The U.S. tech industry is facing a critical developer shortage. Companies struggle to hire skilled engineers, leading to project delays, higher costs, and slower innovation. Traditional hiring strategies like increasing salaries or offering perks no longer suffice. To address this gap, businesses are turning to global talent pools, with Vietnam emerging as a strong solution.
Vietnam offers a growing workforce of software engineers skilled in modern technologies like cloud computing, AI, and mobile development. These developers are proficient in popular programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, JavaScript) and frameworks (e.g., React, Node.js). Beyond technical expertise, they provide cost-effective solutions and align well with U.S. workflows.
Key Takeaways:
Developer Shortage in the U.S.: Demand for engineers exceeds supply, increasing competition and costs.
Why Vietnam? Skilled engineers, competitive rates, and familiarity with global tech standards.
Collaboration Benefits: Time zone advantages, strong English skills, and disciplined work approaches.
Understanding the US Developer Shortage
Software development jobs in the United States are projected to grow faster than the average for most other occupations. But here’s the catch: the number of computer science graduates entering the workforce each year isn’t keeping up with this demand. The result? A growing talent gap that’s proving challenging for the tech industry to navigate. Let’s break down what’s driving this shortage and how it’s impacting tech leaders.
What’s Causing the Developer Shortage
The rapid push toward digital transformation, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has skyrocketed the need for skilled software developers. Businesses are racing to shift operations online, but the pipeline for STEM talent hasn’t evolved quickly enough to meet this surge. Outdated curricula and limited faculty in educational institutions are struggling to keep pace with the growing interest in tech careers. While community colleges and bootcamps are trying to fill the gaps, their graduates often need additional training to tackle complex, enterprise-level projects.
Geography also plays a role. Despite the rise of remote work, tech hubs like Silicon Valley and New York still dominate, leaving other regions with fewer local resources for developer talent.
On top of that, the fast-paced evolution of technology adds another layer of complexity. Trends like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and mobile development demand specialized skills that can be hard - and expensive - to acquire. The influx of venture capital into startups has only intensified competition for experienced developers, making it even harder to find and retain top talent.
How the Shortage Affects Tech Leaders
For tech leaders, these challenges are more than just an inconvenience - they create real operational hurdles.
Higher salaries in major tech hubs and lengthy hiring processes stretch budgets and disrupt timelines. This often results in delayed product launches and mounting technical debt as teams scramble to meet deadlines. Engineering leaders, instead of focusing on innovation and team development, are spending significant time on recruitment, navigating multiple interview rounds and technical assessments just to secure the right candidates.
Overworked teams are another consequence. With fewer developers on hand, existing team members face heavier workloads, which can lead to burnout. This puts companies at risk of losing high-performing employees who may be lured away by competing offers, taking valuable institutional knowledge with them.
And then there’s innovation - or the lack of it. When resources are stretched thin, engineering teams are forced to prioritize core business needs, often shelving experimental projects and new initiatives. This can leave companies lagging behind competitors in fast-moving markets, where staying ahead often depends on the ability to explore and execute fresh ideas.
The developer shortage isn’t just a hiring problem - it’s a challenge that ripples across budgets, team morale, and long-term growth. For tech leaders, it’s a balancing act between meeting immediate business demands and building sustainable, forward-thinking teams.
Vietnam as a Global Tech Talent Source
As the U.S. faces a growing tech talent shortage, Vietnam has positioned itself as a promising alternative. With its booming tech sector and significant investments in STEM education, Vietnam is producing a robust pipeline of skilled software engineers who are catching the eye of global tech leaders.
Over the past decade, Vietnam’s tech industry has seen impressive growth. Universities and technical institutes are consistently graduating IT professionals equipped with modern programming knowledge and development practices. This has made Vietnam an attractive option for CTOs and engineering leaders seeking talent beyond the increasingly competitive local markets. For many, Vietnam represents a practical way to bridge the talent gap.
Technical Skills of Vietnamese Engineers
Vietnamese developers bring a solid foundation in software development to the table. They are well-versed in programming languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript, and C++, and they excel in popular frameworks like React, Angular, Node.js, and .NET.
What sets these engineers apart is their commitment to staying current with emerging technologies. Their expertise spans areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Many have hands-on experience with enterprise-level projects, including backend systems, scalable microservices, and mobile applications. Additionally, their familiarity with tools like Docker and Kubernetes ensures seamless integration into existing workflows, making them valuable contributors to any development team.
Vietnam’s Expanding Talent Pool
Vietnam’s tech talent pool isn’t just growing - it’s evolving. Beyond traditional education, coding bootcamps and technical training centers are playing a key role in equipping professionals with industry-relevant skills. Institutions like Vietnam National University and FPT University have revamped their computer science programs to emphasize practical, hands-on learning, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
Cost and Quality Benefits
Vietnamese developers strike an appealing balance between cost and quality. Lower employment costs make it easier for companies to scale their teams quickly, while the high caliber of talent ensures project standards remain uncompromised. This combination of affordability and skill makes Vietnam a compelling choice for businesses looking to expand their engineering capacity.
