AI may make coding more accessible, but that doesn’t mean it will eliminate software engineering jobs, according to Anthony Goto, a staff engineer with over 15 years of experience at Netflix and Uber. In a recent TikTok video, Goto addressed concerns from recent computer science graduates about the future of their careers in light of rapid AI advancements. “We're going to see some amazing things, but our hunger for more functionality, more apps, more ecosystems is just going to get higher, and higher, and higher,” Goto said. “So, in the end, I think this is gonna be another, essentially, level of programming language—a high-level programming language.” He acknowledged that AI tools like Anthropic’s Claude, which enable what some call “vibe coding,” are transforming how software is built. Still, he believes the demand for skilled engineers won’t diminish. Instead, he sees AI as a new layer of abstraction that will empower more people to build, while elevating the need for deeper expertise in areas like system design. “System Design is exactly what I’m trying to ensure newer engineers get a handle on,” Goto said. “In the future, we may likely end up wielding system design like a tool.” To illustrate his point, Goto drew a parallel with the evolution of video game development. Since the release of Doom in 1993, game engines have advanced so dramatically that they now allow teams with diverse backgrounds—many without deep coding experience—to create complex, cinematic experiences. These engines have become so powerful that they’re now used in film production, such as in Disney’s “The Mandalorian,” where digital sets replace physical ones. Goto referenced John Carmack, the legendary programmer behind Doom, who in April 2025 noted that much of the low-level system engineering he once did has become obsolete—comparable to “chariot wheel maintenance” in today’s world. Yet, Carmack also acknowledged that game engines have expanded the creative possibilities and brought in talent from entirely different fields. Goto admitted his predictions might not be perfect, but he’s confident in the broader pattern: every major technological leap has abstracted away tedious work, making development faster and more inclusive. “We’ve seen this many times before,” he said. “And what it really does is democratizes the process.” The key, he argues, is not to fear AI, but to adapt. By mastering system design and understanding how to leverage AI as a tool, the next generation of engineers can thrive in a world where coding is more accessible—but the need for smart, strategic thinking remains greater than ever.