Hire IoT Developers: Our Experience

Elen Muradian

Last updated on February 3, 2026 | 17 min read

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• The growing complexity of IoT development demands cross-disciplinary talent skilled in hardware, cloud, and data security integration.
• This article explains how specialized recruitment accelerates hiring, reduces risk, and ensures stronger technical outcomes in IoT projects.

From factory floors equipped with real-time sensors to healthcare systems tracking patients through connected devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a defining layer of modern business infrastructure. The global IoT market is expected to reach USD 2.65 trillion by 2030, growing at a steady 11.4% annually. At the same time, the number of connected devices worldwide reached 18.8 billion by the end of 2024. This rapid expansion highlights the growing demand for professionals who can design, implement, and maintain secure and scalable IoT ecosystems.

Finding such specialists, however, is far from simple. IoT development requires expertise that spans embedded systems, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity – a combination that’s rare in the talent market. As a result, many businesses turn to specialized IoT developer recruitment agencies that understand both the technology and the evolving industry landscape. These agencies help companies identify the right skill sets, streamline hiring, and build development teams capable of supporting long-term IoT growth.

This article draws on DevsData LLC’s direct experience in IoT recruitment to explore the current market landscape, the advantages of partnering with specialized agencies, and the main challenges companies face when hiring IoT developers. It also highlights how collaboration with an experienced recruitment partner can accelerate innovation and strengthen technical capacity in an increasingly connected world.

What do IoT developer recruitment agencies do?

IoT development connects hardware, software, and data into systems that sense, communicate, and act in real time. It powers industrial automation, smart homes, healthcare monitoring, and logistics optimization, requiring professionals who can work across both physical and digital layers of technology. Because of this multidisciplinary nature, recruiting for IoT projects demands more than a standard software talent search.

IoT recruitment agencies specialize in identifying and evaluating professionals with expertise across connected systems, ensuring technical precision and scalability. Typical positions include:

• Embedded systems developers – design and program microcontrollers for connected devices
• Firmware engineers – build low-level code enabling device functionality and communication
• IoT solution architects – plan system structure, connectivity, and integration points
• Cloud IoT integrators – manage data flow, storage, and analytics in cloud environments
• DevOps specialists – handle deployment pipelines and ensure continuous integration
• IoT security engineers – safeguard networks and devices from cyber threats

Partnering with a specialized IoT recruitment agency allows businesses to access pre-vetted talent pools and industry-specific insight that general recruiters often lack. These agencies understand IoT protocols, hardware-software dependencies, and scalability requirements, enabling them to match candidates precisely to project needs. As a result, companies reduce hiring time, lower project risk, and build development teams equipped to deliver secure and future-ready IoT solutions

Market overview

Beyond the steady market growth, several structural trends define the current hiring landscape, each influencing how organizations source and retain IoT talent.

1. Cross-industry adoption and specialization

IoT’s reach now extends across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, utilities, and agriculture. In the European Union, 29% of enterprises already use IoT or interconnected systems. In manufacturing specifically, about 18% of companies in the EU incorporate IoT sensors for warehouse management.

Recruitment implications:

Because IoT projects vary by domain, mere technical fluency isn’t enough. Talent must also understand domain-specific constraints (e.g. safety in healthcare, regulatory compliance in utilities). A recruitment agency must filter not just for code skills but domain experience to reduce ramp-up and risk.

2. Security as a core competency

As devices proliferate, attack surfaces expand rapidly. The cloud-edge security software sector exemplifies this urgency: the market was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2024, with forecasts of ~15.9 % compound annual growth going forward.

Recruitment implications:

Companies now demand IoT engineers who are also versed in secure-by-design firmware, encryption standards, threat modeling, and identity management. Agencies must include security-based evaluations, which narrows the candidate pool and raises the bar on technical screening.

3. Convergence of IoT, cloud, and edge computing

Modern IoT architectures blend data flow across device, edge, and cloud layers. A recent academic survey describes this shift as the edge-cloud continuum, with decentralized edge resources and centralized cloud working in tandem. Furthermore, in Europe, the IoT devices market alone generated USD 17.38 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow at a 15.9% CAGR through 2030.

Recruitment implications:

Hiring now seeks professionals who can think holistically across the stack – from microcontrollers and sensor data to edge analytics to cloud orchestration. Recruitment must prioritize candidates who can move between embedded and distributed systems competencies.

