India is home to a burgeoning young engineering population that will play a vital role in shaping India’s dream to become a $5 trillion economy in a few years. However, just having a pool of engineers is not sufficient to achieve the target. They are expected to have some imperative skills in the age of AI for sustainable development.
The indispensable role of engineering in economic development has brought engineers to the forefront of driving business transformation. “In today’s environment, skills in platform engineering, AI, machine learning, automation, and data engineering have become indispensable,” says Krishna Muniramaiah, Head of HR for the APAC region, Altimetrik. He suggests freshers must develop a strong foundation in these areas, particularly understanding how to design, build, and optimise scalable platforms.
On this Engineer’s Day, Krishna emphasizes that having the ability to work with and derive insights from large datasets is becoming increasingly critical. “Engineers must develop skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling.
Beyond technical skills, Altimetrik HR suggests engineers must cultivate adaptability, continuous learning, and strong communication abilities. “Successfully integrating platform engineering, AI, ML, and automation with business strategy will define the future of engineering. Engineers who master this blend of technical and strategic skills are not only advancing technology but also reshaping businesses to thrive in a competitive, sustainability-focused world.”
Technical and soft skills go hand-in-hand
To remain competitive and adaptable in the AI-driven world, says Smriti Mathur, Vice President People India & Global Talent Advisory, Pegasystems, software engineers need a blend of technical and soft skills. “Proficiency in AI and machine learning frameworks is crucial for building models and integrating machine learning into customer-focused applications. Strong data manipulation and analysis skills are essential for managing large datasets, data pipelines, and cloud platforms. Additionally, investment in skills like adaptability, continuous learning, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and clients are equally important to build and sell enterprise-grade software.”
For Kavitha Shivakumar, Senior Director HR – India and Cairo, Commvault, mastering key competencies is no longer optional—it’s imperative. In an era defined by technological disruption and innovation, she suggests engineers must develop a unique skill set to remain ahead of the curve.
“Expertise in AI and automation is crucial for driving cutting-edge solutions and enhancing operational efficiency. Engineers are not just leveraging these tools but actively shaping their evolution to solve industry-wide challenges. Second, blending technical prowess with business acumen allows engineers to translate innovation into strategic value, ensuring their work directly supports broader organisational goals and long-term success,” explains Kavitha. She adds that engineers who excel at communication, collaboration, and negotiation will stand out—not only as problem solvers but as visionary leaders. These soft skills are essential for navigating workplace dynamics, fostering collaboration, and ensuring successful project outcomes.
However, the true differentiator lies in leadership. It involves continuous training, coaching, and self-development to build a strong repertoire of soft skills, all while staying updated on the latest technological advancements.
“Academic training equips engineering with foundational knowledge, but to remain competitive in the market, it is important to cultivate deeper knowledge,” says Sajid Ahmed, Head of Technology for Wells Fargo India & Philippines.
For Sajid, the three most essential skills for an engineer today are proficiency in emerging technologies, collaboration across disciplines, and creative problem-finding and problem-solving skills.
“Augmenting one’s existing knowledge with training in AI/ ML, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics is as important as learning to collaborate more effectively within inter-disciplinary teams and coming up with creative solutions that deliver real value to customers,” adds Sajid.
The engineering talent of India is the driving force behind the next-gen technologies including Gen Aim SDV, Industry 4.0 revolution etc, delivering innovation and sustainability that is reshaping industries. Pawan Bhageria, President – Education, Tata Technologies calls for closing the skill gap in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.
“By nurturing adaptability and forward-thinking, engineers must be empowered to excel in the dynamic technological landscape. Together, we are shaping the future of engineering, driving positive change across industries, and contributing to a more sustainable global economy,” says Bhageria.
Subhashini Sriram Managing Director – Human Resources, Carelon Global Solutions, suggests engineers must prioritise improving their skills in problem-solving, effective communication, and continuous learning. “These skills drive innovation, foster a culture of collaboration, and ensure adaptability. Engineers who can creatively tackle complex challenges, articulate their ideas beyond borders, and stay updated with the latest advancements are indispensable to organisations.”
“By prioritising these skills, engineers not only enhance their career prospects but also contribute significantly to their organisations’ success and growth,” explains Subhashini.
The fast paced change and progress in the tech sector necessitates constant reskilling and upskilling of technology professionals, developers, and engineers, says Rajita Singh, Chief People Officer, Kyndryl India. “Professionals should cultivate the skill of being focused on lifelong learning, anticipate new developments in the sector and reskill themselves to be ahead of the curve.”
In today’s fast-paced technological world, engineers need to be well-equipped with a specific set of skills to stay relevant, says Arvind Raj, CHRO, Mindsprint. Arvind suggests engineers to have data analysis and AI literacy to collect, analyse, and interpret data to make informed decisions and leverage AI technologies for innovative solutions.
He further emphasizes continuous learning and adaptability to stay updated and navigate the dynamic nature of their field.
Last but not least, Arvind advocates for effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as essential for engineers. “The ability to collaborate with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is vital for successful projects and career advancement,” says Arvind.