In the fast-paced world of tech startups, DevOps engineers play a crucial role in bridging development and operations, ensuring faster releases and reliable systems. But finding skilled local DevOps talent quickly is often a challenge for startups and growing companies.

A Jakarta-based startup recently faced this situation. They needed DevOps engineers to deploy new features, maintain cloud infrastructure, and improve CI/CD pipelines—but the local talent pool was limited and traditional recruitment methods were slow.

The Challenge: Scarce Local DevOps Talent

Startups looking for DevOps engineers often face:

• High demand and low supply in local markets
• Candidates with mismatched skills or limited hands-on experience
• Lengthy recruitment cycles delaying critical projects

Waiting for the perfect candidate can slow growth, so startups need a faster, smarter approach.

The Solution: Rapid Local DevOps Recruitment

To solve this problem, the startup implemented a three-pronged strategy:

1. Partner with IT-focused headhunters – Headhunters specializing in DevOps can quickly identify qualified local candidates who may not be actively applying for jobs.
2. Leverage skills-based assessments – Practical coding challenges, cloud infrastructure tests, and CI/CD scenarios help evaluate real capabilities quickly.
3. Use short-term IT outsourcing or contract roles – This allows projects to move forward while searching for full-time hires.

This approach ensures the startup can start projects immediately while building a permanent DevOps team.

The Results: Faster Hiring, Stronger Operations

By combining headhunting, assessments, and temporary outsourcing:

• The startup recruited local DevOps engineers faster than traditional methods
• CI/CD pipelines and cloud deployments became more reliable
• The new hires integrated well with the team, reducing onboarding time

Key Takeaways for Companies

For startups or companies wanting to find local DevOps talent quickly:

• Work with headhunter firms specialized in IT and DevOps
• Focus on skills and practical assessments over long CVs
• Consider temporary contracts or outsourcing to maintain project momentum

With this strategy, companies can secure top DevOps talent locally and accelerate software delivery without delays.