Expected to reach a whopping $350 – $380 billion by this year, the cloud computing market sure is reaching for the skies. Clearly, the demand for cloud engineers is on the rise. To help you make the best of this situation, we’ve put together some of the most in-demand skills employers are looking for in cloud engineers.
In this article, we’ll be covering:
- What is Cloud Engineering?
- 7 Key Skills Employers Want in Cloud Engineers
- FAQs on Cloud Engineering
What is Cloud Engineering?
An IT professional who works on technological duties related to cloud computing such as designing, planning, managing, maintaining, and supporting is known as a cloud engineer. The term cloud engineer is a general term that encompasses a number of different roles such as cloud architect, cloud software engineer and so on.
Cloud engineers are responsible for:
- Understanding the company’s technology infrastructure.
- Exploring the options that can be used for moving to the cloud.
- Overseeing the transition process (known as migration).
- Managing and maintaining the new system.
7 Key Skills Employers Want in Cloud Engineers
To excel in the cloud engineering field and get the best jobs in Ireland, you’ll need to have these skills:
1. Expert Knowledge of Cloud Service Platforms
You’ll need to have in-depth knowledge of the CSP marketplace and the three major public computing platforms – AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP. Furthermore, you should also look into the companies that have cloud platforms such as IBM, Oracle and Alibaba Cloud.
There are also several open-source technology platforms being used by companies as well as CSPs to create public and private cloud services. Some examples are OpenStack and Apache CloudStack.
When preparing, ensure that you know the pros and cons of all of these platforms so that you know which is the best option to use for a specific need. Every leading cloud platform also comes with its unique cost structure.
2. Know-How to Use Programming Languages
Cloud engineering requires building applications in the cloud. In order to do this, you’ll need to have an understanding of mainstream programming languages and know how to write code so that you can build, deploy and manage applications.
Some popular programming languages include Java, Python and Javascript as they’re well-suited for cloud-based software. You’ll need to be familiar with using SQL and data structure concepts as they’ll be required when developing database-powered applications.
3. Database Management
If you have any idea about the cloud today, you already know how a database is one of the most widely-used application servers. Cloud databases provide companies with the advantages that consist of managed offerings that provide a high degree of availability and adaptability.
Most of the major cloud providers have a diverse range of database services. These include relational databases, NoSQL and data warehouse offerings. So, in-depth knowledge of the various kinds of databases, their functionality and what they offer is a vital skill set for cloud engineers to have.
4. Network Management
A major skill you’ll need to master in the cloud is the art of networking. You need to learn how to make connections across locations as well as resources.
Often, cloud resources are connected to the on-site locations that allow companies to set up services like a virtual private cloud to get connectivity. It also means that the company will be able to access cloud resources since they might need network management.
When working with cloud workload deployments, you’ll need to work with virtual networks as they are commonly used to allow networking connectivity. For all of these things, you need to have good networking skills.
5. Knowledge of Development and Operations (DevOps)
We live in an age where having multiple skill sets is the new norm. Previously, developers and operations support personnel used to work separately. But now, the situation is different. DevOps is used to integrate development and operations activities.
It does so for the entirety of the software development and application service cycle that consists of design, development, as well as production support. If you have DevOps knowledge, you can easily reduce the time it takes to market for applications and even help in resolving unrequired bottlenecks.
These workflows further involve the usage of CI/CD services in the cloud.
6. Machine Learning and AI
You won’t be a successful professional in the cloud engineering field if you don’t have a strong grasp of at least the basics of machine learning and AI. Most of the action in cloud environments takes place without there being the need for a lot of human interaction.
Today, all of the most prominent public cloud platforms offer AI and machine learning services in some form or another. These assist in the creation of new capabilities and therefore, are two of the most sought-after technological creations.
7. Cloud Security
Security is vital. As is the case with any other IT environment, cloud computing environments need security to function smoothly.
Locating and getting access to management is important to cloud service. You need to have the required skills to properly manage as well as configure it. Securing all the personally identifiable information that exists in the cloud is, hence, vital.
As you can easily imagine, a breach or loss of personal data can cost a company on both fronts – financial and reputational. In our times, companies are always scoping out talented cybersecurity experts so that they can help the company handle and secure their confidential data.
FAQs on Cloud Engineering
Some of the most popular questions on cloud engineering are:
Q1. List some interview questions for cloud engineers.
Some important questions in cloud engineering interviews are – Define Hypervisor in cloud computing and its types. What are the different data center deployments of cloud computing? What version control systems have you been using in previous roles?
Q2. What are the skills required for a cloud engineer?
To become a cloud engineer, you must have these skills – database management, machine learning and AI, network management, cloud service platforms and DevOps among others.
Q3. What is the average salary of a cloud engineer in Ireland?
The average salary of a cloud engineer in Ireland is €75,050 per year in Ireland.
Top Cloud Engineering Jobs in Ireland
Some of the top cloud engineering jobs in Dublin and other major cities in Ireland have been listed below:
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Architect
- DevOps Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Consultant
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
For more information on the cloud engineering market, feel free to download our latest IT Salary Survey.