Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has described engineering as the “most noble” profession, saying engineers provide the foundation on which modern society is built. His comments came as he reflected on the discipline that shaped his own career and the technological changes driven by artificial intelligence.Huang, who co-founded Nvidia in 1993, received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Medal of Honor for his contributions to GPU development and the advancement of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the award ceremony, he looked back at why he chose engineering and explained why he continues to see it as an important career even as AI changes the nature of technical work.
Huang says engineering turns difficult problems into solutions
According to Fast Company, Huang said his interest in engineering began with his enjoyment of mathematics and science. He studied electrical engineering at Oregon State University, where he also became an IEEE member.Explaining what makes the profession important, Huang said, “This profession is the most noble of all, expressed in that way. To be the building blocks, to be the foundation of what builds society today.”He also linked engineering with a particular approach to solving complex problems. “Ultimately, engineering is a field that is about applying first principles in science and math,” Huang said.
‘Breaking down incredibly challenging problems’
Huang said engineering is not simply about understanding scientific and mathematical principles but also about using them to tackle problems that initially appear difficult to solve.“It is about learning how to solve problems, breaking down incredibly challenging problems into solvable parts, and having the resilience and dedication to go solve and make possible what was nearly impossible,” he said.His own career reflects that approach. Huang said he could not have predicted when Nvidia was founded that the company would eventually play a central role in the development of AI and what he described as an “industrial revolution”.
Why Huang still sees engineering as important
The engineering profession itself is changing as AI tools become part of everyday technical work. Software engineers, for example, are increasingly using AI systems to assist with coding and other tasks, changing how some technical roles are performed.Fast Company noted that the value of engineering is also shifting from execution towards judgement as AI takes on more routine work.Despite these changes, Huang continues to regard engineering as a significant career path. His comments suggest that the ability to understand fundamentals, break down complex problems and persist through difficult challenges remains central to the profession, even as the tools engineers use continue to evolve.