The AI Impact Timeline: What to Expect
The impact of AI on Computer Systems Engineers and Architects will unfold between 2026 and 2030. By 2028, approximately 42% of their tasks are expected to be automated, with initial disruptions focusing on infrastructure deployment and routine system integration.
The early wave, starting as early as 2026, will heavily affect junior systems engineers (0-3 years experience). Those focused on routine configuration and runbook execution will see up to 60-70% of their tasks automated by AI-powered infrastructure-as-code platforms like Terraform and Ansible.
The mid-wave transformation will see AI tackling more complex integration and configuration management. While the exact percentage for this phase is not detailed, it builds upon the foundational automation seen in the early stages, impacting a broader range of system engineering responsibilities.