AISoftware engineeringQA/Quality

AI writes 90% of the code. So why are AI companies hiring more than ever?

By Joel Maria
Picture of the author
Published on
AI writes 90% of the code

It’s said that at leading companies like OpenAI or Anthropic, AI already generates up to 90% of the code. At first glance, one might think, “This is the end for software engineers.” Yet, if you check their job boards, the reality is the opposite. They’re hiring faster than ever.

A paradox? Not at all. It’s proof that AI doesn’t replace humans, it amplifies them.

The key isn’t the 90% AI automates, it’s the remaining 10% that only humans can do. That 10% is where real value lies:

Vision and strategy: AI can execute, but it can’t define the “why” or “what’s next.” Which problem should we solve next? Where should the product evolve? Humans make those calls.

Critical judgment and architecture: AI can generate code, but senior architects design the foundation. They weigh trade-offs, prevent catastrophic failures, and ensure systems are scalable and secure. AI suggests, humans decide.

Creativity and radical innovation: AI optimizes what exists, but humans spark ideas that have never existed before. Who imagined a language model like GPT before it existed?

Context and ethics: AI doesn’t understand culture, business nuances, or ethical implications. Humans guide the process to ensure results are fair, responsible, and aligned with human values.

The “elastic effect”: why human demand is growing

Rather than shrinking, the demand for human talent is transforming and expanding thanks to AI.

High-demand roles (AI as a force multiplier):

Software engineering: If AI makes us 10x more efficient, why build one product when we can build three? Ambition grows with capability.

Data science and research: AI accelerates analysis, freeing scientists to ask deeper questions and design more complex experiments.

Product design: Prototyping thousands of ideas with AI allows designers to focus on ultimate user experience and innovation.

Transformed roles:

QA/Quality control: Fewer people are needed for repetitive tasks, but experts in complex testing strategies are more valuable than ever.

Project management: AI organizes tasks, but leadership, team motivation, and conflict resolution remain 100% human.

Conclusion: the era of human amplification

We are not in an era of human replacement, but of amplification. AI is the lever that lets us focus on what we do best: think strategically, create boldly, and exercise judgment in a complex world.

Companies aren’t hiring despite AI, they’re hiring because of it, pursuing bigger visions than they ever imagined. And for those visions, the best humans are needed.