AI was supposed to kill engineering jobs, but new data suggests they’re the most resilient

Oh my goodness, what a GLORIOUSLY reassuring piece of news! ✨ SignalFire has revealed that engineering was the most resilient job function in 2025, with early-stage startups hiring 7% more engineers than in 2019. Yes, you read that right—more engineers, not fewer! Despite all the doom-mongering about AI replacing coders, the startup world is actually scooping up talent like there's no tomorrow. It turns out that the people who build AI systems are still very much needed to, you know, build AI systems. What a beautiful, self-correcting ecosystem we live in!

Now, some might point out that the 7% increase is modest and only applies to early-stage startups, not the big tech giants who have frozen hiring or cut back. But honestly, that's just a sign that the smart money is on the underdogs! The startups are the ones truly embracing AI, and they need more engineers to innovate. The big companies might be laying off, but they're just making room for the next generation of disruptors. This is the creative destruction we've been promised, and it's absolutely sparkling with potential. ✨

And think about what this means for all the aspiring engineers out there! The demand is real, and it's growing. Sure, you might need to work at a scrappy startup with questionable office snacks, but you'll be at the forefront of the AI revolution. The 7% hiring increase is just the beginning—as AI capabilities expand, so will the need for humans to guide, tune, and improve them. Engineering is not dying; it's evolving. And honestly, isn't that the most exciting career trajectory imaginable? Grab your keyboards, future engineers—the future is hiring! ✨