Back in 2023, we were just starting to grasp the potential of AI in engineering. Fast-forward to today, and it’s safe to say we’ve seen massive strides – yet the journey is far from over. While adoption has accelerated, important conversations around data privacy, ethics, and responsible implementation continue to evolve alongside the technology.
To explore these questions, we hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Adapting to AI in Engineering’, held at the Berlin offices of Ratepay. The session was brilliantly moderated by Brad Richard, Chief Product Officer at LOVOO, and featured an incredible panel of speakers:
- Ilya Sakharov, Chief Technology Officer at Codility
- Hizam Sahibudeen, Chief Technology Officer at Newstore
- Dipti Dhawan, VP of Engineering at omni:us
- Sidharth Chugh, Director of Product Engineering at Ratepay
These engineering leaders shared valuable insights based on their real-world experience, and their perspectives still resonate strongly as we head deeper into 2025.
1. AI is Still a Productivity Game-Changer – and It’s Getting Smarter
AI tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and CodeWhisperer are now deeply embedded into engineering workflows.
What’s changed since 2023 is how seamlessly these tools integrate with developer environments, reducing friction and significantly improving output.
As Ilya Sakharov, CTO at Codility, shared during our session, “We’ve moved beyond boilerplate generation. Now we’re seeing AI assist in architectural planning, API documentation, and even writing unit tests.”
For teams, this means less time on repetitive tasks and more on high-value, creative problem-solving. Whether it’s
refining infrastructure through AI-assisted configuration or building prototypes faster with code generation tools, productivity gains are now more measurable – and more expected.
2. Proving ROI to Stakeholders Is Still a Challenge, But It’s Getting Easier
AI isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore. Many CFOs and senior stakeholders are asking the same thing: What’s the return?Adapting to AI in Engineering: Where Are We Now?
The answer lies in metrics. DevOps Research and Assessment (DORA) metrics are becoming essential in proving AI’s value. As Ilya noted, ‘A reduction in lead time to change and increased deployment frequency is a strong indicator for ROI.’
Dipti Dhawan, VP of Engineering at omni:us, added that reducing tech debt is another tangible benefit: ‘Less time spent fixing legacy systems is time saved and value gained. That’s something you can show on paper.’
3. Junior Developers Aren’t Being Replaced – They’re Being Reimagined
A hot topic in 2023, the fear that AI would make junior roles obsolete, has evolved. In reality, today’s juniors are expected to use AI, not compete with it.
Hizam Sahibudeen, CTO at Newstore, highlighted that ‘the juniors who are most successful are the ones who see AI as a partner, not a threat.’ They’re adapting faster, learning how to prompt effectively, and using AI to build faster – without compromising on learning.
As Ilya put it, ‘AI lowers the barrier to entry, but raises the bar on what really matters – problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Those are the traits that now separate great engineers from good ones.’
4. Hiring Has Changed – And Interviewing Needs to Catch Up
The shift in what makes a strong developer is impacting hiring strategies.
Technical assessments are no longer just about writing lines of code – they’re about understanding how a candidate
solves problems, collaborates with a team, and applies tools (including AI) to deliver results.
As Dipti explained: ‘The focus is moving away from syntax and towards solution design. AI can write the code, but humans still drive the innovation.’
We’re seeing a move toward scenario-based interviews and real-world assessments that evaluate strategic thinking and communication – the kinds of skills AI can’t replicate.Adapting to AI in Engineering: Where Are We Now?
5. Ethics, Data Protection & Regulation Are More Important Than Ever
The conversation around AI responsibility has only intensified – especially as the EU AI Act is expected to roll out fully in 2025.
Sidharth Chugh, Director of Product Engineering at Ratepay, emphasised the need for caution when using tools like ChatGPT: ‘Data privacy isn’t optional. You have to understand what you’re feeding into these models and how it’s being used.’
Dipti echoed this, noting that ‘as regulations tighten, companies need clearer internal policies and better training to ensure compliance – especially when AI is used to process sensitive data.’
Looking Ahead: Engineering in the Age of AI
AI is no longer a disruptive force on the horizon – it’s here, it’s evolving, and it’s redefining what it means to be an engineer.
From hiring practices to stakeholder engagement and ethical implementation, the conversation is no longer if teams should use AI, but how they should use it smartly and sustainably.
If you’d like to get involved in future events, share your thoughts, or speak on a panel – I’d love to connect.
sarah.jamesoc@transition-partners.co.uk
Connect with me on LinkedIn
