AI exposure Architecture and engineering

Will AI replace engineers?

Engineers, All Other. US occupation 17-2199.

6.6%

of the time engineers spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of engineers' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 222 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 70% of them.Further along than 70% of them.

0125102030405060708090100

Per cent of working time Square-law scale

Average US job 7.7%

Well above the typical job.Ahead of most of the workforce.

What AI already does for engineersWhat engineers no longer do alone

O*NET lists 179 tasks for engineers. AI use at work shows up in 14 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

Debug robotics programs.Core task mostly automated 0.96
Promote awareness or use of alternative or renewable energy sources.Core task mostly automated 0.93
Document robotic application development, maintenance, or changes.Core task mostly automated 0.91
Design software to control robotic systems for applications, such as military defense or manufacturing.Core task mostly automated 0.90
Analyze, interpret, or create graphical representations of energy data, using engineering software.Core task mostly automated 0.89
Analyze system performance or operational requirements.Core task mostly automated 0.88
Provide technical guidance or support to customers on topics such as nanosystem start-up, maintenance, or use.Core task mostly automated 0.86
Provide technical support for robotic systems.Core task automated and assisted 0.85

Show the other 6

Prepare reports, deliver presentations, or participate in program review activities to communicate engineering results or recommendations.Core task automated and assisted 0.80
Conduct experimental or virtual studies to investigate characteristics and processing principles of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. automated and assisted 0.77
Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.Core task automated and assisted 0.76
Write proposals to secure external funding or to partner with other companies.Core task automated and assisted 0.73
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.Core task automated and assisted 0.72
Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems.Core task automated and assisted 0.71

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

165 of the 179 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

Advise clients or colleagues on topics such as climate control systems, energy modeling, data logging, sustainable design, or energy auditing.Core task
Analyze existing development or manufacturing procedures and suggest improvements.Core task
Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.Core task
Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of materials, components, or finished goods.Core task
Apply nanotechnology to improve the performance or reduce the environmental impact of energy products, such as fuel cells or solar cells.Core task
Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.Core task

