what is a cloud engineer?

As a cloud engineer, your primary role is to maintain existing cloud infrastructures or design new ones. Cloud engineers work behind the scenes to ensure that cloud technology keeps up with the increasing data demand of streaming services and cloud backups.

Since cloud engineering is broad, the responsibilities are usually broken down into specific roles like cloud architecture, development and administration. In cloud architecture, your focus is on configuring cloud infrastructure to ensure that it functions as expected. When you configure services in the cloud environment, the right users can access them, and the company doesn't incur unnecessary charges. Since you design the organization’s cloud system blueprints, you ensure that the company has access to the applications it needs.

As a cloud engineer, you are also in charge of development. You write the code that creates the functions, databases and applications running on the cloud. You ensure that cloud technologies are efficient and have the best features. For instance, the applications and databases should have fast load times, use little storage space and support multiple browsers. You make this happen.

After developing and deploying cloud technologies, cloud engineers also monitor and manage the networks. Administration involves managing on-premise software and cloud services. That includes developing policies for using cloud services and creating a secure cloud environment.

Would working in IT as a cloud engineer suit your interest in programming and innovative skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a cloud engineer role.

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average cloud engineer salary

Would you like to know what a cloud engineer earns? Where the highest salaries are paid for a cloud engineer? Then check out this cloud engineer salary page and find out all about the salary of a cloud engineer in the USA.

Men listening music while working on his laptop
Men listening music while working on his laptop
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types of cloud engineers

Cloud engineers usually specialize in various roles associated with cloud technology. Some of the types of cloud engineers based on the area of specialization include:

  • cloud architects: As a cloud engineer responsible for cloud architecture, you design applications and the cloud infrastructure. You also plan and design the cloud distribution systems for an organization. Since you are responsible for migrating an organization’s on-premise applications to the cloud, you optimize costs. You also recognize the relevant cloud services used by the company to avoid overspending on unnecessary applications.
  • cloud developers: As a cloud developer, you use your programming skills to develop and deploy cloud applications. You identify the best cloud-based solutions for users and determine how they respond on different platforms. You also debug cloud-based applications to ensure the functions run as expected.
  • cloud administrators: Your role as a cloud administrator is similar to a traditional systems administrator, but you manage cloud-based services. You develop implementation policies for cloud services and ensure the cloud applications are secure. You also ensure the cloud services have minimal downtime and manage new technology requests.
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working as a cloud engineer

Working as a cloud engineer requires you to have expert coding skills to develop and design applications. Here is what your day as a cloud engineer might entail.

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cloud engineer skills and education

To become a cloud engineer, you will have to gain the required experience and skills through graduate certificates, certifications, work or boot camp. As a recent graduate, you may work under the guidance of an experienced cloud engineer as a junior engineer. Ideally, you would have a bachelor’s degree in IT to work as a cloud engineer.

You may also pursue a degree in computer science because of its emphasis on theory as well as its broad scope. Most cloud engineers hold majors in database management, network engineering and software engineering. These majors are available both in-person and online for maximum convenience.

Depending on your employer, you may not need a degree. Instead, all you need to do is complete a coding boot camp successfully and demonstrate your skills during a technical interview. Furthermore, as a cloud engineer, you should be proficient in the following programming languages:

  • PHP
  • Ruby
  • Python
  • C++
  • Java

It is a good idea for you to master multiple computer languages because this will make you appear more versatile before your potential employers. Luckily, Ruby, PHP and Python are among the easiest programming languages to grasp.

As a cloud engineer, you should also focus on coding in many different ways. A degree in computer science or IT offers required coursework in Python, C++ or Java. Pursuing it will, therefore, help you learn coding in multiple ways.

Coding boot camps offer another way to learn coding in different ways. A coding boot camp may last between three and six months and cost thousands of dollars. For this reason, you should prepare adequately before joining one.

skills and competencies

Some of the skills of a cloud engineer include:

  • coding and technical skills: As a cloud engineer, programming skills are crucial for writing codes for various applications. Learning coding improves your career prospects. You also need technical skills in operating and running cloud-based applications and services.
  • teamwork skills: In cloud engineering, you work alongside a team to ensure optimal performance. For instance, some cloud engineers specialize in development while others are administrators. Since all the roles are necessary for the optimal performance of cloud-based services, working together is crucial. Teamwork allows you to discuss problems, accept criticism and learn from others.
  • problem-solving skills: As a cloud engineer, you encounter problems in the development or maintenance of cloud services. Exceptional problem-solving skills are necessary for troubleshooting and debugging cloud services.
Woman sitting at her desk, looking away from computer screens displaying marketing content.
Woman sitting at her desk, looking away from computer screens displaying marketing content.
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FAQs about working as a cloud engineer

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about cloud engineers.

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