AI is removing friction from engineering,
not removing engineering.

There’s a growing narrative in engineering circles that AI is replacing roles like mine.

As an applications engineer, I work at the boundary between hardware, software, and customers. I build test systems, integrate instruments, automate workflows, and debug real equipment.

Lately, people assume that because AI can write code, explain protocols, and generate documentation, my job must be disappearing.

It isn’t.

What’s happening is subtler, and more interesting.

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