By Professor Yan Tat Wong, Head of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University The recently released LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2026 report paints a clear picture of Australia's rapidly evolving workforce, highlighting how technological change, industrial transformation and leadership innovation are reshaping demand for skills.
Among the roles climbing fastest are Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Power System Engineer. Together, these positions illustrate a convergence of technical expertise, leadership capability and systems thinking that will define the next decade of Australian engineering and technology.
Artificial Intelligence Engineers
At the forefront, AI Engineers and Machine Learning Engineers are no longer niche roles confined to research labs. These professionals are becoming essential across sectors from finance and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and logistics. Their work goes beyond coding models: it requires translating complex data into actionable insights, building robust machine learning pipelines and embedding intelligence into products and processes.
The combination of software engineering, mathematics and operational deployment skills - now often supplemented by knowledge of large language models, cloud infrastructure and AI governance - makes these roles pivotal in driving innovation. Universities play a crucial role here, ensuring graduates not only understand theory but can navigate the practical, real-world challenges of deploying AI at scale, ethically and responsibly.
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers, meanwhile, remain central to Australia's industrial backbone. Their inclusion among the fastest-growing roles reminds us that physical systems still underpin economic and societal infrastructure. In mining, transport, manufacturing and energy, these engineers design, test and optimise mechanical systems that must operate reliably and safely.
However, the role is evolving. The integration of computational tools, digital twins and AI-assisted design now allows engineers to simulate, optimise and iterate systems far more efficiently than ever before. By bridging traditional mechanical principles with emerging digital technologies, the next generation of engineers will be better equipped to meet Australia's industrial and environmental challenges.
Director of Artificial Intelligence
The rise of leadership jobs in Artificial Intelligence signals a maturing approach to technology leadership. Organisations are increasingly recognising that AI is not just a technical capability but a strategic asset requiring governance, oversight, and vision. Directors of AI are tasked with translating complex technological possibilities into organisational strategy, managing risk and ensuring that AI deployment is responsible, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.
This role demands a unique blend of technical knowledge, ethical awareness and leadership acumen, and it underscores the importance of preparing professionals who can navigate both the innovation frontier and the boardroom. Executive education, postgraduate programs and industry-academic partnerships will be critical to cultivating this emerging leadership pipeline.
Power System Engineers
Finally, the growing demand for Power System Engineers reflects the urgent transformations underway in Australia's energy landscape. As the grid decarbonises and becomes more distributed, these engineers are at the centre of designing systems that integrate renewables, ensure reliability, and maintain resilience against both environmental and cyber threats.
The role increasingly blends traditional electrical engineering fundamentals with data-driven analysis, predictive modelling and smart-grid technologies. Power system engineers are not only essential to maintaining stable electricity supply but also to enabling new energy solutions that support electrified transport, industrial growth, and a sustainable future.
Together, these roles reveal where technical mastery, systems expertise and strategic leadership all meet - qualities at the heart of modern engineering. They highlight that Australia's future workforce will require not only deep technical knowledge but the ability to integrate and apply it across complex, interdisciplinary challenges.