4. Growing importance of interoperability and standardization

Integration complexity is rising as enterprises adopt multiple vendor systems. According to IoT Analytics, 57.5% of organizations now use process automation via IoT – a use case that requires disparate systems to talk to each other seamlessly.

Recruitment implications:

Teams require engineers experienced in protocols (MQTT, CoAP, OPC UA, etc.) and cross-platform bridges. Agencies need to filter candidates not just by tool knowledge but by experience in heterogeneous environments and system integration.

5. Data analytics and AI-driven IoT solutions

Connected devices generate massive data, and businesses increasingly expect predictive and prescriptive insights. Many IoT hardware and analytics vendors now embed AI at the edge. IoT spending in enterprise continued to grow in 2024 (albeit at a slower pace), reflecting that software, analytics, and cloud components still expand.

Recruitment implications:

Recruiters must broaden their scope: ideal candidates often combine IoT, data engineering, and model deployment experience. Agencies must search across “IoT + AI/ML” talent pools, not just embedded systems engineers.

Benefits of collaborating with an IoT developer recruitment agency

Building an effective IoT development team is about ensuring speed, precision, and long-term stability in an increasingly competitive market. Collaborating with a specialized IoT developer recruitment agency helps businesses bridge the widening talent gap, optimize hiring resources, and strengthen operational efficiency. The advantages are not abstract: they translate into measurable improvements in time, cost, and project outcomes.

• Faster time-to-hire – sooner time-to-value

Organizations using traditional hiring often take ~44 days to fill roles. But specialized agencies with pre-qualified talent pools and domain knowledge can cut that by up to 40%, enabling IoT projects to move forward earlier and avoid costly delays in hardware integration or system rollouts.

• Lower hiring costs (and clearer ROI)

The average cost-per-hire in the US sits around USD 4700 when factoring in advertising, internal recruiting time, and screening. With a specialist agency, you shift to targeted sourcing and technically rigorous vetting, minimizing wasted cycles and soft costs, often making the overall acquisition expense more efficient, even after paying agency fees.

• Reduced mis-hire and turnover risk in technical roles

Replacing a technical hire can cost roughly 80% of their annual salary. By partnering with an IoT-specialist recruiter, you get better quality-of-hire: they screen for rare stacks (embedded, connectivity, security) and domain fit, reducing the chance of a mismatch or turnover in mission-critical roles.

• Higher fill rates for hard-to-fill roles

In the EU in 2023, 57.5% of businesses reported issues filling ICT specialist roles. General recruiting channels often fall short in IoT, whereas specialized agencies leverage niche networks and passive candidate outreach to secure talent even in tight markets.

• Stronger security posture and cost avoidance

With data breaches costing organizations USD 4.88 million on average, embedding security into IoT from day one is essential. IoT recruitment specialists identify candidates skilled in secure firmware, encrypted communication, threat modeling, and OTA protection, reducing risk in the often-overlooked cyber-physical layer.

• Continuity in operations: fewer delays from talent scarcity

When roles stay open or hiring cycles drag, projects stall. According to 2024 SHRM data, 75% of organizations struggle to keep up with evolving tech role demands. A specialized agency keeps hiring momentum alive: better shortlists, streamlined interviews, and reduced downtime, ensuring your IoT roadmap doesn’t stall because of recruitment drag.

In IoT recruitment, the challenge is in identifying engineers who understand how hardware, cloud, and data converge to keep connected systems secure and scalable.

Challenges in IoT developer recruitment, and how we overcome them

Recruiting skilled IoT developers is far more complex than traditional software hiring. The roles combine hardware, networking, and cloud expertise. As a result, agencies face structural challenges that demand both technical insight and strategic process design. Drawing on our experience, the following points outline the key obstacles in IoT developer recruitment and how DevsData LLC effectively addresses each of them in practice.

1. Scarcity of cross-domain IoT and cloud talent

Demand for ICT specialists keeps outpacing supply: in the EU, 57.5% of enterprises that tried to recruit ICT specialists in 2023 reported difficulties filling roles; meanwhile, ICT employment grew +62.2% (2014-2024) – far faster than total employment. In the US, software developer roles are projected to grow +15% (2024-2034) with ~129200 openings/year. These dynamics intensify competition for embedded-edge-cloud profiles.

Our approach

We maintain always-on pipelines segmented by stack (MCU/RTOS, connectivity, edge analytics, cloud-IoT, OTA/security). For each role, we pre-map transferable skills across industries (e.g., industrial → energy), leveraging our 65000 pre-vetted candidates to broaden sourcing while preserving strict technical standards.

