Top 10 most-wanted tech jobs for 2024

While the tech market might not have the buoyancy seen during the post-pandemic surge, there’s still a strong demand for specialists who can help usher in emerging technologies and facilitate digital transformation across the entire organisation. And given Ireland’s record-high employment and recognised status as a tech hub, opportunities for tech professionals seeking their next role are plentiful.

To overcome skills gaps and attract in-demand tech experts, organisations must reassess sweeping job specs and narrow down critical competencies – including transferable core skill featured in the list below.

But which tech roles are the most sought after, and what skills do professionals need to fulfil them?

The top ten most wanted tech jobs for 2024:

10. DevOps engineer:

What does a DevOps engineer do?

DevOps engineers connect development and operations teams, making sure that software applications move from development to deployment without any issues. They do this by automating processes, taking care of infrastructure, and improving CI/CD pipelines.

Key skills needed to be a DevOps engineer:

• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Proficiency in programming languages and software development
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (such as Amazon Web Services, Azure, or Google Cloud)

9. .NET developer:

What does a .NET developer do?

.NET developers specialise in designing and maintaining software applications using the .NET framework and Microsoft technology stack, employing both .Net and client-side coding languages, from C# and VB.NET to HTML and JavaScript.

Key skills to be a .NET developer:

• An agile mindset that can adapt to new projects environments and technologies
• Familiarity with various coding languages and software development methodologies
• A strong knowledge of the .NET framework and related systems

8. Solution architect:

What does a solution architect do?

Solution architects are responsible for designing and implementing a technical solution for a specific business requirement. This involves collaborating with stakeholders to evaluate organisational needs and which tech solutions will work best, considering factors such as scalability, security, budget and performance.

Key skills a solution architect needs:

• An analytical mindset that can match business problems with effective solutions
• Strong leadership skills that can fulfil a tech vision
• Technical literacy – such as designing software systems and understanding architectural patterns

7. Software engineer:

What does a software engineer do?

Software engineers code, test, and make sure that applications are dependable and scalable. They cooperate with product managers, designers, and other engineers in different parts of an organisation. Many software engineers today will employ AI tools and automation, enhancing their productivity and letting them concentrate on higher value tasks.

Key skills for becoming a software engineer:

• Critical thinking skills that support the creation, testing and debugging of software
• Able to adopt emerging technologies and the latest best practices
• A software engineer must be confident in core programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, or C++/C

6. Cloud engineer:

What does a cloud engineer do?

Cloud engineers takes care of an organisation’s cloud-based infrastructure, and are highly sought after as organisations move to cloud storage and computing, and employees increasingly connect via remote access.

Key skills needed to be a cloud engineer:

• An agile mindset that can keep up with the latest cloud developments
• Programming skills that can automate tasks and optimise cloud resources
• Expertise with cloud providers, like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud

5. Data engineer:

What does a data engineer do?

Data engineers build scalable frameworks that enable data collection and analysis, working with other data experts to deliver valuable and actionable insights for an organisation. Masters of data, they create effective data models to comprehend databases, technologies and processes.

Key skills a data engineer needs:

• Critical thinking skills that can manage complex data challenges
• Competency with coding languages that can help build data pipelines
• An awareness of emerging AI and machine learning tools

4. Product manager/owner:

What does a product manager/owner do?

A product manager oversees the whole product lifecycle: from idea and design to launch and feedback. With new technologies, such as AI and machine learning driving innovation and changing customer expectations, product managers who possess the right combination of human and technical skills are highly employable.

What key skills does a product manager/owner need?

• Emotional intelligence that deepens an understanding of customer needs
• The ability to manage multiskilled teams
• Analytical skills that leverage data and inform product decisions

3. Project manager:

What does a project manager do?

Project managers plan, execute, and track tech strategies. They make sure deliverables are timely, within budget, and aligned with project goals, collaborating with different teams and stakeholders. While technical knowledge is often needed, core skills are also essential when leading diverse teams.

Key skills to become a project manager:

• Leadership skills that can facilitate project timelines, resources, and budgets
• Communicative skills for managing diverse team members and stakeholders
• IT-literacy to formulate more effective tech strategies

2. Business analyst:

What does a business analyst do?

Business analysts bridge the gap between business needs and IT solutions. They analyse organisational needs, design models, and optimise systems, using data analytics to boost profits and efficiency.

Key skills to becoming a business analyst:

• A critical mindset that can evaluate new tech options and make informed business decisions
• Effective communicative skills that foster strong stakeholder engagement
• Research skills are required when identifying problems and viable solutions

1. Cyber security professional:

What does a cyber security professional do?

With cyber threats escalating in both volume and sophistication, cyber security experts are in high demand. Employers need specialists who can check their security frameworks and defend against increasingly complex cyber attacks, magnified by the emergence of AI tools. More senior roles may involve creating and applying security policies, handling cyber incidents and managing a team of IT experts.

Key skills needed by a cyber security professional:

• The ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical business users
• Risk management expertise that can gauge threat severity and remedy potential security gaps
• A knowledge of various coding languages, operating systems, and emerging AI tools

Looking forward to tech’s future

As emerging technologies, such as generative AI and machine learning, reach maturity, we’re likely to see a greater demand for experts who can leverage related tools and fulfil new business demands. Machine learning engineers who can unlock AI’s potential and enable computers to learn automatically and without explicit instructions, will be particularly valuable across various industries, from life sciences to engineering.

While the future of tech can never be truly predicted, one thing is certain: professionals who possess a desire to learn and willingness to adapt will see the greatest success in their careers, while organisations that can facilitate continuous learning and innovation will attract the best talent.

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.