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Over the past few years, Gainesville, Florida, has established a notable reputation as a thriving hub for both young and experienced entrepreneurs.
Numerous tech and engineering professionals are choosing to settle down in Gainesville to work at—or quite often, start up—companies within these industries, causing their influence on the regional economy and job market to increase rapidly. Opportunities are also abound for new and prospective homeowners in Alachua County.
You can find a wide range of tech and engineering companies in Gainesville, Florida, from fledgling startups to well-established institutions, all of which are frequently looking for fresh talent that can contribute to their growth.
Does Gainesville Have a Tech Industry?
There are several reasons Gainesville has become such a magnet for tech and engineering entrepreneurs. As Augi Lye, who started ToneRite and Trendy Entertainment, states, “All top tech hubs have a large number of intelligent people and a high population density, just like Gainesville.”
Other factors that contribute to the welcoming environment for entrepreneurs in tech and engineering in Alachua County are the accessibility of venture capital and the low cost of living. While this area has not yet achieved the influence and status of Silicon Valley, Gainesville startups are able to attract both local and outside investors. Plus, your income—even if it’s modest—goes a lot further in the central Florida market than it does in California’s famous tech hub. That means you will not only find a rewarding career in Gainesville, but you will also be able to afford a comfortable and gratifying lifestyle for both you and your family.
Additionally, Gainesville has cultivated an attractive business climate, thanks to efforts from local officials, community leaders and educators. There are currently more than 80 companies in the Gainesville Innovation District (GID), with additional office space available if you are wanting to start your own business. On top of accessible and convenient office space, there are dozens of restaurants and coffee shops near the Innovation District, making it a great place to work.
Collectively, these various factors are compelling more graduates from the University of Florida and other higher-education institutions to stick around, while also drawing in professionals of all ages from around the state and nation to contribute to the spirit of innovation that’s blazing in Gainesville. Speaking of the Gators, the university's Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, or UF ECE, is regularly equipping a fresh class of young learners with cutting-edge knowledge and skill sets, ensuring the Gainesville tech scene is sustained by a steady stream of bright, young professionals.
Tech and Engineering Companies Hiring in Gainesville
While Gainesville has become known as a sort of incubator for entrepreneurial startups, there is also a myriad of established tech and engineering companies where you can pour your talent and time into a rewarding career. If you're considering a move to Alachua County, here is a look at some major tech and engineering companies in Gainesville, Florida, that are currently hiring for a variety of desirable positions:
1. Feathr
Feathr, a subsidiary of Springful LLC, is one of the most popular homegrown tech companies in the Gainesville area. The company itself, which is headquartered in an office in the Gainesville Innovation District, markets itself as a fast-growing software company that provides digital marketing tools for events and associations. Feathr develops and implements a comprehensive marketing toolkit to help organizations grow their events and provide more engaging experiences for their audiences through the innovative use of technology and data. Some jobs you can find at Feathr include campaign manager, officer manager, product support engineer, account executive and creative director.
2. SharpSpring
SharpSpring used to be one of the smaller Gainesville tech companies, but over the past few years, the company has grown. They currently employ more than 250 people, with about 25% of their employees working remotely across the United States. According to SharpSpring, they seek out tech professionals who like working in small teams, “but are excited about being part of a fast-growth organization.” Along with a relatively high salary, SharpSpring offers its employees both standard benefits and fun perks, such as car detailing, massages and company lunches.
3. Jacobs Engineering Group
Jacobs Engineering Group, an international technical professional services firm, has an office in Gainesville that is currently hiring for professionals in numerous disciplines, such as engineering. Jacobs provides technical, professional and construction services, as well as scientific and specialty consulting, on a global scale. They work with a wide range of clients, including companies, organizations and government agencies. At Jacobs, innovators are seeking solutions to some of the country's most pressing issues: affordable energy, environmental pollution, economic growth, clean water, and other social and environmental challenges. The company has experienced significant growth over the past few years and established itself as a thought-leader in the industry.
4. FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, formerly Altavian Inc., is another one of the top Gainesville tech companies to work at. FLIR develops cutting-edge thermal and sensor technologies that can be used in a myriad of situations, from saving energy and protecting the environment to providing security, rescuing people who are in danger and detecting criminals. The FLIR location in Gainesville, Florida, also designs and manufactures high-quality drones with sensors, which has led the company to collaborating with entities such as NASA, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a large employer for numerous industry sectors in Alachua County. The university frequently has openings for tech and engineering jobs, including information security engineers, computer specialists, IT managers, programmers, and IT service management analysts. There are also technical jobs available at the UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital, one of seven hospitals in the University of Florida Health system.
6. Shadow Health
Shadow Health, an Elsevier Company, is among numerous startups in Gainesville that is thriving to this day. Founded in 2011, Shadow Health’s mission is “to become the worldwide leader in healthcare simulation, providing educators and students leading-edge technology centered on conversation-based learning across a cast of virtual patients.” Shadow Health develops digital clinical experiences that give budding healthcare professionals the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe, no-risk environment. As for its employees, Shadow Health provides an array of competitive salaries and benefits.
7. Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
Affiliated Engineers Inc. (AEI) has openings for electrical project engineers, mechanical engineers, and other positions at its Gainesville office. AEI encompasses a collaborative community of about 650 creative professionals who plan, design and deliver systems for organizations that contribute to a sustainable future in healthcare, science and technology, energy and utilities, and more.
8. Exactech, Inc.
Exactech Inc., a Gainesville-based medical equipment supplier, is on the lookout for innovative leaders who share the same passion as surgeons: helping patients improve their quality of life and regain their independence. The company pursues this mission through high-quality products, education and innovative ideas, while often acting as a pioneer in the industry. Exactech frequently has job openings in engineering and development, although you also can find clerical, administrative, and executive positions with the tech company.
9. TradePMR
TradePMR, which has offices in both Gainesville and the Tampa Bay region, is a company that supports financial institutions and their employees. Part of their mission is to improve existing technology and develop new technology to provide state-of-the-art products and services to financial advisors. As a software engineer, technology director, or product manager, you can help TradePMR continue to research, study, and expand its knowledge of the industry to ensure healthy growth.
Working and Living in Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville supports the growth of the tech and engineering industries not only through its warm business climate and healthy job market, but also by being a place where you can thrive professionally and personally. When you’re not working, you will enjoy Alachua County’s natural, cultural and recreational amenities, as well as its plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment offerings. Whether you are planning to start or continue your career in Gainesville, contact Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes to find out if building a custom home is the right option to get you established in the area.
