Why AI Automation Engineers Are in High Demand

Imagine a job so in-demand that the CEO of a billion-dollar company offers you any position in their organization just to get you on board. That’s exactly what happened when Wade Foster, CEO of Zapier, made a bold announcement: professionals with AI automation skills could pick their role at his company — engineering, strategy, marketing, you name it. Days later, Quora’s CEO, Adam D’Angelo, created a brand-new position for this expertise, and venture capitalists started predicting a hiring wave across the tech industry. It all began with a single tweet from entrepreneur Ryan Carson that went viral, racking up nearly 500,000 views. Suddenly, a role most people hadn’t heard of — the AI Automation Engineer — became the hottest career opportunity in tech. Here’s why this role is taking the industry by storm and what it means for the future of work.

A Viral Spark Lights a Fire

On June 22, Ryan Carson, a founder and entrepreneur, posted a tweet on X that stopped the tech world in its tracks. He called out a role that’s quietly transforming how companies operate, and the post exploded, resonating with nearly half a million viewers. Why? Because it captured a shift many in tech had sensed but couldn’t quite name. Carson’s tweet wasn’t just a viral moment — it was a wake-up call, shining a spotlight on a skill set that’s now driving the industry forward.

The response was immediate and electric. Wade Foster, Co-founder and CEO of Zapier, took to LinkedIn with a jaw-dropping offer: “We’ll hire you into ANY role at Zapier. Seriously, any role. 100% of our open jobs are up for grabs.”

Foster wasn’t just chasing clout. His statement reflected a broader trend rippling through the software industry. He noted: “…we’re seeing this trend across our customer base. The best companies are embedding these professionals into every function. Part strategist, part builder. Fully fluent in automation.” When a CEO makes an open call like that, it’s a signal: the job market is shifting, and AI automation expertise is at the heart of it. Marcos Aguayo, a developer, engineer, and farmer, echoed this sentiment: “This is the next big thing. I genuinely believe every company should have a few people focused on optimizing and automating their processes.”

Aguayo’s perspective is telling. If someone who straddles the worlds of tech and agriculture sees the value of AI automation, it’s clear this role has universal appeal, from Silicon Valley to rural fields.

The Ripple Effect: New Roles, Big Moves

The momentum didn’t stop with Zapier. Adam D’Angelo, co-founder and CEO of Quora, joined the fray, announcing: “We are opening up a new role at Quora: a single engineer who will use AI to automate manual work across the company and increase employee productivity. I will work closely with this person.” When CEOs from major tech companies align on the same role within days, it’s more than a coincidence — it’s a seismic shift. Venture capitalist Tanay Jaipuria added fuel to the fire: “I expect many more companies to start hiring for this role.”

VCs don’t make predictions lightly. Their portfolios give them a front-row seat to hiring trends, and Jaipuria’s comment suggests that AI automation expertise is becoming a must-have across industries. From startups to enterprises, companies are racing to integrate this role into their operations, creating positions that didn’t exist a year ago.

What’s an AI Automation Engineer, Anyway?

So, who are these professionals everyone’s fighting over? AI Automation Engineers are the wizards who make businesses run smarter. They use AI to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and boost decision-making. Think of them as half-tech genius, half-business strategist. They spot inefficiencies, deploy AI tools, and free up teams to focus on creative, high-impact work.

Why the hype? Companies are drowning in AI possibilities but starving for people who can turn buzzwords into results. As Marcos Aguayo, a tech-savvy farmer, put it, every industry — from software to agriculture — needs people obsessed with optimizing processes. That’s the kind of universal value that gets CEOs excited.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The demand for AI skills is skyrocketing. In 2025, AI engineers are pulling in average salaries of $206,000, up $50,000 from last year. Jobs in this space are expected to grow 23% by 2033, way faster than most careers. With 1.8% of U.S. job postings now demanding AI expertise (up from 1.4% in 2023) and 65% of businesses adopting cloud-based AI tools, the need for these pros is crystal clear. They’re the ones making AI work in the real world, not just in boardroom slide decks.

Why the surge? Businesses are adopting AI at an unprecedented pace. In the U.S., 1.8% of job postings in 2025 require AI skills, up from 1.4% in 2023. By the end of 2025, 65% of companies are expected to use cloud-based AI tools. But here’s the catch: while AI technology is everywhere, the expertise to implement it effectively is scarce. Companies are desperate for professionals who can translate AI’s potential into measurable outcomes — fewer errors, faster processes, and bigger profits.

If you’ve ever sat through a meeting where “AI strategy” was discussed endlessly with no clear action plan, you get the problem. AI Automation Engineers are the ones who cut through the noise, delivering solutions that work. From startups in Silicon Valley to global enterprises, organizations are scrambling to close this skills gap, and they’re willing to pay top dollar to do it.

What It Takes to Break In

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a PhD or a decade of coding experience to become an AI Automation Engineer. Many in this field come from diverse backgrounds — marketing, operations, even agriculture, as Aguayo’s story shows. What matters most is a mix of skills and mindset:

Practical technical skills: Familiarity with AI tools (like TensorFlow, Zapier, or no-code platforms) and basic scripting (Python, JavaScript) is a great start.
Problem-solving prowess: The ability to spot inefficiencies and design creative solutions is key.
Business acumen: Understanding where automation delivers the most value, whether it’s cutting costs or boosting productivity.
Process optimization experience: A knack for streamlining workflows, even without AI, is a strong foundation.
Curiosity and adaptability: AI is evolving fast, so staying current with tools and trends is a must.

You don’t need to be a hardcore coder to succeed. Many AI Automation Engineers learn through online courses, bootcamps, or hands-on projects. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or even Zapier’s own tutorials can get you up to speed. If you’re already in tech, adding AI automation to your skill set could be a game-changer. If you’re outside tech, your unique perspective might be exactly what companies need to tackle automation challenges creatively.

The Bigger Picture: A Career That Shapes the Future

The rise of the AI Automation Engineer isn’t just a job market trend — it’s a glimpse into the future of work. As AI becomes a cornerstone of business operations, companies need people who can make it practical, not just theoretical. This role is about more than coding or automating tasks; it’s about reimagining how organizations function in an AI-driven world.

The implications go beyond tech. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture are starting to adopt AI automation, creating opportunities for professionals who can adapt these tools to diverse contexts. As Aguayo’s dual expertise in tech and farming shows, the principles of automation are universal, and the demand for this role is only going to grow.

For job seekers, this is a golden opportunity. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career professional looking to pivot, or a seasoned techie wanting to level up, AI automation offers a path to a high-impact, high-paying career. The barrier to entry is lower than you might think, and the potential is limitless.

Career Requirements and Skills Needed

You don’t need a PhD in computer science or years of hardcore software engineering experience to break into this field. Many successful AI Automation Engineers come from diverse backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives to automation challenges. Key skills include:

Practical technical skills: Familiarity with AI tools and platforms.
Problem-solving abilities: Identifying inefficiencies and designing solutions.
Business acumen: Understanding where automation delivers the most value.
Process optimization experience: Streamlining workflows for maximum efficiency.

As AI technology becomes ubiquitous but implementation expertise remains scarce, these professionals are becoming indispensable. The job market for AI Automation Engineers is expanding rapidly across all industries, making this one of the most promising career opportunities in 2025.

What’s Next?

The viral tweet from Ryan Carson wasn’t just a moment — it was a signal of a broader shift. AI Automation Engineers are redefining how companies operate, and the demand for their skills is only growing. Whether you’re a seasoned tech professional or looking to pivot into a high-demand career, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of work. What do you think? Could this be the next big step in your career? Share your thoughts with us.

Read the full article here: https://medium.com/@MsquareAutomation/why-ai-automation-engineers-are-in-high-demand-25850582e558