"New IT-shka": MilTech job market has grown 10 times, but companies are rejecting candidates who are only looking for bookings
Defense Tech (or MilTech) is rapidly becoming the new star of the Ukrainian labor market. The industry is growing at a breakneck pace, attracting not only local developers, but also expats from the US and Canada. However, getting there is becoming increasingly difficult: companies have become more picky, and the motivation «just to get an order» no longer works. Market leaders spoke about what is currently happening with hiring in the field of military technology during a panel discussion at DOU Day.
Defense Tech (or MilTech) is rapidly becoming the new star of the Ukrainian labor market. The industry is growing at a breakneck pace, attracting not only local developers, but also expats from the US and Canada. However, getting there is becoming increasingly difficult: companies have become more picky, and the motivation «just to get an order» no longer works. Market leaders spoke about what is currently happening with hiring in the field of military technology during a panel discussion at DOU Day.
How many vacancies are there at MilTech now: platform figures
The demand for specialists in the field of defense technologies shows exponential growth, despite the general stagnation of classic IT outsourcing. The heads of the largest specialized platforms shared the latest statistics:
robota.ua: According to CEO Valeriy Reshetnyak, the number of vacancies in Defense Tech has increased 10 times compared to 2022, and the market has doubled over the past year. Currently, the platform has over 3,000 vacancies in this area.
DOU: The resource’s CEO, Vladyslav Zatsarynna, noted that their site currently has over 400 purely engineering vacancies open at MilTech, and in general there are about 4,000 offers in the industry (including non-technical positions).
Reservation is not a reason to hire
Despite the huge talent shortage, drone and military software companies have changed their approach to selection. The industry needs fewer engineers than traditional Ukrainian outsourcing, so employers have plenty to choose from and are very selective.
The main «red flag» in an interview is the candidate’s desire to simply hide from mobilization.
«If your only motivation is reservation, then they simply won’t take you. Look for another motivation to go to Defense Tech. This is being tested, and it’s very good,» they emphasized during the discussion.
At the same time, the industry attracts fans of complex technical challenges. There have been cases when Ukrainian Senior developers return from abroad specifically to work in Ukrainian MilTech. Moreover, companies are actively recruiting foreigners from the USA and Canada. Their motivation is adrenaline, working at the cutting edge of technology, or Ukrainian roots.
Advice for Junens: Go fly drones
For beginners who are currently having a hard time finding their first job in the frontend or backend, experts advise changing their focus and going to work «with their hands.»
In MilTech startups, which often develop in conditions of controlled chaos, there is a huge demand for people who can customize processes.
How to get into the industry:
Don’t shy away from physical work. The best way now is to come to the drone assembly.
Seize opportunities for rapid growth. There are stories in the market where 23-year-old boys and girls came to assemble drones and within three years rose to the level of CTO (technical director) of the company.
