By Anton Schaffer – Principal Data Engineer. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we all work, and for Data Engineers the shift is especially noticeable. The role of a Data Engineer has always been about building and maintaining the pipelines that move data reliably from source to destination. With AI becoming more capable, some people worry that these tasks could be automated away. The reality is a bit more balanced. AI is less about replacing Data Engineers and more about changing what their day-to-day work looks like.
Automation of Repetitive Tasks
One of the biggest changes is the automation of repetitive or boilerplate work. For example, AI-driven tools can now generate basic SQL queries, optimise pipeline code, or even suggest schema designs. While this saves time, it also means
Data Engineers need to focus more on validating results and applying their domain knowledge rather than spending hours on repetitive coding tasks.
Smarter Data Pipelines
AI can help detect anomalies in data flows, predict failures before they happen, and even recommend fixes. This turns pipelines from simple “move data from A to B” systems into intelligent networks that can self-heal and adapt. Data Engineers are now expected to guide and supervise these systems, ensuring that the AI is working as intended.
A Shift in Skills
The skill set for Data Engineers is gradually shifting. Traditional database skills remain important, but engineers who understand machine learning concepts, cloud platforms, and data governance are better positioned to thrive. Knowing how to integrate AI models into pipelines or how to monitor data quality using AI tools is becoming part of the toolkit.
Collaboration with Data Scientists
In many companies, the line between Data Engineer and Data Scientist is getting thinner. AI models are only as good as the data they receive, which means engineers who can prepare, enrich, and monitor high-quality data are more valuable than ever. Collaboration has become more seamless: engineers bring the technical infrastructure, while scientists bring the analytical models, and AI tools help both sides meet in the middle.
Career Opportunities for Data Engineers
Rather than shrinking the role, AI is expanding opportunities. Data Engineers are moving up the value chain, spending less time on routine coding and more on architecture, governance, and strategy. This shift makes the
career more future-proof, as the focus is increasingly on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving rather than raw code-writing.
In short: AI is not here to replace Data Engineers. It is here to make them more effective, shift their focus to higher-value work, and open the door to new skills and career growth. For those willing to learn and adapt, the future looks bright.
FAQs
Will a data engineer still exist in 2028?
Data engineers will remain essential in 2028. However, they will evolve to focus on complex integrations, governance, and scalable architectures that AI tools alone cannot fully handle. As data volumes grow and regulations tighten, skilled professionals will drive innovation in hybrid environments. Enquire with Saratoga today to explore how our AI and data engineering solutions support your business growth.
Will data engineering be automated?
While automation will streamline routine tasks like ETL pipelines and data cleansing, data engineering as a discipline will not be fully automated, and will still require human oversight for strategic design and ethical considerations. Emerging tools will augment efficiency which allows engineers to tackle higher-value challenges such as real-time analytics and custom integrations. Enquire with Saratoga today to discover how our expertise in AI, data, and software development can help you reach your business goals.
Does a data engineer have a future?
Absolutely, data engineers have a bright future, with demand projected to rise as organisations prioritise reliable data foundations amid digital transformation. Roles will shift towards collaboration with AI and cloud technologies, ensuring engineers remain at the heart of data-driven decision-making. Enquire with Saratoga today to learn how our data engineers work with bleeding-edge technology to drive your business growth.
