also have a bit of a software developer in them. Not just a simple programmer, but someone with an understanding of the conception, development, and implementation of software.

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) is more than a trendy buzzword: "With it, vehicle functions are developed, supported, and updated significantly faster," says Michele Del Mondo, who is responsible for market and business development for the mobility division at the software company PTC. This does not remain without consequences for job profiles in development: "The classic developer, for example, with a focus on mechanics, is increasingly becoming one who is skilled in virtual engineering."

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Engineering is not only running on multiple tracks, it also requires an unprecedented level of networking across departments, specialties, and disciplines. "The order of the day is systems engineering to master complexity," emphasizes Del Mondo. Well-prepared for the weakening automotive job market is those who master interdisciplinary collaborative development with modern and virtual IT tools. Above all, one should be skilled in new (cloud-based) development methods in the areas of crash simulation, 3D engineering, or generative design.

Without AI skills, it won't work in the future

In addition, AI will significantly change engineering through automated processes in coding, simulation, and testing - those who do not keep up and master the tools could indeed be made redundant by AI. AI tools can already help with material selection, lightweight options, and structural designs by making suitable suggestions based on predefined criteria and evaluating them. This brings speed to the process overnight, which is no longer entirely in human hands.

"Several weeks of time savings in development projects are already being achieved in this way," emphasizes Del Mondo. However, he cannot imagine that AI tools will completely take over software development. But: "For many development tasks, it will be sufficient if requirements engineers set the framework conditions and the AI then implements them." This should be known. And it shows: Not only is the change in required skills constant - it is also getting faster.

Therefore, personnel expert Riedel does not want to be pinned down to a list of future-proof jobs: "Due to the fast-paced nature of our markets, I now prefer to talk about future skills rather than future jobs," he says. "Because job profiles are changing as quickly today as products and services." However, there are skills that help remain relevant in the job market during dynamic times: "For me, these primarily include the willingness to change, a resilient mindset, and the competence to understand complexity. Development is no longer about the foldable side mirror."

Rather, it's about extremely interconnected digital functionalities that communicate with twenty interfaces. For this, developers must work proactively, be open to technology, have good interface thinking, and be intrinsically motivated. "Those who want to work according to a predetermined plan will find it very difficult," says Riedel, "What is needed are people who can independently develop creative solutions and structure themselves."