what is a devops engineer?

Knowledgeable in software engineering and IT, a DevOps engineer effectively streamlines the process of software development by making sure the people who are creating software and the people who are implementing it work together in perfect synergy. They facilitate collaboration and efficiency between teams by implementing code changes, automated testing, and rapid deployment to production environments. By automating repetitive tasks, they enhance productivity and reduce the risk of errors made on either end of the software creation process.

DevOps engineers use and master an exhaustive list of tools to create these automated systems and pipelines, known in the industry as “continuous integration” and “continuous deployment” (CI/CD) pipelines. They also work to identify and resolve any issues that may arise in the software development process, including security and vulnerability issues.

It is important to also understand what a DevOps engineer does NOT do. A DevOps engineer does not directly build or engineer the software. A DevOps engineer also does not directly implement or deploy the software themselves. Rather, they build and maintain the process for how software is tested and deployed. They make everyone’s jobs easier and more efficient.

Would working as a DevOps engineer suit your love of computer software creation and managerial skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a DevOps role.

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average devops engineer salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is a whopping $109,020 or $52.41 an hour. DevOps engineers fall into this category of careers.

DevOps engineers are highly sought-after professionals in the tech space because of their multiple skills relating to software development and management. To that end, the BLS predicts a 25% rate of growth in the demand for these jobs between 2021 and 2031.

It is important to keep in mind that your salary as a DevOps engineer will also depend on where you live and what company you work for. DevOps engineers working in large cities where tech is a major industry can expect to make more than those who work in smaller companies. For example, DevOps engineers working in Sunnyvale, CA, right in the center of Silicon Valley, make an average of $132,000.

Due to the high demand for their skills, DevOps engineers often enjoy attractive compensation packages, including bonuses and benefits like generous paid time off and strong health insurance. However, it is important to conduct thorough research about the companies you are applying to because these offerings can vary significantly between them.

Wondering what you can earn as a DevOps engineer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a DevOps engineer is.

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types of devops engineers

DevOps engineers can specialize in a certain area or task. More than likely, however, you will experience overlap between multiple roles. The exact responsibilities and job titles could also depend on the size and maturity of the company's DevOps practices.

Here are some of the various job titles or roles you may carry out as a DevOps engineer:

  • cloud engineer: Cloud engineers specialize in working with cloud platforms and technologies, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  • monitoring and performance engineer: These engineers are responsible for setting up and managing monitoring tools and systems to track the performance and health of applications and infrastructure. They analyze performance, troubleshoot, and optimize performance.
  • automation engineer: Automation engineers specialize in creating and maintaining automated systems and tools to streamline the software development lifecycle. They write scripts, develop frameworks, and utilize management tools to automate tasks.
  • infrastructure engineer: Infrastructure engineers focus on designing and managing the infrastructure components required for software development and deployment.
  • security engineer: Security engineers within DevOps are responsible for implementing security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. They assess vulnerabilities, implement security controls, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
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working as a devops engineer

If you’re interested in finding out about what a DevOps engineer’s job entails, the following section has you covered. Read on to learn about your duties, responsibilities, and general work environment as a DevOps engineer.

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devops engineer skills and education

Many DevOps engineers hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, typically in fields such as computer science/computer engineering, information technology, or software engineering.

However, the educational background of DevOps engineers can vary, and there is no strict requirement for a specific degree or educational path. The DevOps field places a strong emphasis on practical skills, experience, and a solid understanding of software development and operations. While formal education could provide relevant knowledge and skills, practical experience and hands-on learning are equally vital for DevOps engineers.

In fact, some accredited universities offer DevOps engineering bootcamps, which could provide focused training and even assist in job placement upon completion. Additionally, major tech companies like Microsoft offer official DevOps certifications that can enhance your resume and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

skills and competencies

Great DevOps engineers share certain strengths and skills in common. The following are essential competencies for advancing in a DevOps role:

  • strong problem-solving abilities: DevOps engineers must be adept at identifying and resolving complex technical issues efficiently. The ability to think critically and troubleshoot problems is crucial.
  • proficiency in coding and scripting: Knowledge of programming languages like Python, Ruby, or Java is valuable. Being able to write scripts and automate tasks is essential for efficient infrastructure management.
  • familiarity with DevOps tools: DevOps relies on a wide range of tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Ansible, and Git.
  • knowledge of cloud platforms: Cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are widely used. Learn about provisioning and managing infrastructure on these platforms, as well as cloud-native services.
  • system administration and networking: Understanding system administration concepts, server management, and networking principles is essential.
  • collaboration and communication: DevOps engineers work closely with teams, so excellent collaboration and communication skills are vital. Be able to effectively communicate ideas, requirements, and solutions.
  • continuous learning: DevOps is a rapidly evolving field, so a passion for continuous learning is crucial. It is important for DevOps engineers to always stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends.
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FAQs about working as a devops engineer

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about DevOps engineers.

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