Platform or DevOps Engineer

Introduction

A Platform or DevOps Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure and tools that enable an organization to develop, test, and deliver software efficiently. This can include tasks such as:

Setting up and configuring servers and other infrastructure components, such as load balancers and databases, to support the organization’s software development and delivery processes.
Building and maintaining tools for automated testing, deployment, and monitoring of software applications.
Working with development teams to ensure that software is deployed in a reliable and scalable manner.
Debugging and troubleshooting issues with infrastructure and tools as they arise.
Developing processes and procedures to improve the reliability, scalability, and security of the organization’s software development and delivery systems.
Collaborating with other teams, such as security and operations, to ensure that software is delivered and maintained in a secure and compliant manner.

In general, a Platform or DevOps Engineer plays a crucial role in enabling an organization to develop and deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently.

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Steps to become Platform or DevOps Engineer

Here are the steps you can take to become a Platform or DevOps Engineer:

Start by gaining a solid understanding of the core technologies and principles that underlie modern software development and delivery, such as version control systems, continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and infrastructure as code (IaC).
Build up your skills in one or more programming languages, as well as tools and frameworks for automating the development and deployment of software applications. Some common languages and tools for this purpose include Python, Ruby, Bash, Ansible, and Terraform.
Develop your knowledge of systems administration and operations, including how to set up and configure servers, deploy and manage applications, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Consider obtaining relevant certifications, such as the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Look for opportunities to gain practical experience working on real-world projects, either through internships, freelance work, or open-source contributions. This will help you build up a portfolio of work to showcase your skills and abilities.
Network with other professionals in the field and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in DevOps. This will help you learn from experienced professionals and stay informed about new technologies and approaches.
Consider joining a professional association or community, such as the DevOps Institute or the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, to further your knowledge and connections in the field.
As you gain experience and build up your skills, consider pursuing more advanced roles or responsibilities, such as leading a DevOps team or building out an organization’s entire DevOps practice.

Skills Required

To become a Platform or DevOps Engineer, you should have a strong foundation in the following skills:

Programming: Familiarity with at least one programming language is essential for a DevOps Engineer, as you’ll need to be able to write scripts and code to automate tasks and processes. Some common languages used in DevOps include Python, Ruby, and Bash.
Systems administration: You should have a good understanding of how to set up, configure, and maintain servers and other infrastructure components, as well as how to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Automation: DevOps Engineers need to be able to use tools and frameworks to automate the development, testing, deployment, and monitoring of software applications. Some common tools for this purpose include Ansible, Terraform, and Jenkins.
Collaboration: As a DevOps Engineer, you’ll be working closely with other teams, including development, operations, and security, to ensure that software is delivered and maintained in a reliable and scalable manner. Good communication and collaboration skills are therefore essential.
Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD): You should have a good understanding of how to set up and maintain a CI/CD pipeline, including how to automate the testing and deployment of software applications.
Infrastructure as code (IaC): Experience with tools and frameworks that enable you to define and manage infrastructure using code is essential for a DevOps Engineer, as this allows you to automate the provisioning and management of infrastructure components.
Cloud computing: Familiarity with cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, is often important for DevOps Engineers, as many organizations rely on the cloud for their software development and delivery needs.

In addition to these technical skills, a DevOps Engineer should also have strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

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Companies who hires

There is a wide range of companies that hire Platform or DevOps Engineers, including:

Technology companies: Many tech firms, including software development companies, cloud computing providers, and internet-based companies, have a need for DevOps Engineers to support their software development and delivery processes.
Financial institutions: Banks, investment firms, and other financial institutions often rely on software to support their operations and may hire DevOps Engineers to help build and maintain the infrastructure and tools needed to support this software.
Healthcare organizations: Hospitals, insurance companies, and other healthcare organizations often have a need for software to support patient care, billing, and other processes, and may hire DevOps Engineers to help build and maintain the infrastructure and tools needed to support this software.
Government agencies: Federal, state, and local government agencies may hire DevOps Engineers to support the development and delivery of software applications used in various aspects of public administration, such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
Consulting firms: Consulting firms that specialize in software development and delivery may also hire DevOps Engineers to help their clients build and maintain the infrastructure and tools needed to support their software development and delivery processes.

In addition to these types of organizations, there are many other companies in a wide range of industries that hire DevOps Engineers, including retail, manufacturing, and media.

Courses and Trainings

Here are five courses or training recommendations that can help you become a Platform or DevOps Engineer:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field can provide a strong foundation in the principles and technologies that underlie software development and delivery.
Online courses or certification programs offered by providers can be a good way to learn specific skills and technologies relevant to DevOps, such as programming languages, automation tools, and cloud computing platforms.
Hands-on experience is essential for becoming a DevOps Engineer. Consider looking for internships or entry-level positions at companies where you can gain practical experience working on real-world projects.
Joining a professional association or community, such as the DevOps Institute or the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, can provide access to resources and networking opportunities to help you learn from experienced professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in DevOps.
Attending conferences, workshops, and meetups focused on DevOps can be a great way to learn from experts, network with other professionals, and stay informed about new technologies and approaches in the field.

Salary Structure

The salary of a Platform or DevOps Engineer can vary widely depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, education, skills, location, and the specific industry in which they work. According to data from Glassdoor, the median annual salary for a DevOps Engineer in the United States is $121,957 as of 2021. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the individual’s level of experience and other factors.

Here is a rough estimate of how the salary of a DevOps Engineer might increase as they gain experience and expertise:

Entry-level: At the entry level, a DevOps Engineer may earn a salary in the range of $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on their education and skills.
Mid-level: As a DevOps Engineer gains more experience and takes on more responsibilities, they may see their salary increase to the range of $90,000 to $120,000 per year.
Expert level: At the expert level, a DevOps Engineer may earn a salary in the range of $120,000 to $150,000 per year or higher, depending on their skills, experience, and the specific industry in which they work.

It’s important to note that these estimates are rough and can vary widely depending on the individual’s specific circumstances. In general, however, a DevOps Engineer can expect to see their salary increase as they gain more experience and take on more responsibilities.

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Conclusion

A career as a Platform or DevOps Engineer can be a rewarding and challenging choice for those interested in building and maintaining the infrastructure and tools that enable organizations to develop and deliver software efficiently. These professionals play a crucial role in enabling organizations to develop and deliver high-quality software quickly and efficiently, and are in high demand across a wide range of industries.

Overall, a career as a DevOps Engineer can be a challenging but rewarding path for those interested in supporting the development and delivery of software applications in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.