Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Indian Techie Reveals 3 Harsh Realities of Modern Software Engineering
A software engineer named Akaash Vishal Hazarika, who has worked at big tech companies like Google and Amazon, wrote about how the job of a software engineer has changed.
He says that now, just knowing how to code isn't enough.
Engineers need to use AI to help with simple tasks so they can focus on harder problems.
Interviews have also changed; now, using AI tools is allowed and even expected.
Engineers are also expected to think about things like cost, scale, and how their work affects the real world.
For new graduates, it's important to show they can work on real systems, not just solve problems from textbooks.
Experienced engineers need to know both traditional engineering and how to use AI.
Akaash suggests being a 'hybrid engineer' who knows both.
Coding alone is no longer sufficient; engineers must use AI for repetitive tasks and focus on complex problems.
Interviews now allow and expect the use of AI tools, testing candidates' ability to integrate AI wisely.
Engineers are expected to think like product builders, considering cost, scale, reliability, and real-world impact.
Fresh graduates need to show they can work on real systems and explain their decisions.
Experienced engineers must pair deep knowledge with AI skills to become 'hybrid engineers'.
- Who
- Akaash Vishal Hazarika, an Indian-origin software engineer based in Seattle
- What
- The changing realities of modern software engineering, including the role of AI
- When
- Over the past eight years, with recent observations on current trends
- Where
- In the tech industry, particularly in companies like Google, Amazon, Splunk, and Salesforce
- Why
- To highlight the evolving skills and expectations for software engineers in the age of AI
- Name
- Akaash Vishal Hazarika
- Location
- Seattle
- Companies Worked
- Google, Amazon, Splunk, Salesforce
- AI Usage
- For boilerplate tasks, system design, complex business logic
- Interview Changes
- AI tools allowed, focus on AI integration, system design with AI
- Engineer Expectations
- Think like product builders, understand cost, scale, reliability, real-world impact
- Fresh Graduates
- Show ability to work on real systems, explain decisions
- Experienced Engineers
- Pair deep knowledge with AI skills, become a 'hybrid engineer'