2. Verifying real-world capability across heterogeneous stacks

CVs and generic interviews under-predict on-the-job performance, especially when roles span firmware, networking, and cloud. Meta-analyses show work-sample tests + structured methods yield among the highest predictive validities for job performance.

Our approach

Every shortlist is filtered through scenario-based work samples (e.g., device-to-cloud telemetry pipeline, secure boot + OTA update flow), structured technical interviews, and job-knowledge probes tailored to the target stack. This reduces false positives and shortens post-hire ramp time.

3. Security-by-design skills under tight regulatory pressure

ENISA identifies availability attacks, ransomware, and data threats among the top risks, while NIS2 expands cybersecurity obligations across critical sectors in the EU, raising the bar for secure device, edge, and cloud practices.

Our approach

We screen for secure firmware and cloud security competencies (device identity/PKI, encrypted comms, secure boot, hardened OTA, least privilege). For EU roles, we align skill matrices with NIS2-relevant control areas and shortlist candidates with documented experience implementing them at scale.

4. Multi-cloud, edge, and interoperability complexity

Most enterprises run mixed environments; A 2025 report shows widespread hybrid/multi-cloud usage and growing reliance on MSPs, driving demand for engineers who can stitch devices ↔ edge ↔ multiple clouds while meeting governance and cost controls.

Our approach

Our vetting explicitly covers protocol fluency (MQTT/CoAP/OPC UA), event streams, containerization at the edge, and multi-cloud patterns (identity, networking, observability). We prioritize candidates with prior hands-on migrations or green-field builds across at least two hyperscalers.

How to choose a reliable IoT developer recruitment agency

Selecting the right recruitment partner can determine how quickly and effectively your IoT project moves forward. Because IoT roles require a mix of embedded, cloud, and data expertise, not every agency is equipped to evaluate technical depth or industry relevance. The following steps outline how businesses can identify a partner capable of sourcing high-quality IoT talent while minimizing risk.

1. Evaluate technical specialization

Start by verifying the agency’s technical focus. A reliable IoT recruitment partner should demonstrate familiarity with hardware-software integration, IoT protocols, and cloud environments. Agencies that handle diverse but unrelated IT roles may lack the insight to assess nuanced skills like RTOS programming, edge-AI deployment, or secure firmware development.

2. Review vetting and assessment methods

Request a detailed overview of the agency’s screening process – from skill tests to structured interviews and coding challenges. Agencies that rely solely on résumé reviews tend to deliver inconsistent results, whereas those that include scenario-based or work-sample testing can validate candidates’ hands-on proficiency.

3. Check talent network and sourcing reach

IoT professionals are in short supply globally, so an agency’s network depth matters. Reliable partners maintain active databases of embedded, edge, and cloud specialists and engage them continuously, rather than sourcing reactively after a request arrives.

4. Analyze transparency and communication

A credible agency communicates clearly about timelines, candidate expectations, and technical fit. You should have visibility into the pipeline, interview stages, and feedback loops, ensuring alignment between project requirements and candidate profiles.

5. Examine past performance and client references

Request client testimonials, case studies, or reference contacts. Agencies that consistently fill niche technical roles will have measurable metrics, such as average time-to-hire, fill rate, or retention rate after placement. Quantifiable outcomes are stronger proof than general claims.

Key questions to ask at each stage

By asking the right questions at each stage, businesses can distinguish between agencies that simply fill roles and those capable of building long-term, technically resilient teams. A reliable IoT recruitment partner should combine technical fluency, transparent processes, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that every hire contributes directly to the success and scalability of your connected solutions.

Companies that rely on general IT hiring channels often lose weeks chasing mismatched candidates; specialized IoT recruitment turns that gap into a competitive edge by cutting time-to-hire and elevating project reliability.

Why is DevsData LLC a reliable IoT developer recruitment agency?

Website: www.devsdata.com
Company size: ~60 employees
Headquarters: Brooklyn, NY, and Warsaw, Poland
Founded: 2016

With nearly a decade of experience, DevsData LLC has established itself as a trusted partner for companies seeking specialized IoT development talent. The firm focuses on recruiting IoT engineers, embedded systems specialists, and cloud-IoT integrators, helping businesses build secure, scalable, and data-driven connected solutions.

Operating for over nine years, DevsData LLC combines deep technical understanding with extensive market knowledge. The company’s team includes US-based specialists who ensure seamless communication and alignment with global clients’ standards. Its portfolio spans corporate enterprises and fast-growing startups across multiple countries, including the US and Israel, reflecting versatility and international reach.

