In recent years, artificial intelligence has stopped being a long-term promise and become a technology that is already transforming how companies operate. Its impact is especially visible in the tech sector, where many tasks that once required human intervention are now being automated. However, rather than eliminating the need for specialized talent, what we are witnessing is a profound reshaping of the industry. The rise of AI hasn’t come to replace tech professionals—it’s here to change the rules of the game, and with that, the kind of roles that will be essential in the years ahead.
As code is generated faster, systems self-diagnose, and repetitive tasks are delegated to algorithms, tech companies are shifting their focus toward professionals who combine technical expertise with critical thinking, business acumen, creativity, and adaptability. Company needs have evolved, and so has the way teams are built and roles are defined.
Beyond developers: the new essentials in the tech world
Developers will still be needed—especially those who can work with emerging languages, agile frameworks, and complex architectures—but other profiles are gaining relevance and becoming key to any organization looking to stay competitive in a digital environment.
One such role is the data specialist. Data analysts, engineers, and scientists don’t just process information—they enable companies to turn data into knowledge, and knowledge into decisions. Businesses are investing in advanced analytics, business intelligence, and machine learning. In this context, professionals who can build data pipelines, interpret predictive models, and align them with strategy are essential.
Another critical role is cybersecurity expert. In an increasingly interconnected world where data flows through the cloud and systems transcend physical borders, security is a structural priority. Threats are more sophisticated, more frequent, and harder to detect. That’s why roles like security architects, pentesters, risk analysts, and compliance specialists will remain in high demand—not only in tech firms but also in sectors like industry, finance, and healthcare.
Cloud platform engineers are also in the spotlight. The shift to cloud computing isn’t new, but its consolidation as the default infrastructure is. Companies of all sizes are migrating their operations, data, and applications to platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. They need experts who can design efficient, secure, and scalable architectures. Deep technical knowledge, experience with hybrid environments, and automation skills (DevOps) are now non-negotiables.
And finally, there’s a less technical but equally vital role: the tech-savvy Product Manager. In a world where competitive advantage depends on delivering intuitive, scalable, and sustainable digital experiences, the ability to connect business, technology, and user needs becomes essential. These professionals don’t code, but they speak the language and know how to turn market insights into actionable product strategies.
Artificial intelligence as an accelerator, not a replacement
The big question is whether AI will eliminate tech jobs. The answer isn’t binary. What is clear is that AI is transforming the nature of many roles. Tasks that were once part of a junior developer’s daily workload can now be handled in seconds by AI assistants. This forces a shift in expectations and a constant upgrading of skills—especially for those just starting out.
But AI cannot—and won’t for a long time—replace human judgment, strategic thinking, or digital empathy. Designing solutions, leading teams, understanding business context, or building people-centered experiences will remain the domain of human professionals. The key lies in learning to work with AI, not against it. It should be a force multiplier, not a threat.
What should companies and professionals do?
For companies, the challenge is to anticipate. It’s not enough to react when you can’t find candidates for a critical role. You need to map the key profiles for the years ahead, reassess your team structures, invest in internal training, and launch recruitment processes with a long-term vision. It’s not about hiring more—it’s about hiring smarter.
For professionals, the path involves continuous learning, specialization, and openness to change. Knowing how to code is no longer enough: you need to understand how systems connect, what risks to manage, what opportunities automation brings, and how tech decisions align with business goals.
How onhunters can help
At onhunters, we support tech, industrial, energy, and service companies in identifying and selecting critical profiles in fast-changing environments. We do this with a hands-on approach focused on understanding what each organization truly needs to grow, innovate, or scale confidently.
We seek out professionals who not only meet technical criteria but also bring cultural alignment, vision, and leadership potential in dynamic environments. We also help our clients structure their teams, assess internal potential, and make talent decisions that align with the realities of today’s market.
In a transitional moment like this, deep sector knowledge and access to specialized talent are key to building solid, diverse, and future-ready teams.
