The constant transition of modern companies to cloud computing and data storage creates the need for a cloud engineer. Cloud engineers are IT employees who are responsible for all technical tasks related to cloud computing. This includes design, maintenance, networking, planning, administration, etc.

Cloud Engineers not only support companies in the smooth transition to cloud-based technology. They are also very interactive. For example, they educate companies on the benefits and risks of operating cloud-based technologies. They also correspond with company representatives to ensure the realisation of company goals.

Tasks of a Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer is an IT employee who is responsible for identifying, integrating and troubleshooting public and private cloud computing services and solutions. The aim of the cloud engineer is to help companies do this, Cloud computing and technology more efficiently and safely.

The daily tasks of a Cloud Engineer vary depending on the problems of the company they work for. Would you like to find out what requirements Alexander Thamm GmbH has for a Cloud Engineer? Then it's worth taking a look at our current vacancies:

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Infrastructure management

Cloud engineers design, manage and implement the Cloud infrastructure. Their detailed tasks include the configuration of virtual servers, cloud storage and networks. AWS CloudFormation or Terraform are some examples of tools that a Cloud Engineer uses for the infrastructure code to ensure the company's optimal performance and promote the company's scalability.

Implementation of security

A secure cloud environment is essential. For this reason, Cloud Engineers implement security measures such as data encryption, monitoring and access controls to protect the Data security and applications. One way for cloud engineers to do this effectively is to keep up to date with the latest security and compliance best practices.

Optimisation of costs

The tasks of a cloud engineer go beyond cloud computing. They optimise costs by monitoring the use of resources, implementing cost-efficient solutions and selecting suitable cloud services. For this to work, the cloud engineer must understand the pricing models of cloud providers such as Azure, AWS or Google Cloud.

Automation

Cloud engineers use automation to complete their daily tasks. They use tools like Ansible, Puppet or AWS Lambda to automate repetitive tasks. Automation helps cloud engineers save time, streamline workflows and improve overall system efficiency.

Performance monitoring

Cloud Engineers monitor the performance of the cloud infrastructure to ensure the smooth operation of the application. They also deal with performance problems immediately and track resource utilisation.

Planning for disaster recovery

Cloud engineers ensure that data is not permanently lost by preparing for disaster recovery. They therefore design Strategies for backup and recovery systems to cope with unexpected failures and disasters.

Development and collaboration

Cloud engineers do not work alone. They work together with software developers to design scalable and reliable architectures and ensure the cloud capability of applications.

Documentation and training

Cloud Engineers keep important documents on infrastructure, configurations, troubleshooting procedures, security policies, etc. They train the teams on these documents to ensure best practices are followed.

What is cloud engineering?

Cloud engineering is defined as a specialised IT area that focuses on the Development, implementation and maintenance of cloud computing infrastructures and services focussed. The specialism uses technical principles and methods to develop scalable, secure and efficient cloud-based solutions.

Examples of Cloud platformsThe most common architectures used in cloud engineering to build and optimise the architecture are AWS, Azure or Google Cloud. Properly constructed architectures enable companies to store, process and manage data and applications effectively.

Skills of a Cloud Engineer

The skills of a cloud engineer include hard and soft skills to ensure suitability for cloud engineering jobs. People who want to become cloud engineers need to have the right skills, experience, technical expertise and certifications.

Cloud engineering hard skills

Hard skills are technical skills that are required to excel in this field. Below you will find a table with ten hard skills that are required for a successful job as a cloud engineer.

Hard Skill	Description
Automation and scripting	This includes technical knowledge, such as mastery of programming/scripting languages like PythonBash etc. Knowledge of automation tools such as Terraform, Ansible etc. is also required.
Cloud security	This includes understanding and implementing best practices for the Cloud security.
Cloud platforms	Mastery of the use and management of cloud platforms such as Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, etc.
Network capabilities	Good knowledge of network protocols and concepts.
Virtualisation knowledge	Experience with virtualisation technologies such as Hyper-V, VMware, etc.
Database management	Knowledge in the provision of cloud-based database services and administration
Serverless data processing	Ability to understand and work with serverless computing concepts.
Monitoring and logging	Ability to organise log data and implement monitoring solutions.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)	Mastering the creation and management of infrastructure with code.
Containerisation	This includes familiarity with containerisation tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, etc.

Cloud Engineering Soft Skills

The soft skills of cloud engineering are less about technical skills and more about human skills such as collaboration, communication and problem solving. These skills are crucial for interaction with customers and the Teamwork.

Below you will find the most important soft skills that every aspiring cloud engineer needs to develop:

• Effective time management: This includes managing multiple projects and ensuring that cloud-based initiatives are completed on time.
• Strong interpersonal skills: They are essential for building positive team relationships and effectively communicating complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem-solving ability: Sound problem-solving skills are essential for quickly diagnosing and resolving cloud-related issues and maintaining the integrity of critical data and applications.
• Cooperation and communication: Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for harmonious teamwork.
• Continuous learning and adaptability: Outstanding Cloud Engineers strive to continuously learn and keep up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies and best practices. Adaptability means that they can embrace change and new technologies and tackle new challenges effectively.
• Take a proactive approach: A proactive approach involves the effective use of monitoring tools, a documented incident response plan and the ability to stay one step ahead of potential challenges.

How do you become a Cloud Engineer?

In addition to developing the soft skills required for success, becoming a cloud engineer also requires comprehensive education and training.

