Jobs of the Future: Where Hardware Meets Software

The U.S. is building again, creating opportunities in robotics, manufacturing, and defense.

Erin Price-Wright, General Partner at a16z, explores how AI and autonomy are reshaping the workforce, driving demand for full-stack engineers fluent in hardware and software, and creating new jobs like robot teleoperation and semiconductor manufacturing. Erin explains why now is the time to invest in building supply chains and talent pipelines domestically—and how this shift could transform the U.S. economy.

Timecodes:
00:00: The New Hardware Economy
01:06: Shift from Software to Hardware Engineering
02:03: The In Demand Jobs
02:58: Training the Next Generation of Engineers
04:12: Emerging Job Roles in Robotics and Teleoperation
05:03: Reshoring and Industrial Sector Opportunities
07:19: The Need for Full Stack Hardware Engineers
08:56: Inspiring the Future Workforce
10:38: Building the Future of Manufacturing

Resources:
FInd Erin on X: https://x.com/espricewright
Check out all 50 Big Ideas: https://a16z.com/big-ideas-in-tech-2025/

Stay Updated:
Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z
Find a16z on Twitter:   / a16z  
Find a16z on LinkedIn:   / a16z  
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/
Follow our host:   / stephsmithio  

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.