How to Become a 10x Engineer and Stay Safe in the Age of AI Layoffs

In a recent article on Dev.to, Remo Jansen explores the evolving role of software engineers as AI tools begin to automate routine coding tasks. Jansen argues that the value of an engineer is shifting from the manual production of code to the ability to solve complex business problems. He suggests that rather than fearing obsolescence, developers should embrace AI as a powerful tool to increase their leverage. To remain competitive, engineers must cultivate domain expertise, sharpen their product judgment, and master the art of specifying problems for AI agents to solve. By moving up the abstraction layer—from writing individual lines of code to orchestrating systems and verifying outcomes—engineers can maintain their professional value. Ultimately, the author emphasizes that career safety is not about protecting specific tasks, but about building portable expertise and a reputation that transcends the code itself.