Time zone differences also work to companies’ advantage. By leveraging Vietnam’s location, organizations can extend their development hours, keeping projects moving forward and accelerating time-to-market for critical initiatives. This global collaboration model not only saves time but also enhances productivity across teams.
Working with Vietnamese Developers
Collaborating with Vietnamese developers can help create strong, globally connected teams by combining the strengths of US tech leaders with the skills and expertise of Vietnamese engineers.
English Skills and Communication
Many Vietnamese developers have solid English skills, especially when it comes to technical communication. At Hyperion360, candidates go through a thorough vetting process to ensure they can clearly communicate during code reviews, discussions, and project planning. Their written communication is often excellent, with precise code documentation, clear commit messages, and detailed updates on platforms like Slack and Jira - key elements for successful remote teamwork.
It’s worth noting that some developers may seem quieter during video calls. This isn’t necessarily a language issue but rather a cultural trait. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up can encourage more active participation and lead to better collaboration.
In addition to communication, their professional work style makes Vietnamese developers a valuable addition to any team.
Work Style and Professional Standards
Vietnamese developers are known for their disciplined approach to work. They focus on careful planning, thorough testing, and on-time delivery, which aligns well with Agile, Scrum, and other methodologies widely used by US teams. They seamlessly integrate into these processes, contributing actively to sprint planning, daily standups, and retrospectives.
Their problem-solving approach is often systematic and research-driven. Many take the time to fully understand project requirements before diving into implementation, which can reduce the need for revisions later on. This thoughtful approach is especially helpful for teams that prioritize detailed analysis and well-structured solutions.
When combined with the time zone difference between Vietnam and the US, these qualities can significantly boost productivity.
Time Zone Coordination
Vietnam operates on Indochina Time (ICT/UTC+7), which is 11–14 hours ahead of US time zones. This time gap allows US teams to hand off tasks at the end of their workday, enabling Vietnamese developers to make progress overnight.
| US Time Zone (Daylight Time) | Vietnam Time Zone (ICT/UTC+7) | Time Difference | Best Meeting Time (US) | Best Meeting Time (Vietnam) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) | Indochina Time (ICT) | 11 hours ahead | 7:30am – 9:30am | 6:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Central Daylight Time (CDT) | Indochina Time (ICT) | 12 hours ahead | 7:00am – 9:00am | 7:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) | Indochina Time (ICT) | 14 hours ahead | 6:00am – 8:00am | 8:00pm – 10:00pm |
This setup allows for efficient collaboration, ensuring projects move forward even when teams are on opposite sides of the globe.
Hire Vetted Remote Software Engineers
Want to hire vetted remote software engineers and technical talent that work in your time zone, speak English, and cost up to 50% less?
Hyperion360 builds world-class engineering teams for Fortune 500 companies and top startups. Contact us about your hiring needs.
Hire Top Software DevelopersHow to Hire and Manage Vietnamese Developers
Creating a successful remote team of Vietnamese developers involves careful planning - from finding the right talent to onboarding and managing them effectively. With the right approach, you can tap into Vietnam’s skilled developer community while ensuring smooth collaboration and high-quality results.
Finding and Screening Vietnamese Developers
Hiring developers from Vietnam can be a time-intensive process. Sorting through resumes, scheduling technical interviews across time zones, and assessing English communication skills often takes weeks or even months. Many CTOs and engineering leaders find it challenging to evaluate both technical skills and compatibility with their team’s work culture.
Hyperion360 simplifies this process by offering pre-vetted Vietnamese developers. These candidates go through a thorough evaluation process that tests their coding abilities, English proficiency, and professional demeanor. The vetting process includes:
Live coding sessions
Technical problem-solving exercises
Communication assessments
This eliminates the need for companies to sift through endless applications or conduct multiple interview rounds, allowing developers to integrate into U.S.-based teams quickly and communicate effectively in English.
If you’d rather handle recruiting yourself, focusing on top technical universities in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi can yield excellent candidates. Additionally, many Vietnamese developers are active on platforms like GitHub and contribute to open-source projects. Reviewing their profiles can give you insights into their coding style and technical expertise before reaching out.
Onboarding and Team Integration
Once you’ve selected the right candidates, the next step is ensuring a smooth onboarding process. A well-structured onboarding experience lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration. Treat Vietnamese developers as integral members of your team from day one, not as external contractors.
Provide access to all necessary tools - such as development environments, code repositories, and project management platforms - along with clear documentation on workflows and coding standards. Vietnamese developers are typically quick to adapt to tools like Jira, Slack, GitHub, and Confluence.
During the first week, pair programming sessions can help new team members get familiar with your codebase and development practices. Many Vietnamese developers value this hands-on approach, as it allows them to gain a deep understanding before working independently.
Cultural integration is just as important as technical onboarding. Include Vietnamese developers in all team meetings and check-ins. While they might initially be reserved during video calls, fostering an inclusive atmosphere can encourage more active participation over time.
Assigning a technical mentor or buddy for the first month can also be extremely helpful. This person can provide guidance on code standards, deployment processes, and team dynamics, helping new developers feel supported as they settle in.
