Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers have their hands full and can expect to work full-time hours at least. As a rapidly-growing field, the supply of qualified talent doesn’t meet demand yet. As a result, additional hours may be required in order to meet customer needs. 

Typical Duties

• Building cloud-based servers; testing and launching services
• Cloud-based infrastructure deployments
• Database management and software integration
• Discussing external client needs
• Ensuring employer software needs are fully met
• Overseeing system security and changes to the network 
• Working with or directing the work of architects

Additional Responsibilities

• Create best practices
• Provide education and training, as needed
• Build redundant services
• Lead automation efforts
• Keep up with changes in the industry and adjust strategies accordingly

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Customer service skills
• Decisiveness
• Highly-organized 
• Flexibility 
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Patient and analytical
• Strong communications skills
• Team-oriented and goal-focused
• Time management skills

Technical Skills

• Experience with Amazon Web Services, Azure, SQL, Python, Java, C++, Ruby, Linux, Kubernetes, VMware
• Application programming interface (APIs), REST, and RPC
• Software configuration management (SCM)
• Agile development
• Networking and internet protocols
• Scripting, deployment, DevOps, databases, hosting, virtualization
• Cloud computing, hardware, and computer science skills 

• Large tech companies, such as Amazon, VMware, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Dell, Cisco, HP, Alibaba
• Governmental agencies
• Healthcare industries

Shifting from in-house networks to cloud-based solutions took a major change in mindsets. After all, organizations rely heavily on their data and on data security, so the concept of trusting everything to a “cloud” took some getting used to. Today, however, cloud companies have earned that trust through proven effectiveness. It’s up to Cloud Engineers to ensure that reputation remains firmly intact!
 
When problems and breaches occur, word travels quickly. In other sectors, brands have often suffered incredible damages due to isolated — but headline-making — problems. The cloud industry is, in some ways, even more susceptible because all companies in this business rely on clients having faith in the concept. According to Security Magazine, ~80% of companies faced a cloud data breach within a 1.5-year study period. The Wall Street Journal cited Nico Fischbach of Forcepoint, who noted, “You just need to miss one [security] item, and that opens the door to any bad actor.” As a result, Cloud Engineers have a massive responsibility on their shoulders!

Shifting to cloud computing is, itself, a new trend that is impacting the careers of other IT professionals such as systems engineers, network engineers, and database administrators. Small-to-mid-sized businesses are cutting costs by using contracted services instead of in-house experts. The result of this is many workers are moving into cloud technology jobs, too. Meanwhile, advances in AI, virtual reality, and cryptocurrency are altering how companies do business which, in turn, drives up the need for more Cloud Engineers. CRN breaks down many of the technical aspects of emerging cloud computing trends, from omni-clouds, Kubernetes, intelligent SaaS, app delivery, and much more. 

Cloud Engineers can be a pioneering lot, creative and bold and ready to tackle challenges. That said, they’re practical and understand limits and the importance of reaching clear end goals. Growing up, workers in this field were probably very personable and “customer service”-oriented, wanting to understand the problems of others and offer ways to help. 
 
It’s important for them to “be in the loop” on things, to understand situations and their roles in them. It goes without saying that Cloud Engineers were likely interested in computers and technology at an early age, and possibly looked for ways to use the power of the Internet in innovative new ways. They’re tech-oriented, cost-conscious, care about results, and are always on the lookout to learn new things.