Top 10 most in-demand tech jobs for 2024

While last year witnessed a slightly subdued technology investment following economic headwinds and other global challenges, 2024 is expected to see a return to growth. In particular, the proliferation of AI (artificial intelligence), cloud and cybersecurity technologies are driving digital transformation and the need for specialists who can facilitate meaningful change.

And with our data showing that 95% of tech employers have experienced skills shortages, there’s plenty of opportunity for tech professionals seeking their next role. Moreover, employers are increasingly willing to take on candidates without the full technical job spec, often favouring transferable skills that are resistant to change – something you’ll see featured in the list below.

Tech professionals remain in high demand then – but which roles are the most sought after, and what does it take to break into them?

The top ten most in-demand tech jobs for 2024:

10. DevOps engineer:

What does a DevOps engineer do?

DevOps engineers act as a bridge between development and operations teams. They facilitate seamless collaboration by ensuring that software applications are smoothly transitioned from development to deployment. This includes automating processes, managing infrastructure, and optimising continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.

Key skills to be a DevOps engineer:

• Effective communication and collaboration skills for when working closely with various teams
• Proficiency in programming languages and understanding of software development practices
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)  

9. .NET developer:

What does a .NET developer do?

.NET developers are still very much in-demand. They specialise in designing and maintaining Windows-based applications and create software solutions using the .NET framework, which includes languages like C# and VB.NET.

Key skills for .NET developers:

• A problem-solving aptitude that can troubleshoot issues and optimise application performance
• Familiarity with coding languages such as C# or VB.NET is essential to the role
• An in-depth knowledge of the .NET framework and related technologies is usually mandatory

8. Solution architect:

What does a solution architect do?

Solution architects are responsible for designing and implementing systems that align with business requirements. They collaborate with stakeholders to understand organisational needs and create effective tech strategies, considering scalability, security, budget and performance when designing solutions.

Key skills of a solution architect:

• An analytical mindset is needed to analyse business problems and propose effective solutions
• Strong leadership skills will help guide teams towards a proposed tech vision
• Technical literacy is required when designing software systems and understanding architectural patterns

7. Software engineer:

What does a software engineer do?

Software engineers write code, perform testing, and ensure the reliability and scalability of applications. They work across different areas of an organisation, collaborating with product managers, designers, and other engineers. Rather than replacing software engineers, AI is augmenting their abilities and allowing skilled coders to focus on higher-value tasks.

Key skills needed to be a software engineer:

• Problem solving is essential when designing, testing and debugging software
• Adaptability is required to adopt emerging technologies and the latest best practices
• A proficiency in core programming languages (such as Python or JavaScript) and software development tools is vital

6. Cloud engineer:

What does a cloud engineer do?

A cloud engineer manages and maintains an organisation’s cloud-based infrastructure. Cloud professionals are in demand as organisations shift towards off-premise storage solutions and cloud computing, accommodating ever-expanding data sets and facilitating digital transformation.

Key skills of a cloud engineer:

• A learning mindset that can keep up with the evolving nature of cloud technologies
• Programming skills are required to automate tasks and manage cloud resources effectively
• A strong grasp of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is essential

5. Data engineer:

What does a data engineer do?

Data engineers create scalable frameworks that facilitate data collection and analysis, collaborating with other data specialists to provide valuable insights for an organisation. Experts in everything data, they design efficient data models to understanding databases, technologies and processes.

Key skills of a data engineer:

• Critical thinking skills are required to handle complex data challenges
• Being comfortable with coding languages is important when building data pipelines
• An understanding of AI and machine learning will help you leverage the latest data trends

4. Product manager:

What does a product manager do?

Product managers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of a product – from planning and conception to marketing and delivery – and are closely attuned to the customer’s needs. With emerging technologies – such as AI and machine learning – acting as a catalyst for innovation and evolved customer expectations, technically-minded product managers are in high demand.

Key skills of a product manager:

• Emotional intelligence is valuable when understanding customer needs and marketing a product
• Strong managerial skills are needed when rallying a team across a product’s entire lifecycle
• Analytical skills can’t be ignored when leveraging data to inform future product design and delivery

3. Project manager:

What does a project manager do?

Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring strategies. They ensure deliverables are on time, within scope, and meet project goals, collaborating with various teams and stakeholders. While a technical background is required in most cases, core skills can’t be neglected when managing multi-skilled teams.

Key skills of a project manager:

• Sound leadership skills help ensure effective handling of project timelines, resources, and budgets
• Communicative skills are a must when co-ordinating team members and negotiating with stakeholders
• Being IT-literate will allow project managers to formulate more effective tech strategies

2. Business analyst:

What does a business analyst do?

Business analysts act as a median between business needs and IT solutions. They assess organisational requirements, create models, and improve systems, leveraging data analytics to enhance profitability and productivity.

Key skills for business analysts:

• Critical thinking is highly valued when evaluating options and making informed business decisions
• Effective communicative skills will help foster improved interactions with stakeholders
• Strong research skills can assist with identifying problems and proposing viable solutions

1. Cyber security manager:

What does a cyber security manager do?

Cyber security experts are highly sought after, with employers seeking specialists who can review their security frameworks and protect against increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats. A cyber security manager will typically design and implement security policies, respond to cyber incidents and oversee a team of IT professionals.

Key skills cyber security managers need to have:

• Leadership skills are key when delegating tasks and training new team members
• Risk management competencies are vital when identify and solving security flaws
• A knowledge of coding languages and operating systems will aid the delivery of security plans

Interested in any of these in-demand tech jobs? Find your next opportunity here.

Or if you’re looking to hire top tech professionals, contact us today.