Dear DeepSeek engineer (critisticuffs.org)

On September 13, 2026, a DeepSeek engineer expressed concerns about the future of their work in a WeChat post, highlighting how rapidly advancing AI technologies are shifting the landscape of software development. The engineer, who had contributed significantly to the company's DeepSeek v4.1 model by writing kernels, lamented the loss of satisfaction in their job as AI systems take over tasks like documentation look-ups and kernel optimization. They foresee a future where they must transition from kernel writing to merely directing AI systems that perform these tasks, comparing themselves to a knitter whose craft is replaced by a machine. This sentiment resonates deeply within the AI/ML community as it underscores the broader implications of AI advancements on employment and job satisfaction. As AI systems become increasingly capable of executing complex tasks independently, they challenge the role of human workers who previously held specialized knowledge and skills. The engineer’s experience reflects a significant shift in the nature of work, where control over creative processes is transferred from individuals to corporations wielding AI technology. This transition raises essential questions about how the value of human labor is defined and compensated in a landscape dominated by machines, calling for a reevaluation of what skills remain relevant in an evolving workforce.