Why Product Engineers are the most valuable asset for leaders in the AI era

There are many types of software engineers, but those with a product mindset, who understand outcomes and value, are by far the most valuable to your organization.

Engineers often share a passion for problem-solving, but many focus solely on solving problems without considering the significance of the problem itself. These engineers might excel at finding solutions, but they might not care about the context, leading them to solve issues that don’t contribute meaningfully to the organization’s goals. While these individuals are valuable and play an important role, they won’t bring the kind of transformative value that can change the game.

So, who will? The engineers who make the biggest impact are those who care as much about the problem being solved as they do about the solution itself. These engineers draw energy from understanding the broader objectives, beyond merely implementing something. They strive to create real value and effect change in the world — or at least in the areas they can influence. These individuals are product engineers, a rare blend of passion for technology, problem-solving ability, and a deep understanding of the impact they want to make. They are outcome-oriented, not just output-driven. They focus on solving real issues, not just on using the latest shiny technology, and they get excited about contributing to the greater good, not just about their next puzzle to solve.

If you are a leader and you find one of these people, nurture them. Put them in positions where they can understand the bigger picture, the outcomes the organization is trying to achieve, and the needs of stakeholders. Involve them early in the discovery phase, where they can contribute their technical expertise. They won’t just save you from designing solutions that later prove unfeasible within constraints like budget and time; often, they are the key to creating enabling technology. Empower these individuals by placing them alongside key product people, such as product managers and product designers.

And if you are one of these product engineers, know that you are incredibly valuable. Seek out environments where you can grow and make a significant impact. Don’t hesitate to change teams or companies if necessary. Problem-solving might be the first thing AI takes over, but creating innovative products — that’s something else entirely. This is your opportunity: leverage AI to solve technical challenges, and focus on designing solutions that are not only technically feasible and exciting but also aligned with the outcomes your organization aims to achieve