The $1 Trillion Semiconductor Expansion: Solving the Talent Shortage by 2030
The Semiconductor industry is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, and over $1 trillion in global factory investment is planned between 2023 and 2030. However, talent will be the limiting factor to whether this expansion succeeds.
At Experts Group International, we recruit specialised talent across engineering, leadership, and sales operations roles in the semiconductor sector throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In 2025, semiconductor professionals are reshaping what they expect from employers, and the companies that adapt to these shifting priorities are key to staying competitive for top candidates.
What’s Driving the Global Shortage?
- Growing demand for engineering talent: Between 2018 and 2022, job postings for semiconductor technical roles in the U.S. and the EU grew by 75% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
- A declining talent pipeline: A significant portion of the industry’s senior engineering talent is approaching retirement, while, universities are not producing enough graduates quick enough. As a result, a projected shortfall of 100,000+ engineers in both the U.S. and Europe, and over 200,000 in Asia-Pacific, excluding China, is predicted.
- A Highly Competitive Hiring Landscape: Semiconductor companies now compete with a broader set of employers for top talent. Large technology companies such as Google, Apple, and Tesla are building in-house chip teams, attracting engineers with their strong brand image and innovation-driven cultures.
Bridging the Gap: Rethinking the Employer Value Proposition:
- Alternative career progression models: Leading semiconductor employers are rethinking career progression by offering parallel tracks for management, technical, and non-technical roles. They recognise senior individual contributors with titles, compensation, and influence equivalent with managers, while investing in succession planning and early talent development.
- Re-defining flexibility to accommodate a hybrid workforce: Semiconductor firms, especially those in program management and commercial functions, should train leaders to effectively manage hybrid teams and move away from uniform approaches.
The Role of AI in Addressing the Talent Gap:
As semiconductor complexity increases, companies are turning to AI not just for product innovation, but to help minimise the strain on engineering teams. One solution is the use of AI copilots. AI copilots would help assist engineers by generating code suggestions, troubleshooting design errors, and simplify document searches. These systems can help speed up chip development, minimise repetitive tasks, and support less experienced engineers, making teams more efficient without increasing hiring demand.
Implementing AI tools comes with its challenges. As many top data scientists and engineers are drawn to technology giants or AI-focused startups. To compete, semiconductor firms will need to invest strategically in internal AI capabilities to build cutting-edge tools with real-world impact.
Connecting Employers and Job Seekers – Our Commitment at Experts Group International:
With the talent gap growing and demand for engineering expertise at an all-time high, semiconductor companies are turning to specialist recruiters to fill critical roles quickly and effectively.
At Experts Group International, we understand that a hands-on, human-first approach is needed to help both businesses and individuals in this fast-evolving landscape where the talent is passive. Whether you’re an employer or job seeker in the semiconductor or broader technology space, and uncertain of the forthcoming market, here’s how to best navigate these trends:
Attracting Top Talent in the Semiconductor Industry:
- Targeted Talent Access: Across our 9+ years of experience, cross-sector insight, we’ve built out one of the most extensive networks of specialists in semiconductors and advanced technology.
- Specialist Expertise: With increasing demand for candidates in roles such as engineers, project managers, and sales, we understand the spectrum of technical and leadership professionals needed to restructure effectively.
- End-to-End Recruitment: A team that can source, prepare, and manage the best talent full-time is going to have the advantage in securing candidates within this limited talent pool.
For Semiconductor Professionals:
Position yourself with representation to get access to the best companies, salary ranges, and benefits available in your field.
- CV and Application Support: Have a specialist tailor your CV to align your most relevant experience with what the market is hiring.
- One-to-one support: An agency that has potentially placed hundreds of candidates within the company you’re in process with will prepare you, from application tips to interviews and salary negotiation.
- Exclusive Opportunities: We know from our direct relationships with leading OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology innovators that the best roles aren’t accessible via job boards and LinkedIn.
- Career Alignment: A recruitment consultant should always take the time to understand your goals and strengths, connecting you only to opportunities that genuinely fit your expertise and ambitions.
Our role at Experts Group International – Join our Network and Explore our opportunities:
As the semiconductor industry experiences rapid growth across key verticals beyond traditional manufacturing such as automotive technology, data centres, and more, the need for skilled, adaptable talent has never been greater.
If you’re recruiting in the Technology space, our consulting team can help you build a talent strategy that fits your operational goals here.
Lastly, if you are exploring new work opportunities within the Technology industry, click here to see our available roles.