The next big job in tech may be the 'product engineer'

In the ever-evolving landscape of Silicon Valley, the significance of product managers has long been a topic of discussion. These professionals play a crucial role in coordinating between engineers, sales teams, and other departments to create products that resonate with users. However, with the advent of AI and innovative coding techniques, the dynamics are shifting dramatically. According to Amol Avasare, head of growth at Anthropic, advancements in AI tools, such as Claude Code, are revolutionizing engineering productivity. Engineers are reportedly experiencing productivity boosts of two to three times, all while team sizes remain constant. This change places an increasing burden on product managers and designers, who now find themselves supporting what feels like larger engineering teams. Avasare noted, "PM and design is just squeezed." In response to this growing demand, Anthropic is ramping up its hiring of product managers. However, Avasare points out that in larger organizations, particularly those developing complex technical products, engineers may step into the role of product managers themselves. This innovative approach is already being tested at Anthropic, where engineers are expected to take on product management duties for projects requiring two weeks or less of engineering time. These engineers will not only manage their projects but will also engage with the legal team and collaborate with various stakeholders. Avasare foresees this trend continuing, suggesting that more companies might empower engineers to act as 'mini PMs' in the future. This concept of the 'product engineer'—a blend of product manager and software engineer—was also highlighted by Zencoder CEO Andrew Filev during the HumanX AI conference last year. As the tech industry adapts to these changes, the role of product engineers could become a pivotal element in overcoming the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology.