Engineers Australia has warned that as artificial intelligence becomes embedded in the systems that power modern life, the role of the engineer’s foundational skillset has never been more critical.
Delivering a keynote address at the Systems Engineering Test and Evaluation (SETE) Conference in Sydney, Engineers Australia Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC said AI has become an active tool in shaping how systems are designed, operated and optimised.
Across the engineering profession and in workplaces broadly, AI is in the mix. That brings opportunity, but also a responsibility to ensure those systems remain safe, ethical and aligned with the public interest.
Mrs Richards said success in this environment will depend on engineers’ ability to navigate complexity and make ethical decisions — capabilities already embedded in professional practice.
In a world of endless data and increasing automation, engineers must be able to use their core skillset to interpret information from multiple sources, distinguish between misinformation and disinformation, and deliver outcomes that are responsible, balanced and in the public interest.
Engineers Australia National President and Board Chair Tom Goerke said the rise of AI opens innovative doors for the profession while reinforcing the importance of engineering leadership in shaping how emerging technologies are used.
Engineers are central to realising the value of AI and technology, while ensuring risks are appropriately managed in line with community expectations. AI is a powerful tool, but it does not replace human judgement and responsibility.
Mr Goerke said building trust will be essential as AI becomes more embedded across infrastructure, industry and everyday life.
Increasingly, the public is asking not just what technology can do, but how it is being governed. That’s where the engineering profession must lead — by demonstrating productivity benefits while ensuring accountability, transparency and a strong commitment to ethical practice.
Engineering disciplines such as software engineering are well known for their central role in building and deploying AI systems. As the national body for engineers, Engineers Australia is invested in understanding the implications of AI and harnessing its benefits for engineering.
Source: Engineers Australia (https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/2026/04/engineering-leadership-vital-ai-embeds-across-infrastructure-and-industry). Republished for industry awareness.
