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Tech Roles on the Rise! What Tech Roles Are Most in Demand?

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Posted On Oct 03, 2023 

As technology and modern needs evolve, specific tech roles have risen in demand. Here are five hot tech roles and why employers need them.

 

They are (in order of growth from 2022 to mid-2023):

 

  1. Security (Cybersecurity) Engineer
  2. Data Engineer
  3. Machine Learning Engineer
  4. Business Analyst
  5. Backend Engineer

 

1. Security or Cybersecurity Engineer

 

As the world continues to digitally transform, so do criminals. All kinds of businesses, in a variety of industries, have learned, some the hard way, how important security and cybersecurity engineers are to them.

 

In one example, patients of a Louisville, KY, hospital network struggled to obtain prescriptions and make appointments after a cyberattack stole personally identifiable information, (PII) and medical records. The ransomware disrupted patient care as well as set off an identity theft nightmare for the victims.

 

Employers generally prefer a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or related fields. They may also look for practical experience building test networks or system prototypes.

 

Top skills employers look for in security engineers

 

  1. Python
  2. AWS
  3. Java
  4. Go
  5. JavaScript
  6. Linux
  7. Azure
  8. Kubernetes
  9. React
  10. C++

 

2. Data Engineer

 

Modern companies rely on data about themselves, their customers, and their competitors to stay relevant and ahead. Data engineers are the architects who establish the structure to retrieve, store, and manage vast reservoirs of data. With a blend of software engineering and data-centric skills, they transform raw data into usable systems.

 

Employers generally prefer a degree in computer science or related fields. They’ll also look for experiences displaying an aptitude for various programs, languages, and tools. Knowledge may include building data structures, managing databases, using big data, and how proper data infrastructure can affect a business.

 

Top skills employers look for in data engineers

 

  1. Python
  2. SQL
  3. AWS
  4. Spark
  5. Java
  6. Scala
  7. Kafka
  8. ETL
  9. Airflow
  10. Snowflake

 

3. Machine Learning Engineer

 

A machine learning engineer is a visionary technologist, harnessing the power of algorithms to teach machines how to learn from and act on data. These engineers are adept at creating technologies embedded with AI. Common examples of what machine learning engineers work on include self-driving cars for Uber and programming tailored search results for Google users.

 

Employers generally prefer a Bachelor’s and Master’s or Ph.D. in computer science, an engineering discipline, or mathematics. They will also likely look for experience in working on practical and theoretical models.

 

Top skills employers look for in machine learning engineers

 

  1. Python
  2. AWS
  3. SQL
  4. Java
  5. Natural language processing (NLP)
  6. Tensorflow
  7. Deep Learning
  8. Pytorch
  9. Spark
  10. Computer Vision

 

4. Business Analyst

 

A business analyst connects business objectives to technical solutions. With a sharp analytical mind and a keen understanding of organizational needs, they delve into business processes, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Business analysts gather and interpret data, translate business requirements into technical specifications, and work closely with stakeholders to implement changes that drive business growth.

 

Employers generally prefer a degree in business administration, computer science, or related fields. They will also likely look for experience with business process modeling, data analysis tools, project management, and domain expertise.

 

Top skills employers look for in business analysts

 

  1. SQL
  2. Python
  3. Tableau
  4. Looker
  5. Data Analysis
  6. R
  7. Microsoft Excel
  8. ETL
  9. Data Warehousing
  10. Financial Modeling

 

5. Backend Engineer

 

While users interact with the visual elements of an application, it’s the backend engineer who ensures that data flows, servers respond, and business logic executes seamlessly. They design, implement, and manage databases, application servers, and API integrations. Backend engineers enjoy coding and crafting the foundation of successful digital experiences, ensuring performance, security, and scalability.

 

Employers generally prefer a degree in computer science, software engineering, computer security, or related fields. They may also look for experience with computer programming, REST-based services, cloud infrastructure, automated integration tests, accessing data on mainframes, and continuous integration.

 

Top skills employers look for in backend engineers

 

  1. Java
  2. Python
  3. AWS
  4. React
  5. Go
  6. Node.js
  7. TypeScript
  8. SQL
  9. C#

 

The impact of GenAI on demand for tech roles

 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re familiar with the onslaught of GenAI in the last year. It was even a major point of the 2023 strikes by writers and actors. With artificial intelligence applications as the tech du jour, more companies want engineers comfortable and ready to lead with it. They want more machine learning researchers and engineers to bring AI technology to their business.

 

There’s been a 21% year-over-year increase in demand for AI professionals. This is due to more funding, advances in technology, and the development of new use cases. Similar to the appetite for Web3 and blockchain talent in early 2022, in 2023 companies are competitively paying experienced AI technologists to sign offers.

 

In August of 2023, roles in emerging technologies or emerging tech skills requirements were part of 23% of all tech job postings.

 

In addition, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shared inside categories like emerging tech, 37% of tech role postings included AI work and skills.

 

Hiring candidates in AI-driven roles

 

Like many terms, AI has become a bucket to describe advanced computing technologies. Whether you’re a hiring manager, a CEO, or manage talent acquisition, the need for AI support may vary widely from business to business.

 

Some companies will use AI to analyze data, build new models, or conduct research. Some will develop new products and tooling. Regardless of your need, look for candidates with transferable skills.

 

Look for lifelong learners – people who are genuinely curious and embrace flexibility. Because the space is so new, any involvement in open-source-related projects is also a good indication of the aptitude to “grow with it.

 

Staying up to date with the demands of the ebb and flow of the tech hiring market is critical. As AI has shown, change happens quickly.

 

For help finding the right candidates for your organization, connect with an LHH recruiter today.