tech
AI was supposed to kill engineering jobs, but new data suggests they're the most resilient
While AI dominates the layoff narrative, engineers are actually making up a larger share of new hires, according to SignalFire data.
TL;DR
- AI is frequently cited as the reason for recent tech layoffs.
- SignalFire's analysis of hiring data shows engineering as the most resilient job function in 2025.
- Engineering roles saw a smaller decline in hiring compared to overall tech hiring.
- Engineers made up a larger percentage of new hires in major tech companies and early-stage startups in 2025 than in 2019.
- Some AI executives and leaders believe AI is making engineers more productive and creating more work, rather than replacing them.
- The situation is described as an example of the Jevons paradox, where increased efficiency leads to increased demand.