The role of Cloud Engineer

The role of a Cloud Engineer is a varied and interesting one, one that will have a major impact on the successful utilisation of several computer-based operations. Cloud Engineers oversee the handling of existing cloud-based processes as well as the migration of others. The demand for skilled, experienced specialists has been high for some time now.

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Duties and responsibilities - What does a Cloud Engineer do?

Various responsibilities fall under the remit of a Cloud Engineer, including:

Assessing the infrastructure of an organisation’s technological systems and making necessary migrations to the cloud
Overseeing working standards of cloud-based systems and making improvements as and when necessary
Correct configuring of various processes, including computer, network, and security systems
Training colleagues and stakeholders in the correct usage of cloud-based technology
Liaising with senior management regarding the purchase and installation of new hardware and software
Negotiating with suppliers for the purchase or rental of hardware, as well as for storage facilities
Creating functions and applications that can be used by colleagues to run cloud-based utilities
Ensuring all necessary security issues are take care of, including the need to keep company data protected in the cloud

Qualities needed for a successful Cloud Engineer

Successful Cloud Engineers will obviously need to be highly skilled on a technological level, and many will have a wider knowledge that isn’t just restricted to the principles of cloud computing. A good understanding of issues such as web security, computer resources, software applications and a knowledge of the market that the company operates in will all be seen as major advantages.

A good Cloud Engineer will be able to communicate well with others, including those with less of a technical mind-set. Reporting on developments to senior management will be a big part of the job, as will negotiating with suppliers and other interested parties. It’s also worth noting even the best in this field will still consider themselves to be learning all the time.

There will be times when a Cloud Engineer works alone and other times as part of a team. The ability to remain calm under pressure will be a must, because various areas of the business will look to the specialist to provide solutions in a speedy and decisive manner. Talented Cloud Engineers tend to be single-minded and focused, and highly adept at solving even the most complex of problems.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become a Cloud Engineer?

There are several recognised affiliations that can help when applying for a Cloud Engineer role. They include the likes of Amazon Web Services, IBM, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. A practical working knowledge of some of the following: Linux, Python, Java, Golang, Rust, Linux, Networking, Server Management, Docker, and Kubernetes (K8s) could all be helpful when making applications for such roles.

Formal academic qualifications can be important when applying for Cloud Engineer jobs. A bachelor’s degree is often a requirement, preferably in subjects akin to computer engineering, management information systems, computer science, information technology or engineering. Further qualifications in anything relating specifically to the cloud will also be seen as advantageous.

Career development - What is the next step after Cloud Engineer?

Several roles can lead to becoming a Cloud Engineer, including Cloud Architect, Cloud Software Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer and both Front- and Back-End Developer. Senior Cloud Engineers will have more responsibility than those at mid-level and will often have a greater focus on sharing best practices, disaster recovery, business continuity and compliance.