Though Tech Layoffs Persist, Skilled Engineers Are in Demand

In 2024, the technology sector saw more than that Demobilization After huge discounts In 2022 and 2023. Although the pace was somewhat slower last year, more than 150,000 employees were demobilized across hundreds of companies DemobilizationThe site started through Covid-19 pandemic To track technology hairstyles around the world. The largest single pieces came in August, when Intel Cut 15 percent For example, from its working power – more than 15,000 roles – for example, unifying the sales and marketing team. To start the new year, in January 2025, technology companies announced 5,000 other layoffs. More than half of these are 5 percent reduction in the workforce.

Despite these numbers, engineers seem to be working well. we employment Electric engineers are expected to grow by 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, compared to 4 percent for all professions American work statistics office (BLS). Among the IEEE members, the average income for American engineers and other technological professionals was $ 174,161 in 2023, an increase of 5 percent over the previous year, the annual IEEE-usa annual survey It was found in September.

Recently, the World Economic Forum Future Jobs Report 2025Based on data 2024, it revealed that the roles related to technology are the fastest growing categories Big data Specialists, financial technology engineers, artificial intelligence specialists, and Software developers. The report also expected growth in the engineering fields, including the environment and Renewable energyand RobotsAnd electrical technology engineering.

The result: While many technology companies continue to restructure, technology experts with high skills remain in demand.

Technical skills in demand

the Future of jobs a report I also looked at the skills that employers in all industries consider important. I found the largest increase in three categories of technology skills: Amnesty International, large data skills, networks and Cyber ​​securityTechnological literacy.

Communications, cars and space sectors are particularly concerned with artificial intelligence skills and huge data; 100 percent of the companies surveyed in these areas said these skills will be more important over the next five years.

Looking at these expected changes, employees will need to receive training to improve their performance in current or new roles. For example, 96 percent of employers are planning in wireless and wireless communications to raise their working powers and reformulate them.

At the same time, it is also expected that non -technical skills will rise in importance and complement technological experience. It will be necessary for workers to be able to think creative, flexibility and flexibility Life learning.

In fact, many companies are currently looking at non -technical capabilities when employing new engineers, Julia LabanAssistant Dean of Job Development at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Virginia. Although artistic knowledge is important for young engineers, “the bottom line is, as soon as students go out to the world of work, they will have to learn constantly,” says Laban. “We all have to be ready to adapt.”

The point of view of an engineering recruiter

Although many companies have declined from employment in general, the Labor market For electrical engineers in US It is still aggressive, he says George SantosManaging Director of Nabarefil’s Employment Company, Eileen 180 engineering. “It is a suitable time to be an engineer,” he says.

In the Santos experience, there has been more demand for a guarantee and Fixed programs Engineers, and for those who have control elements or Automation expertise. With climbing Smart manufacturing Advanced machines include many sensors and abundance of Data transfer. Santos, who is expected to grow in renewable energy sectors, says electric engineers “play an important role” in building and preserving these automatic systems.

According to the employees who have been polled, technical experience – such as the first three rows – increases the importance of expected skills in the next five years.

According to BLS, the request for electricity and electronics engineers in The manufacture of semi -conductors It is expected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033 – and The semiconductor industry Es pays well, with an average annual wage Nearly $ 145,000. It also offers BLS that requires ES in solar energy and wind Electrical power The generation will grow greatly during the same time period, although it remains a small part of the total labor.

Santos adds that finding a specialization can help new engineers move forward. “It will make you more valuable in the market.” The presence of a background in something like Energy electronics Or it will make the firmware included a candidate. “There are not many of these people,” he says.

Back to the office

In addition to industries or specialties, it is clear where engineers and technology staff are less likely to find jobs in 2025: at home.

After nearly five years of manufacturing Covid-19 Remote work Everywhere, many technology companies return their employees to the office. Amazon and DelFor example, you now ask employees to work in the office five days a week. Many others, including Apple, GoogleAnd Dead I followed a hybrid approach and required at least three days in the office every week.

The United States government also followed its example with the Trump administration Delegate to return to the office On the first day of Donald Trump’s second day as president. As of 2023, nearly 21,000 electrician and electronic engineers were employed by the federal government.

The pressure on personal work, which aims to increase productivity, is unlucky for many employees. In fact, these states may leave higher talents – direction It is already seen In some strong technology companies.