1. develop the necessary skills

Developing the necessary skills is the first step on the path to becoming a cloud engineer. The reason for this is that cloud engineering is very complex. So the more skills you develop, the greater your chances of making a career in this profession.

The Most IT-related professions also have cloud-related tasksthat offer you opportunities for success if you are reasonably competent in these areas. Examples include systems engineering, network engineering and database administration.

Below you will find relevant areas in which you can acquire solid IT skills to become a successful cloud engineer:

• Cloud platforms: It is recommended to learn one cloud platform properly rather than having minimal knowledge of several. Much of what you know on one cloud platform can be transferred to another, albeit with minimal variations.
• Programming: Programming is an essential skill for a cloud engineer. The standard programming languages for cloud computing include Python, Java, Golang and Ruby.
• Operating systems: Good knowledge of operating systems such as Windows and Linux is essential for a career in cloud computing.
• Data storage and security: A good cloud engineer should have access to Data as well as their storage and protection.
• Network technology: Good knowledge of network fundamentals and how virtual networks work helps with the integration of networks into cloud services.

2. obtain a certification as a Cloud Engineer

Obtaining a certification is important to prove your skills to potential employers. A certificate shows that you have a basic knowledge of the cloud sector.

Conventional educational background

This formal training programme leads to a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. It provides a solid foundation for aspiring Cloud Engineers. Formal training is not mandatory. However, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of cloud engineering.

Basic technical programmes

Technical foundation programmes differ from conventional training. They do not conclude with a degree, but have a more streamlined learning approach.

Here are some possible course contents:

• Basics of programming and data structures: Provides a solid understanding of Programming languages (Python, Java or C++) and data structures. This knowledge is essential for app development and scripting in cloud environments.
• Operating systems: Understanding how operating systems work enables effective management of cloud systems and troubleshooting.
• Computer networks: This improves the understanding of network protocols, architectures and configurations for the development and management of cloud-based network solutions.

Prerequisites for this programme:

• Proficiency in at least one programming language.
• Basic knowledge of the functions of operating systems and computer networks.

Cloud-specific training

The course content for this programme includes

• Introduction to cloud computing with the basic concepts, history and development of cloud computing.
• Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). Differentiation between infrastructure, platform and software as separate services.
• Cloud deployment models (public, private, hybrid) and their various applications.
• Cloud security and compliance, which assess the special security aspects of cloud environments.

The requirements include:

• Understanding of cloud computing concepts.
• Significant familiarity with different service and delivery models.
• Strong awareness of security considerations in cloud environments.

Practical experience

This is more practice-orientated learning. They include the following content:

• Practical laboratory work and projects to apply theoretical knowledge.
• Real-world simulations to develop problem-solving skills.
• Case studies on cloud implementations for analysis.

The requirements include:

• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
• Familiarisation with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) through lab work and projects.

Certified programmes

Short specialised programmes offer unique certifications in relevant areas. Examples include:

• AWS Certified Solution Architect
• Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect.
• Google Professional Cloud Architect, etc.
• There are also vendor-specific certification programmes that cover various aspects of cloud engineering.

Requirements:

• A deep understanding of the specific cloud platforms.
• Practical experience with the certification objectives.

Advanced learning

Since learning never stops, an experienced cloud engineer can learn more advanced topics in cloud engineering to secure higher positions. Examples of this include:

• Advanced design of cloud architectures.
• Microservices and containerisation.
• Cloud automation and DevOps practices

The requirements for advanced learning include

• Sound knowledge of cloud architecture and advanced concepts.
• Practical experience in automation and DevOps practices and their implementation.

Places for possible training as a Cloud Engineer

A cloud engineer can undergo training and further education at a wide range of institutions:

• Conventional universities: They offer a structured and comprehensive education with relevant courses in their computer science or IT programmes. Bachelor's degrees take around 3-4 years to complete. Advanced degrees such as Master's programmes, on the other hand, require an additional 1-2 years.
• Online platforms: The emergence of Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) enables online learning. Online learning platforms include Coursera, edX and Udacity. They offer specialised courses and degrees in cloud computing and provide flexibility and accessibility to learners around the world. The timeframe for completion varies, but ranges from a few months to a year.
• Provider-specific training courses: They offer platform-specific expertise. AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, for example, offer special training and certification programmes. The duration ranges from a few months to a year.

3. gain practical experience

Spending time shadowing senior staff in cloud computing roles is an effective way to gain practical skills. Alternatively, you can sign up for an account with a cloud platform and explore it on your own.

4. prepare for job interviews

Mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare for a successful interview in the field of cloud engineering. You can put your technical knowledge to the test and practise how you will behave in front of an interviewer.

Career paths: The job market for cloud engineers

Cloud engineers have a solid career path due to the massive adoption of cloud technologies across all industries. As a result, the demand for qualified cloud engineers is increasing as organisations transition to cloud-based infrastructures.

However, it is important to realise that cloud technology requires continuous learning and adaptation. Therefore, keeping up with industry trends and continuing your education will improve your marketability as a cloud engineer.

The earning potential of cloud engineers is impressive and varies depending on specialisation. Some beginners can start at around €60,000, but there are also cloud engineers who earn up to €120,000 per year.

Alexander Thamm GmbH also regularly employs and is looking for Cloud Engineers (m/f/d) and Data & ML Engineers at all career levels. Find out more in our Job openingswhat vacancies we currently have - maybe we'll see you soon in person at your new workplace.