LLM Engineers vs AI Engineers: Who Should Startups Hire?
The artificial intelligence ecosystem has undergone remarkable transformation in recent years. As foundation models and neural networks continue to reshape industries, startups face critical decisions about technical talent acquisition. The distinction between LLM engineers and traditional AI engineers has become increasingly significant, with each role offering unique value propositions for resource-constrained ventures. According to the Tech Skills Report by StackOverflow, job postings for LLM engineering positions increased by 217% between 2023 and early 2025, whilst traditional AI engineering roles grew at a more modest 76%. This stark contrast highlights the shifting priorities in the talent marketplace. Understanding Modern AI Engineering Disciplines The emergence of large language models has created specialisation within the broader AI engineering field. Today's technical teams require nuanced expertise that wasn't necessary just a few years ago. Let's explore w...