Setting clear expectations upfront is crucial. Discuss communication preferences, meeting schedules that accommodate time zones, and how to handle technical blockers when the U.S. team is offline.
Managing Remote Teams Effectively
Once your team is onboarded, managing them effectively ensures productivity and collaboration. Working with Vietnamese developers often means navigating an 11-14 hour time difference, but this can actually work to your advantage with the right coordination.
Use asynchronous communication tools like Slack, Jira, and Confluence to ensure updates are shared seamlessly across time zones. Vietnamese developers are known for providing detailed written updates, which makes it easier to track progress and address issues promptly.
Establish daily handoffs at the end of the U.S. workday. For example, provide task updates, highlight any blockers, and outline priorities for the Vietnamese team to tackle overnight. Many teams find that problems flagged at 5:00 PM EST are resolved by 8:00 AM the next day.
Weekly one-on-one meetings are essential for maintaining strong relationships and addressing concerns early. Schedule these during overlapping hours, such as early morning in the U.S. or late evening in Vietnam. These meetings should focus on career growth, technical challenges, and team dynamics - not just project updates.
Rather than focusing on hours worked, prioritize the quality of output. Vietnamese developers often take extra time to deliver well-tested, thoroughly documented code, which can reduce the need for revisions and minimize technical debt in the long run.
Regular team retrospectives that include both U.S. and Vietnamese members can help identify areas for improvement and strengthen collaboration. Rotate meeting times occasionally to ensure the burden of early or late calls is shared equally among team members.
For larger teams, appointing a technical lead in Vietnam can streamline communication. This person can coordinate with multiple developers while serving as the primary point of contact for the U.S. team, reducing communication bottlenecks and enhancing overall efficiency.
Conclusion: Solving Talent Shortages with Vietnam
U.S. tech companies grappling with a developer shortage have a promising solution: Vietnam’s expanding pool of skilled software engineers. With their technical expertise, cost efficiency, and ability to align with American work styles, Vietnamese developers make it easier for companies to grow their engineering teams.
Vietnamese engineers stand out for their strong technical skills, competitive rates, and proficiency in English. Their professional approach and adaptability to working across time zones make them excellent candidates for seamless team integration, even on long-term projects.
The real key to success is treating Vietnamese developers as essential members of the team. By focusing on thorough onboarding and maintaining clear communication, companies can maximize the benefits of a global workforce. This setup ensures continuous progress, leveraging time zone differences to maintain momentum around the clock.
Hyperion360 simplifies the hiring process by offering pre-vetted, dedicated engineers who integrate smoothly into existing workflows. Their flat monthly pricing, 30-day trial period, and no long-term contracts make it easy for companies to scale teams based on project needs while keeping costs predictable.
For U.S. tech leaders under pressure to deliver quickly and manage budgets, Vietnam’s talent pool provides a practical solution. By tapping into this resource, companies can secure specialized skills, stay on schedule, and maintain steady development cycles. Whether it’s Fortune 500 firms or fast-growing startups, many are already benefiting from Vietnam’s dynamic talent to drive innovation and meet their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes hiring developers from Vietnam a smart choice for addressing talent shortages?
Vietnam has become a go-to destination for hiring developers, thanks to its mix of technical know-how, affordability, and collaborative mindset. The country is home to a growing number of highly skilled engineers who excel in modern programming languages and frameworks.
One major advantage is the cost savings. Developer salaries in Vietnam are much lower compared to the U.S. or other Western nations, enabling businesses to stretch their budgets while still maintaining high-quality work. Beyond cost, Vietnamese developers are recognized for their strong work ethic and ability to adapt, making them a seamless fit for working with U.S.-based teams.
With a thriving tech industry and government programs aimed at boosting the IT sector, Vietnam offers a solid opportunity for companies aiming to build or expand their global engineering teams.
What are the best ways for U.S. companies to manage time zone differences when working with Vietnamese developers?
Managing time zone differences can be tricky, but U.S. companies have ways to make it work seamlessly. Establishing clear communication protocols and scheduling overlapping work hours helps teams collaborate in real time, even when they’re miles apart.
Incorporating project management tools and focusing on asynchronous communication ensures everyone stays on the same page, no matter when they’re working. Clear deadlines that consider all time zones, paired with flexible scheduling, can also maintain productivity while respecting personal time. These approaches not only streamline workflows but also strengthen teamwork across time zones.
What are the best practices for onboarding and integrating Vietnamese developers into U.S. tech teams?
To effectively onboard and integrate Vietnamese developers into U.S. tech teams, start by focusing on clear communication and setting expectations early. Share detailed job descriptions, explain team structures, and introduce key tools and workflows during the pre-boarding phase. This helps new team members get up to speed quickly.
Promote cultural understanding by familiarizing them with your company’s values, norms, and communication styles. At the same time, recognize Vietnam’s cultural emphasis on hierarchy and respect. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can go a long way in building trust and ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
Use technology to simplify the onboarding process with structured plans, and make sure managers are actively involved. A welcoming and supportive environment not only bridges cultural differences but also sets the stage for a seamless integration into your team.
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