what is a cloud engineer?
As a cloud engineer, your primary role is to maintain existing cloud infrastructures or design new ones. With the increasing demand for cloud technologies for streaming services and data back-ups, cloud engineers work behind the scenes to ensure cloud technology serves its purpose.
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 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 organisation's cloud system blueprints, you ensure the company has access to the applications they need.
As a cloud engineer, you are also in charge of development. That means you write the code that creates the functions, databases and applications running on the cloud. You ensure the 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 supports multiple browsers.
After developing and deploying cloud technologies, cloud engineers are also involved in monitoring and managing 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.
cloud engineer jobsaverage cloud engineer salary
According to ONS, the median salary of a cloud engineer is £55,000 per year. Entry-level cloud engineers take home a salary of £45,000 annually. With experience and additional educational qualifications, your salary increases to over £75,000 per year. Aside from the basic compensation package, some employers provide additional benefits as part of the employment contract. The benefits for cloud engineers include medical and housing allowance. A cloud engineer also receives bonuses and overtime pay for working additional hours.
what affects the salary of a cloud engineer?
A cloud engineer's earnings depend on their skills and qualifications. While most employers prefer experience and knowledge in programming languages, your qualifications also boost your salary. When you have a degree, you are likely to earn more than someone without certifications. Besides, additional courses improve your knowledge and skill in the field. Some specialisms also attract higher earnings due to the complexity of the role. For instance, a cloud architect takes home an average salary of £75,000 annually with a potential of earning over £90,000 per year with experience.
The location also determines the compensation package. When you work in big cities, the demand for cloud engineers is high, pushing the salary upward. The cost of living also drives the salaries upwards.
types of cloud engineers
Cloud engineers usually specialise in various roles associated with cloud technology. Some of the types of cloud engineers based on the area of specialisation 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 organisation. Since you are responsible for migrating an organisation's on-premise applications to the cloud, you optimise costs. You recognise 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.
working as a cloud engineer
Working as a cloud engineer requires expert coding skills to develop and design applications. If you want to utilise your programming skills, check out the available roles and responsibilities:
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cloud engineer job description
Some of the standard tasks of a cloud engineer include:
- designing cloud infrastructure: as a cloud engineer, you design distributed applications and systems. You use your technical knowledge in distributed applications and systems to design cloud infrastructure. From the design plans, you can develop blueprints of the application design.
- migrating a company's applications to the cloud system: as a cloud engineer, you determine the cloud services that your employer needs. You also migrate the company's on-premise applications to the cloud platform after setting up the infrastructure. After migrating the applications, you maintain the cloud usage to ensure it performs the intended functions.
- optimising costs of cloud services: cloud technology offers multiple services, but many organisations utilise a few. When selecting the contracts for cloud services, you should pay attention to the terms. Compare what the company intends to use on the cloud-based service and find a cost-effective solution. Your job is to ensure the company pays for the applications they need.
- developing cloud applications: as a cloud engineer, your role also involves developing cloud applications. You use your programming skills to develop and deploy the applications. That means you write code used to programme the functions of an application. Aside from developing the applications, you debug the systems and troubleshoot errors.
- managing cloud applications: as a cloud engineer, you are responsible for managing and monitoring the cloud technology. For instance, you regulate the use of cloud applications and conduct regular maintenance to check for problems. You also carry out security checks to ensure the cloud applications are secure.
- identifying bottlenecks and minimising downtimes: as a cloud engineer, you closely monitor the cloud applications for problems that require troubleshooting. Any bottleneck that affects performance can lead to downtimes or failure.
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work environment
A cloud engineer works in technology companies specialising in providing cloud technologies and solutions. The role of a cloud engineer is a desk job since you spend significant time programming cloud applications, designing the cloud architecture or troubleshooting problems. Cloud engineers usually work in creative office spaces alongside other developers. The role rarely involves meeting clients, but you attend conferences and boot camps to improve your skills. Since you perform all the functions on a computer, you can work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the employer, a cloud engineer's colleagues may include system engineers, front-end developers and full-stack developers. You also work with software developers and SysOps engineers, as well as other specialists, including project managers, cloud administrators and system administrators.
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work schedule
A cloud engineer works over 40 hours a week developing and maintaining cloud applications. In some companies, you work the standard business hours, but some organisations require working night shifts when migrating applications to a cloud to avoid disrupting other workers. Most cloud engineers are hired for full-time positions. However, you can find short-term contracts or part-time positions. Freelancing opportunities are also available.
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job outlook
Working as a cloud engineer is a promising career with great prospects due to the high demand for cloud technology specialists. As many companies are migrating their records online, cloud engineers are required to build the infrastructures. As a cloud engineer, you can specialise in diverse specialisms or progress upward. Some cloud engineers become solution architects, cloud developers or SysOps engineers. Others become project managers or cloud technology consultants.
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advantages of finding a cloud engineer job through randstad
Finding your cloud engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a cloud engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes for becoming a cloud engineer include:
- degree: to become a cloud engineer, you should pursue a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Most cloud engineers are degree holders in software engineering or computer science. The courses equip you with programming knowledge and expertise in building cloud applications.
- certification: cloud engineers require extensive and specialist knowledge of cloud services. Consider pursuing a cloud-based certificate to prepare you for the role. Alternatively, look for a master's course that improves your expertise in cloud technologies.
cloud engineer 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 specialise 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.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a cloud engineer
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what does a cloud engineer do?
A cloud engineer performs technological tasks relating to cloud computing. They are involved in designing, planning and developing cloud applications and databases. Cloud engineers also manage cloud networks and maintain or provide support.
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is cloud engineering a good career?
Working as a cloud engineer is an exciting career with great prospects. Aside from the lucrative compensation package, cloud engineers have exceptional growth opportunities. The specialisations allow you to build your expertise in a particular area. The demand for cloud engineers is also increasing as more companies adopt cloud-based systems.
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what is the salary of a cloud engineer?
A cloud engineer takes home an average salary of £55,000 per year. While new cloud engineers earn a salary of £45,000 annually, experienced cloud engineers have a compensation package of £75,000 yearly. The salary depends on experience and qualifications.
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what skills does a cloud engineer need?
A cloud engineer needs exceptional technical skills like programming languages. The role also requires analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues.
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how do I apply for a cloud engineer vacancy?
Applying for a cloud engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
