ChatGPT, as a representative product of artificial intelligence, has emerged in the field of higher engineering education. The intelligent technological change has subverted the function of traditional higher engineering education, challenged the current training system of engineering talent structure, accelerated the reform of knowledge production mode, broke the dual teaching/learning structure between teachers and students. Only by taking the initiative can higher engineering education assume the historical responsibility. With four aspects as the core and solving complex engineering problems as the goal, artificial intelligence technology can be used to reshape the new ecology of engineering education: highlighting the hierarchy to optimize the structure of talent training, taking a problem-oriented approach to break the discipline barrier, stimulating internal drive to awaken initiative and critical consciousness, and studying both arts and science to cultivate core values, thus to cultivate top-notch innovative talents who have both virtue and talent, outstanding ability, distinct level and social recognition.