The firm maintains a database of 65000 pre-screened candidates, covering a full spectrum of IoT-related expertise – from firmware and connectivity to edge computing and cloud infrastructure. DevsData LLC also holds an official, government-approved recruitment license, underscoring its credibility and compliance with regulatory standards. To date, the company has successfully completed over 100 recruitment projects for more than 80 clients, consistently operating on a success-fee model, meaning clients pay only when a candidate is hired. Each placement is supported by a guarantee period, ensuring long-term satisfaction and continuity.

DevsData LLC’s recruitment process emphasizes both technical excellence and communication skills. Every shortlisted candidate completes a 90-minute problem-solving challenge designed to test real-world reasoning, adaptability, and system-level thinking – crucial traits for IoT developers. Strong communication and collaboration skills are equally prioritized, ensuring that candidates integrate smoothly into multidisciplinary teams.

The company’s commitment to quality is reflected in its 5/5 ratings on Clutch and GoodFirms, highlighting consistent client satisfaction and proven delivery standards. For organizations seeking dependable, high-performance IoT development teams, DevsData LLC offers a blend of technical rigor, transparency, and results-driven methodology.

Key highlights:

• Over nine years of experience and a 65000-candidate database focused on IoT, embedded, and cloud specialists.
• 100+ successful recruitment projects for 80+ global clients, operating on a success-fee model with a guarantee period.
• Rigorous 90-minute technical screening and 5/5 client ratings confirm consistent quality and reliability.

Looking to strengthen your IoT development team? Partner with DevsData LLC to access top-tier engineers and tailored recruitment solutions that transform your connected vision into a scalable reality. Reach out at [email protected] or visit our website at www.devsdata.com.

Case study – Recruiting elite engineers for Ametos

One of many projects demonstrating DevsData LLC’s precision-driven recruitment process is its collaboration with Ametos, a global defense and cybersecurity organization. Operating across four continents, Ametos required senior backend, frontend, and DevOps engineers capable of handling mission-critical systems under strict confidentiality and compliance standards. Within just one month, DevsData LLC successfully filled all three roles with top-tier engineers from the Balkans.

This engagement highlights several key aspects of DevsData’s methodology, equally applicable to IoT developer recruitment:

• Region-specific sourcing – targeted Balkan countries with strong engineering cultures and compliance alignment.
• Rigorous technical evaluation – 90-minute problem-solving challenges and structured interviews ensuring hands-on capability.
• Security-focused vetting – assessments emphasizing discretion, reliability, and adherence to high-security standards.
• Collaborative process – weekly syncs and agile communication, minimizing delays and maintaining full transparency.

By applying these same principles to IoT-focused searches, DevsData LLC delivers talent equipped for complex, high-trust environments, ensuring secure, scalable, and future-ready development outcomes.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things has become an important force in digital transformation, connecting devices, infrastructure, and data into an integrated ecosystem that reshapes how organizations operate. As the technology expands, the need for skilled IoT developers grows proportionally – not only those who can build connected systems but also those who understand data security, interoperability, and cloud integration. For most companies, finding such multidisciplinary professionals internally is a challenge, which is why specialized recruitment agencies now play a crucial role in bridging the talent gap.

Collaborating with an IoT developer recruitment agency provides measurable value: faster time-to-hire, reduced costs, and higher retention through accurate technical and cultural matching. These agencies are equipped to evaluate niche competencies across embedded systems, edge computing, and AI-driven analytics – domains where general IT recruiters often lack visibility. Beyond efficiency, they help businesses secure long-term reliability, ensuring that every developer hired contributes directly to innovation and scalability within IoT-driven environments.

With nearly a decade of experience and over a hundred completed projects, DevsData LLC stands out as a partner capable of navigating these challenges with precision. Backed by a team that includes US specialists, a database of 65000 pre-qualified candidates, and a proven success-fee model, the company applies a data-driven, security-conscious approach to every engagement. Whether it’s building an IoT product team or scaling an existing infrastructure, DevsData LLC combines technical rigor with transparent collaboration, helping clients worldwide accelerate innovation without compromising quality or security.

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Elen Muradian Copywriter and Marketer

As a versatile and accomplished writer with 3+ years of experience in digital media publishing, Elen is skilled in crafting engaging content across various subjects, styles, and media. In her previous experience, Elen worked closely with editorial teams and visual artists to bring content to life. She always seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth and is eager to contribute to the writing field.

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