Boston's tech scene is often overlooked, but it is a great destination for talent to grow their career. The metro area hosts nearly 270,000 tech jobs, making up just under ten percent of the local workforce. The abundance of tech jobs is directly linked to the diversity of companies, ranging from small startups to large corporations. The city is home to seven Fortune 500 companies and 2,662 startups– accounting for five percent of domestic startups.

As a seasoned recruiter in Boston with over a decade of experience, I specialize in connecting tech talent with exciting opportunities in the region. The following five tech roles are in high demand among companies here, making them excellent options to keep in mind. I'll explore the specifics of each role to supply you with valuable insights to help your job search. Let's dive in.

1. Data Engineer

A Data Engineer works with large amounts of data to help companies make sense of it. They build and manage systems that collect and organize data from different sources, like databases or software applications. Their goal is to ensure the data is accurate, easily accessible, and ready for analysis. Data Engineers also create tools and processes for cleaning up and transforming data, so it can be used by Data Scientists to make informed decisions.

2. Full Stack Engineer

A Full Stack Engineer works on both the front end and back end of a website or application. On the front end, they create and style the parts of the website that users see and interact with, like buttons and forms. On the back end, they manage the server, database, and application logic that make the website function behind the scenes. They handle everything needed to build and maintain a complete website or application.

3. Full Stack Java Developer

A Full Stack Java Developer is a programmer who builds complete web applications, focusing mainly on using Java for the back-end part. This means they write the code that runs on servers and manages how data is stored and accessed. Unlike a typical full stack developer who might use a variety of programming languages for the back-end, a full stack Java developer sticks to Java, making them experts in this language. They also work on the front-end, creating the parts of the website that users see and interact with, but their key strength is in building and maintaining the server-side logic with Java.

4. Java Developer

A Java Developer is a programmer who uses the Java programming language to build software applications. They write and test code that forms the backbone of websites, apps, and other software systems. Java developers often work on the server side, creating the logic that powers applications and manages data. They ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from processing user requests to storing information securely. Java is known for its reliability and portability, meaning Java developers can create programs that work on many different devices and operating systems.

5. Software Engineer in Test

A Software Engineer in Test ensures that software applications work correctly. They create and run tests to check for bugs or problems in the software. Instead of building the software itself, they focus on making sure it performs as expected and is reliable. They write automated tests that can quickly and repeatedly check the software, helping developers catch issues early and fix them before the software is released to users. Their main goal is to ensure that the final product is high-quality and functions smoothly.

Final Takeaways

In 2024, Boston earned the distinction of being the eighth-best city in the United States for tech professionals, according to Cloudwards. This ranking was based on factors such as quality of life, career and educational opportunities, internet infrastructure, the startup ecosystem, and the strength of local tech communities, making it an excellent place to grow your tech career. If you're interested in joining the tech scene in Boston, consider contacting our network of recruiters here to find the role best suited for you!