Framework de competências para engenheiros na era da transformação digital: um modelo progressivo por nível de carreira

Abstract

Digital transformation is rapidly redefining labor market demands and, in the case of engineers, it imposes growing challenges that require the continuous and integrated development of diverse competencies. This study investigates the essential competencies for engineers in the context of digital transformation, with the objective of proposing a refined competency framework by career level (junior, mid-level, and senior). A sequential mixed-methods approach was adopted: (1) a systematic literature review conducted between 2014 and 2024, which identified 46 competencies organized into seven dimensions; (2) a quantitative survey with 392 engineers who self-assessed their level of proficiency for each competency; (3) semi-structured interviews with 20 company representatives, which refined and contextualized the competencies according to career levels (junior, mid-level, and senior); (4) data triangulation, resulting in a final model of competencies by career stage. The results reveal a widespread deficit in digital competencies, regardless of career level. In total, 33 competencies assessed by career stage showed statistically significant differences in employers’ perceptions and were identified as progressive throughout the career trajectory. The analysis of self-assessments and interviews indicates that, for junior engineers, there is a strong emphasis on cognitive and personal competencies. For mid-level engineers, the data reveal a significant appreciation for social competencies as well. Senior engineers are perceived as having accumulated experience across all seven mapped dimensions - transversal, social, personal, cognitive, digital, green, and technical. This study offers a practical framework that can be used by educational institutions, engineering professionals, and human resources managers, aligning training with market demands and career planning.