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 the technology serves its purpose.
As cloud engineering is a broad field, the responsibilities are usually divided into specific roles like cloud architecture, development and administration. In cloud architecture, you focus 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 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.
After developing and deploying cloud technologies, cloud engineers monitor and manage the networks. Administration involves managing on-premise software and cloud services. That includes developing policies for using the services and creating a secure cloud environment for manufacturing, mining and financial service companies.
cloud engineer vacanciesaverage cloud engineer salary
As a cloud engineer, you earn an average salary of $135,000 annually. When you are new to the role, you earn a remuneration package of $125,000 yearly. As you improve your experience and expertise in the role, your earnings increase to over $145,000 per year. The remuneration package differs depending on the complexity of your tasks and your qualifications.
When you work for leading technology companies, you will likely earn a higher salary than a cloud engineer working in a small start-up. Industries that rely on cloud engineering pay higher due to the role's demands. The location can also influence your earnings. For instance, when you work in metro areas, the high demand for cloud engineers increases your salary.
Want to know what you will earn as a cloud engineer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
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 architect, 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 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 involves developing cloud computing systems and troubleshooting the existing cloud infrastructure. Let’s check out a cloud engineer's duties, work environment and career outlook.
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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 knowledge of 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. After setting up the infrastructure, you migrate the company's on-premise applications to the cloud platform. You also 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, paying attention to the terms is important. 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 involves developing cloud applications. You use your programming skills to develop and deploy the applications. That means you write the 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 troubleshooting problems. Any bottleneck that affects performance can lead to downtimes or failure.
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work environment
A cloud engineer works in technology companies that provide 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 remotely or from home.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include software developers, software engineers and web developers. You might also be working in close proximity to full-stack developers and platform specialists, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, DevOps engineers, cloud architects and infrastructure engineers.
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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 or users. 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 migrate their records online, cloud engineers are required to build the infrastructures. 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. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year 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
Cloud engineering is a technical field that requires educational qualifications. Some of the academic requirements for the role include the following:
- education qualifications: after completing your senior secondary examination certificate, pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science to gain the necessary knowledge. You also need strong coding skills. Other relevant qualifications include a diploma in information technology or website development. Certificate education in information technology with a specialisation in networking also prepares you for the role.
- work experience: consider improving your experience and qualifications by learning coding skills to enhance your career prospects. It is also advisable to complete vendor certifications from leading cloud providers like Google, Microsoft and Amazon.
cloud engineer skills and competencies
Some of the skills required for the role include:
- technical skills: as a cloud engineer, you perform complex computing tasks like programming, cyber security, database management and networking. You require technical skills to perform coding and other cloud engineering tasks.
- problem-solving skills: as a cloud engineer, you build cloud systems and troubleshoot technical issues. You rely on your problem-solving skills to avoid problems in the cloud system. Your job involves checking for bugs in cloud systems and troubleshooting issues.
- teamwork skills: as a cloud engineer, you collaborate with tech professionals to develop robust cloud systems. Working with a team requires collaboration and interpersonal skills. Listening skills help you understand the opinion of other professionals and brainstorm technical ideas.
- communication skills: as a cloud engineer, you convey information to various teams. Communication skills help you relay complex information to professionals in the company. You can also communicate instructions for managing the cloud systems.
FAQs about working as a cloud engineer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a cloud engineer.
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is cloud engineering in demand?
With many businesses running their operations online, the demand for cloud computing has skyrocketed. Many Australian companies are paying for cloud computing services, putting cloud engineers in high demand. With the rapidly-growing industry, you can secure a job with the right skills.
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how much do cloud engineers make in Australia?
A cloud engineer earns a salary of $135,000 per year. The remuneration package fluctuates from $125,000 to $145,000 annually. The earnings increase with experience and educational qualifications. The company size and complexity of responsibilities also influence your earnings.
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how do I become a cloud engineer?
You require educational qualifications to excel in your role as a cloud engineer. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology prepares you for the role. You also require exceptional coding skills and experience working on cloud computing systems. Aside from educational qualifications, you require exceptional problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
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what is the main role of a cloud engineer?
As a cloud engineer, you evaluate an organisation’s cloud computing technology. Your job involves migrating certain business operations and functions to a cloud-based infrastructure and moving business applications to cloud systems. You also improve the way a company stores and accesses information.
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is it hard being a cloud engineer?
The role of a cloud engineer requires a deep understanding of cloud computing platforms. You require knowledge of cloud architecture, networking and virtualisation, which are difficult concepts to grasp. While the role is challenging, it is exciting and offers great career opportunities.
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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 job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.