Show the other 159

Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.Core task
Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.Core task
Communicate operating characteristics or performance experience to other engineers or designers for training or new product development purposes.Core task
Conduct analyses addressing issues such as failure, reliability, or yield improvement.Core task
Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.Core task
Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.Core task
Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of robotic mechanisms, components, or systems, such as planetary rovers, multiple mobile robots, reconfigurable robots, or man-machine interactions.Core task
Conduct research on new photonics technologies.Core task
Conduct research on robotic technology to create new robotic systems or system capabilities.Core task
Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.Core task
Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.Core task
Coordinate or supervise the work of suppliers or vendors in the designing, building, or testing of nanosystem devices, such as lenses or probes.Core task
Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.Core task
Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.Core task
Create designs or prototypes for nanosystem applications, such as biomedical delivery systems or atomic force microscopes.Core task
Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.Core task
Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.Core task
Create mechanical models to simulate mechatronic design concepts.Core task
Create models to optimize the layout of wind farm access roads, crane pads, crane paths, collection systems, substations, switchyards, or transmission lines.Core task
Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.Core task
Create or maintain photonic design histories.Core task
Create or maintain wind farm layouts, schematics, or other visual documentation for wind farms.Core task
Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.Core task
Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.Core task
Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.Core task
Design automated robotic systems to increase production volume or precision in high-throughput operations, such as automated ribonucleic acid (RNA) analysis or sorting, moving, or stacking production materials.Core task
Design electro-optical sensing or imaging systems.Core task
Design end-of-arm tooling.Core task
Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.Core task
Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.Core task
Design nano-enabled products with reduced toxicity, increased durability, or improved energy efficiency.Core task
Design or conduct tests of new nanotechnology products, processes, or systems.Core task
Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.Core task
Design or engineer nanomaterials, nanodevices, nano-enabled products, or nanosystems, using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software.Core task
Design photonics products, such as light sources, displays, or photovoltaics, to achieve increased energy efficiency.Core task
Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.Core task
Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.Core task
Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.Core task
Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.Core task
Determine the feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.Core task
Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.Core task
Develop formal documentation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including quality assurance guidance, quality control protocols, process control checklists, data collection, or reporting.Core task
Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.Core task
Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.Core task
Develop processes or identify equipment needed for pilot or commercial nanoscale scale production.Core task
Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.Core task
Direct the implementation of energy management projects.Core task
Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.Core task
Engineer production processes for specific nanotechnology applications, such as electroplating, nanofabrication, or epoxy.Core task
Evaluate robotic systems or prototypes.Core task
Generate high-resolution images or measure force-distance curves, using techniques such as atomic force microscopy.Core task
Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.Core task
Identify materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs.Core task
Identify new applications for existing nanotechnologies.Core task
Implement or test design solutions.Core task
Inspect or monitor energy systems, including heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or daylighting systems to determine energy use or potential energy savings.Core task
Install, calibrate, operate, or maintain robots.Core task
Integrate robotics with peripherals, such as welders, controllers, or other equipment.Core task
Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems.Core task
Maintain technical project files.Core task
Make system device lists or event timing charts.Core task
Manage the development, design, or construction of energy conservation projects to ensure acceptability of budgets and time lines, conformance to federal and state laws, or adherence to approved specifications.Core task
Monitor and analyze energy consumption.Core task
Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.Core task
Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.Core task
Oversee the work of contractors in accordance with project requirements.Core task
Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.Core task
Perform energy modeling, measurement, verification, commissioning, or retro-commissioning.Core task
Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.Core task
Plan or schedule engineering research or development projects involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.Core task
Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.Core task
Process or interpret signals or sensor data.Core task
Propose product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, considering market data or customer requirements.Core task
Provide consultation or training on topics such as mechatronics or automated control.Core task
Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.Core task
Publish engineering reports documenting design details or qualification test results.Core task
Recommend best fuel for specific sites or circumstances.Core task
Recommend process or infrastructure changes to improve wind turbine performance, reduce operational costs, or comply with regulations.Core task
Research, select, or apply sensors, communication technologies, or control devices for motion control, position sensing, pressure sensing, or electronic communication.Core task
Review architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans or specifications to evaluate energy efficiency.Core task
Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.Core task
Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.Core task
Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production.Core task
Supervise technologists, technicians, or other engineers.Core task
Synthesize, process, or characterize nanomaterials, using advanced tools or techniques.Core task
Train operators, engineers, or other personnel.Core task
Train personnel or clients on topics such as energy management.Core task
Upgrade the design of existing devices by adding mechatronic elements.Core task
Verify energy bills and meter readings.Core task
Write algorithms or programming code for ad hoc robotic applications.Core task
Write or install energy management routines for building automation systems.Core task
Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.Core task
Analyze operation of wind farms or wind farm components to determine reliability, performance, and compliance with specifications.
Automate assays on laboratory robotics.
Conduct acceptance tests, vendor-qualification protocols, surveys, audits, corrective-action reviews, or performance monitoring of incoming materials or components to ensure conformance to specifications.
