algorithms are tools. like in any field every professional is supposed to be aware of "the basic standard tool set", what a good implemenation of a tool supposed to be like (i should be able to assess if a hammer is broken or good for use if i am civil engineer, or piano if i am a musician). it does not mean they should be able to "create that tool from scratch".

knowing the tools will only benefit you irrespective of your employer or other tools in town. (llm is also a tool, ides are tools, libraries are tools, design patterns is a tool)