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The Global M blog

AI and ML Engineers: the hardest tech talent to hire in 2025

by | Mar 24, 2025 | Uncategorized

AI and Machine Learning (ML) engineers are some of the most in-demand tech professionals in 2025. As more companies invest in AI, the competition to hire top engineers has become extremely tough. Tech recruitment agencies and companies alike are struggling to fill these roles. Here’s why👇

Stephen Sange - Talent Acquisition Specialist

The demand for AI talent is huge

Businesses across all industries—tech, finance, healthcare, and more—are racing to hire AI and ML engineers. With AI becoming essential for automation, data analysis, and decision-making, the demand has far outgrown the number of available candidates.

There aren’t enough skilled engineers

AI and ML require highly specialized skills, including:

  • Programming – Engineers must know Python, R, and Java, plus AI tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

  • Mathematics & Statistics – Strong knowledge of probability, statistics, and algebra is necessary for building AI models.

  • Data Science & Big Data – AI engineers must work with large datasets, clean and process data, and build accurate machine-learning models.

Many recruitment agencies and hiring managers find it hard to locate candidates who meet all these requirements.

Universities can’t keep up

AI is evolving so quickly that traditional education can’t keep pace. Many graduates lack hands-on experience with the latest AI and ML tools. Companies need job-ready engineers, not just those with theoretical knowledge.

Tech Giants are taking the best talent

Big companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI are hiring AI engineers with high salaries, stock options, and research opportunities. This makes it harder for startups and mid-sized businesses to compete for AI talent.

AI Engineers must keep learning

AI and ML technologies change fast. Engineers must constantly update their skills to stay relevant. Companies don’t just need top tech talent—they need people who are eager to keep learning.

How can companies overcome the AI hiring challenge?

Here are some ways businesses can improve their AI and ML recruitment strategy:
Work with a specialized tech recruitment agency – Experts in hiring engineers can help find the right candidates faster.
Look beyond local talent – Hiring remote AI engineers or sourcing talent from different regions can help fill the gap.
Upskill existing employees – Training current developers in AI can be a more effective solution than trying to find external hires.
Offer competitive benefits – Engineers want more than just money. Giving them the chance to work on exciting AI projects makes a difference.

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