Conduct harsh environmental testing, accelerated aging, device characterization, or field trials to validate devices, using inspection tools, testing protocols, peripheral instrumentation, or modeling and simulation software.
Conduct or oversee the conduct of prototype development or microfabrication activities to ensure compliance to specifications and promote effective production processes.
Consider environmental issues when proposing product designs involving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
Consult with construction or renovation clients or other engineers on topics such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Green Buildings.
Create embedded software design programs.
Demonstrate miniaturized systems that contain components, such as microsensors, microactuators, or integrated electronic circuits, fabricated on silicon or silicon carbide wafers.
Design advanced electronic control systems for mechanical systems.
Design laser machining equipment for purposes such as high-speed ablation.
Design mechatronics components for computer-controlled products, such as cameras, video recorders, automobiles, or airplanes.
Design nano-based manufacturing processes to minimize water, chemical, or energy use, as well as to reduce waste production.
Design nanoparticle catalysts to detect or remove chemical or other pollutants from water, soil, or air.
Design nanosystems with components such as nanocatalysts or nanofiltration devices to clean specific pollutants from hazardous waste sites.
Design or develop automated control systems for environmental applications, such as waste processing, air quality, or water quality systems.
Design or develop energy products using nanomaterials or nanoprocesses, such as micro-nano machining.
Design or develop industrial air quality microsystems, such as carbon dioxide fixing devices.
Design or develop new crystals for photonics applications.
Design or develop sensors to reduce the energy or resource requirements to operate appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashing machines.
Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.
Design or program robotics systems for environmental clean-up applications to minimize human exposure to toxic or hazardous materials or to improve the quality or speed of clean-up operations.
Design or redesign optical fibers to minimize energy loss.
Design robotics applications for manufacturers of green products, such as wind turbines or solar panels, to increase production time, eliminate waste, or reduce costs.
Design self-monitoring mechanical systems, such as gear systems that monitor loading or condition of systems to detect and prevent failures.
Design sensors or switches that require little or no power to operate for environmental monitoring or industrial metering applications.
Design solar energy photonics or other materials or devices to generate energy.
Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems.
Design, develop, or implement control circuits or algorithms for electromechanical or pneumatic devices or systems.
Develop active control algorithms, electronics, software, electromechanical, or electrohydraulic systems for wind turbines.
Develop catalysis or other green chemistry methods to synthesize nanomaterials, such as nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, or nanowires.
Develop customer documentation, such as performance specifications, training manuals, or operating instructions.
Develop electronic, mechanical, or computerized processes to perform tasks in dangerous situations, such as underwater exploration or extraterrestrial mining.
Develop green building nanocoatings, such as self-cleaning, anti-stain, depolluting, anti-fogging, anti-icing, antimicrobial, moisture-resistant, or ultraviolet protectant coatings.
Develop laser-processed designs, such as laser-cut medical devices.
Develop or file intellectual property and patent disclosure or application documents related to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, products, or systems.
Develop or implement microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processing tools, fixtures, gages, dies, molds, or trays.
Develop or validate product-specific test protocols, acceptance thresholds, or inspection tools for quality control testing or performance measurement.
Develop or validate specialized materials characterization procedures, such as thermal withstand, fatigue, notch sensitivity, abrasion, or hardness tests.
Develop photonics sensing or manufacturing technologies to improve the efficiency of manufacturing or related processes.
Develop specifications for wind technology components, such as gearboxes, blades, generators, frequency converters, or pad transformers.
Devise microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) production methods, such as integrated circuit fabrication, lithographic electroform modeling, or micromachining.
Direct balance of plant (BOP) construction, generator installation, testing, commissioning, or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to ensure compliance with specifications.
Evaluate materials, fabrication methods, joining methods, surface treatments, or packaging to ensure acceptable processing, performance, cost, sustainability, or availability.
Identify, procure, or develop test equipment, instrumentation, or facilities for characterization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications.
Integrate nanotechnology with antimicrobial properties into products, such as household or medical appliances, to reduce the development of bacteria or other microbes.
Investigate experimental wind turbines or wind turbine technologies for properties such as aerodynamics, production, noise, and load.
Manage new product introduction projects to ensure effective deployment of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices or applications.
Monitor or calibrate automated systems, industrial control systems, or system components to maximize efficiency of production.
Monitor wind farm construction to ensure compliance with regulatory standards or environmental requirements.
Oversee operation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication or assembly equipment, such as handling, singulation, assembly, wire-bonding, soldering, or package sealing.
Oversee the work activities of wind farm consultants or subcontractors.
Perform root cause analysis on wind turbine tower component failures.
Plan mobile robot paths and teach path plans to robots.
Prepare nanotechnology-related invention disclosures or patent applications.
Provide engineering technical support to designers of prototype wind turbines.
Reengineer nanomaterials to improve biodegradability.
Refine final microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design to optimize design for target dimensions, physical tolerances, or processing constraints.
Research or develop emerging microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems to convert nontraditional energy sources into power, such as ambient energy harvesters that convert environmental vibrations into usable energy.
Research renewable or alternative energy systems or technologies, such as solar thermal or photovoltaic energy.
Review or negotiate energy purchase agreements.
Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
Test wind turbine components, using mechanical or electronic testing equipment.
Test wind turbine equipment to determine effects of stress or fatigue.
Validate fabrication processes for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), using statistical process control implementation, virtual process simulations, data mining, or life testing.
Write reports to document wind farm collector system test results.

How that compares

Among the 34 architecture and engineering occupations, engineers rank 12. The group averages 3.8%, and its most exposed job is Computer Hardware Engineers at 14.5%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

219Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 6.8%
220Budget Analysts 6.7%
220Residential Advisors 6.7%

Just below

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.

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