Top 8 skills for software engineers right now

The software engineering landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in AI, cloud technologies, and hyper-automation. In this changing environment, coding alone is no longer enough. Engineers now need a broad range of skills that include cybersecurity and DevOps to stay ahead. 

As our Skills Lab Coach, Edgar Afonso explains:
“If you’re a software engineer in 2025, the key to staying competitive is adaptability. Right now, companies are hungry for engineers who know cloud computing—AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud dominate, and almost every business is shifting to scalable, cloud-native solutions.  

AI and machine learning are no longer just buzzwords; recruiters are actively seeking engineers who can fine-tune models, deploy them efficiently, and integrate AI into everyday applications.  

DevOps remains essential—automating workflows, optimising CI/CD pipelines, and understanding containerisation with Kubernetes and Docker are must-have skills. And let’s not forget security—cyber threats are evolving, and companies are scrambling for developers who understand secure coding practices and frameworks. Of course, none of these matter without strong fundamentals—Python, JavaScript, and Java continue to be the top languages driving these technologies.  

If you’re looking to grow, focus on building real-world projects, contributing to open source, and staying up to date with emerging tech, because the engineers who adapt are the ones who thrive.” 

Continue reading as we explore the most in-demand software engineering skills. These skills are essential for success in today’s tech-driven world. 

In this article we’ll cover:  

• Programming languages
• Cloud computing skills  
• DevOps and CI/CD
• Data structures and algorithms
• AI and machine learning  
• Cybersecurity  
• No-code/Low-code development  
• Quantum computing exploration 

Programming languages

A strong foundation in programming languages remains essential for any software engineer. Popular languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, and Rust are consistently in demand.  

Python   

Cemented itself as a cornerstone of modern software development, particularly in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automation. Its versatility is one of its strongest attributes, enabling engineers to tackle tasks—from creating simple automation scripts to developing complex machine learning models. Its readability and simplicity make Python an excellent choice for engineers at any level.  

JavaScript   

Remaining a vital tool in the toolkit of software engineers, particularly in web development. As the backbone of dynamic, interactive web pages, JavaScript allows developers to create client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end) applications, especially with the help of popular frameworks like React, Angular, and Node.js. Its asynchronous nature and vast ecosystem of libraries make it indispensable for building high-performance, scalable applications. Whether developing an interactive user interface or creating a complex web application with server-side logic, JavaScript has you covered.  

Java

A longstanding favourite when it comes to enterprise-level applications. Java’s portability, scalability, and robustness have made it the go-to language for developing large-scale systems, particularly for industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. With the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) enabling “write once, run anywhere” functionality, Java ensures compatibility across different platforms and devices. In addition to its dominance in back-end development, Java is widely used in Android development, further expanding its reach. For engineers looking to build mission-critical applications that must scale efficiently, Java continues to be a top contender.  

Go (Golang)

Rising to prominence due to its speed, efficiency, and suitability for cloud computing and microservices architecture. Developed by Google, Go is designed to handle concurrent operations seamlessly, making it ideal for building scalable back-end services, APIs, and cloud-based infrastructure. Its lightweight syntax and strong performance capabilities make it a popular choice for engineers working on systems that need to handle large volumes of traffic or data. With a focus on simplicity, Go enables engineers to develop applications that are both reliable and maintainable.  

Rust

Gaining traction as a systems programming language, particularly in cybersecurity, embedded systems, and performance-critical applications. Rust’s most compelling feature is its memory safety model, which eliminates common programming errors like null pointer dereferencing and buffer overflows without sacrificing performance. This makes it especially attractive for engineers working in security or building high-performance systems that require low-level memory control. While it has a steeper learning curve than some other languages, its ability to prevent costly runtime errors and ensure reliability in performance-sensitive environments has earned it a strong following among developers. 

The demand for APIs, particularly those integrated with AI and large language models, is expected to grow significantly by 2026, according to Gartner. Software engineers who can work across multiple programming languages are increasingly valuable, as interoperability is key for building solutions that function seamlessly across different platforms and services. 

Cloud computing skills 

As businesses move to the cloud, software engineers who can design, deploy, and manage cloud infrastructure are in high demand. Leading cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud offer solutions tailored to various business needs.  

Engineers must stay up-to-date on cloud-native development, serverless computing, and container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes). Engineers who help businesses transition to the cloud should be informed about cost optimisation, security best practices, and multi-cloud strategies to make informed decisions. 

DevOps and CI/CD 

DevOps practices integrate development and operations, enabling teams to deploy software faster and more reliably. Engineers with expertise in DevOps tools—such as Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and Terraform—are essential as companies look to automate and streamline their continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.  

McKinsey reports that implementing DevOps and continuous delivery can reduce the time to launch products by 30 to 40 per cent. Engineers skilled in infrastructure as code (IaC) and automated testing frameworks are especially valuable. This helps businesses minimise downtime and ensure reliable service delivery.  

Data structures and algorithms 

Proficiency in data structures and algorithms (DSA) remains a fundamental skill for software engineers. Engineers who understand concepts like sorting algorithms, graph theory, and dynamic programming can optimise the performance and scalability of software applications.  

LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report highlights that strong problem-solving skills are crucial. In industries like fintech and logistics, efficient algorithm design is critical for processing large volumes of real-time data. Consultants must be proficient in DSA to build high-performance applications that meet growing user demands. 

AI and machine Learning

 The global AI market, valued at approximately $208 billion in 2023, is expected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Engineers with skills in tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and natural language processing (NLP) are highly sought after.  

To create effective AI solutions, engineers must have a solid understanding of model training, feature engineering, and the ethical considerations involved in AI development. Consultants must assess business needs and recommend the right models and frameworks to maximise AI’s potential for their clients. 

Cybersecurity 

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, software engineers with cybersecurity expertise are essential. Engineers must possess skills in encryption, authentication protocols (e.g., OAuth, JWT), penetration testing, and secure coding practices to protect applications and data.  

Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Engineers with expertise in threat detection, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR) will remain highly sought after as businesses strengthen their security measures. 

No-code/Low-code development

No-code/Low-code development is an innovative approach. It enables individuals with minimal coding experience to create applications swiftly.  

This method doesn’t rely on traditional programming languages. Instead, it provides visual software development environments where people can drag and drop programme components and link them.  

No-code/Low-code development offers several advantages. These include accelerated development timelines and reduced dependency on development teams. As a result, it’s changing the software industry. 

Quantum computing exploration 

Quantum computing, inspired by the principles of quantum mechanics, offers the potential to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds.  

Tackling tasks that traditional computers cannot, particularly cybersecurity. They could revolutionise security by breaking encryption faster than ever before. As a result, this will make the digital world more secure. 

Conclusion

The software engineering field is constantly evolving. Staying on top of emerging skills is crucial for career success. Whether it’s mastering cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, or DevOps, engineers who continue to upskill will remain competitive in an increasingly digital world. Consultants must stay ahead of these trends to guide their clients through the complexities of digital transformation.  

By learning these technologies and refining problem-solving skills, engineers and consultants can unlock exciting new career opportunities in the tech sector. Ultimately, the future of software engineering belongs to those who are ready to learn, adapt, and innovate. 

How FDM can support your software engineering journey 

At FDM, we recognise the need for engineers to stay ahead of the curve with the latest technology trends. We provide training and career development opportunities to help software engineers gain the in-demand skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Explore how FDM can support your journey and help you stay at the forefront of the digital transformation. 

Reach out today to learn more!