Engineers and data scientists in high demand Hedge funds’ 2025 global hiring outlook

The hedge fund technology job market remains highly competitive halfway through 2025. Unemployment for many tech roles is far below the national average of 4.2%, making skilled professionals harder than ever to find.

The most in-demand tech roles

Right now, hiring demand is strongest in roles that blend engineering, data, and quantitative expertise. The top roles include:

• Data Engineers & Data Scientists
• Python, Java, C++ and C# Developers
• Quant Developers (Systematic, Crypto, and Fixed Income)
• DevOps & Site Reliability Engineers
• Cloud Infrastructure Specialists (AWS Engineers)
• Risk and Regulatory Technology Experts
• Front Office and Trading Support Engineers
• People Analytics Specialist

Key hiring trends

• Specialized skills are scarce. The biggest gaps are in AI, machine learning, and data science—skills now considered essential far beyond tech firms.
• Cybersecurity and compliance are top priorities. With rising risks and regulatory pressures, companies are strengthening their defenses.
• Automation and IT support are growing fast. Businesses are leaning on technology to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

Recruitment outlook for 2025

• 56% of technology leaders plan to add new permanent roles.
• 38% will focus on replacing employees who move on.
• 89% of managers say it’s difficult to find candidates with the right expertise.

Today’s top performers are motivated by more than salary. They’re looking for opportunities to work on AI and machine learning projects, as these experiences accelerate their careers. Employers who highlight innovative projects, career pathways, and fast, transparent hiring processes stand out in a crowded market.

Specialized recruiters continue to play a crucial role in helping employers reach hidden talent pools and adapt quickly as trends shift.

 Key global hotspots for tech roles

While demand is strong everywhere, certain cities are emerging as global hiring hotspots:

United States – New York, San Francisco, Austin, and Boston lead in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – London remains Europe’s fintech and quant hub, with strong demand for data and trading engineers. 🇩🇪 Germany – Berlin and Munich are thriving in AI startups, automotive tech, and cloud innovation. 🇸🇬 Singapore – A central hub for fintech, data, and trading technology across Asia. 🇦🇺 Australia – Sydney and Melbourne are seeing growth in cybersecurity and data engineering, fueled by financial services. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates – Dubai is fast becoming a global center for AI, blockchain, and digital assets.

Winning in today’s tech hiring market requires speed, flexibility, and a sharp focus on emerging skills. Companies that move fast, showcase innovation, and provide meaningful career growth will be the ones that successfully attract and retain the world’s top tech talent.

Ref: CompTIA. (2025, July 3). Tech hiring activity outpaces expectations, CompTIA Tech Jobs Report finds. Robert Half. (2025, June 12). 2025 in‑demand technology roles and hiring trends [Research insights]. New River Talent. (2025, June 25). Technology hiring trends in systematic and quantitative hedge funds – mid‑2025 update [Industry insights]. New River Talent.