what is a cloud engineer?
As a cloud engineer, your primary role is to maintain existing cloud infrastructures or design new ones. With the increasing demand for cloud technologies powering streaming services and data back-ups, cloud engineers work behind the scenes to ensure cloud technology serves its purpose.
Since cloud engineering is broad, the responsibilities are usually divided into specific roles, such as cloud architecture, development and administration. In cloud architecture, you focus on configuring cloud infrastructure to ensure it functions as expected. When you configure services in a cloud environment, the right users can access them, and the company doesn't incur unnecessary charges. Since you design the organisation's cloud system blueprints, you ensure the company has access to all the applications it needs.
As a cloud engineer, you are also in charge of development. That means you write the code that creates the functions, databases and applications running on the cloud. You ensure that cloud technologies are efficient and have the best features. For instance, applications and databases should have fast loading times, use little storage space, and support multiple browsers.
After developing and deploying cloud technologies, you monitor and manage the networks. Administration involves managing on-premise software and cloud services. That includes developing policies for using cloud services and creating a secure cloud environment.
Would working as a cloud engineer suit your innovative and technological skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a cloud engineer role.
cloud engineer jobsaverage cloud engineer salary
According to the Economic Research Institute, your average salary as a cloud engineer in Greece is €47,000 per year. The salary range for cloud engineers is between €32,000 and €57,500 per year. Your salary range fluctuates based on experience, educational qualifications and competencies.
how to increase your salary as a cloud engineer
Your salary mainly depends on experience. Most employers pay higher salaries to cloud engineers with several years of experience and additional expertise in programming languages. Aside from your skills and competencies, having professional qualifications or certifications boosts your salary potential.
The location can also influence your earnings as a cloud engineer. The difference in demand and the cost of living determines your salary scale. In a big city with technology hubs and large organisations, the demand for cloud engineers is high, which increases your earning potential.
types of cloud engineers
Cloud engineers usually specialise in various roles associated with cloud technology. Some of the types of cloud engineers based on the area of specialisation include:
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cloud architects
As an engineer responsible for cloud architecture, you design applications and the cloud infrastructure. You also plan and design cloud distribution systems for an organisation. Since you are responsible for migrating an organisation's on-premise applications to the cloud, you optimise costs. You recognise the relevant cloud services used by the company to avoid overspending on unnecessary applications.
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cloud developers
As a cloud developer, you use your programming skills to develop and deploy cloud applications. You identify the best cloud-based solutions for users and determine how they respond on different platforms. You also debug cloud-based applications to ensure the functions run as expected.
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cloud administrators
Your role as a cloud administrator is similar to a traditional systems administrator, but you manage cloud-based services. You develop implementation policies for cloud services and ensure the cloud applications are secure. You also ensure cloud services have minimal downtime and manage new technology requests.
working as a cloud engineer
A cloud engineer requires specialised skills to develop and design applications. If you want to utilise your programming and engineering skills, check out the responsibilities, work environments and career opportunities of cloud engineers.
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what does a cloud engineer do?
Some of the standard tasks of cloud engineers include:
- Designing cloud infrastructure: as a cloud engineer, you design distributed applications and systems. You use your technical knowledge in distributed applications and systems to design cloud infrastructure. From the design plans, you can develop blueprints of the application design.
- Migrating a company's applications to the cloud system: as a cloud engineer, you determine the cloud services that your employer needs. After setting up the infrastructure, you migrate the company's on-premise applications to the cloud platform. When you finish migrating the applications, you maintain the cloud usage to ensure it performs the intended functions.
- Optimising costs of cloud services: cloud technology offers multiple services, but many organisations utilise only a few. When selecting the contracts for cloud services, you should pay attention to the terms. Compare what the company intends to use on the cloud-based service and find a cost-effective solution. Your job is to ensure the company pays for the applications needed.
- Developing cloud applications: as a cloud engineer, your role also involves developing cloud applications. You use your programming skills to develop and deploy the applications. That means you write code used to program the functions of an application. Aside from developing the applications, you debug the systems and troubleshoot errors.
- Managing cloud applications: as a cloud engineer, you manage and monitor the cloud technology. For instance, you regulate the use of cloud applications and conduct regular maintenance to check for problems. You also carry out security checks to ensure the cloud applications are secure.
- Identifying bottlenecks and minimising downtimes: as a cloud engineer, you closely monitor cloud applications for troubleshooting problems. Any bottleneck that affects performance can lead to downtimes or failure.
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work environment of a cloud engineer
Cloud engineers work in technology companies specialising in providing cloud technologies and solutions. The role of a cloud engineer is an office job since you spend significant time programming cloud applications, designing the cloud architecture or troubleshooting problems. Cloud engineers usually work in creative office spaces alongside other developers. The role rarely involves meeting clients, but you attend conferences and boot camps to improve your skills. Since you perform all the functions on a computer, you can work from home.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, your colleagues include front-end developers, software engineers and systems engineers. You also collaborate with software developers, project managers, systems administrators and DevOps engineers. Other professionals you are likely to interact with include cloud administrators and system architects.
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cloud engineer work schedule
Cloud engineers work around 40 hours a week developing and maintaining cloud applications. Most cloud engineers are hired for full-time positions. However, you can find short-term contracts or part-time positions. Freelancing opportunities are also available.
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career opportunities as a cloud engineer
Working as a cloud engineer is a promising career with great prospects due to the high demand for cloud technology specialists. As many companies are migrating their records online, cloud engineers are required to build the infrastructures. You can specialise in diverse specialisms or progress upward. Some cloud engineers become solution architects, cloud developers or SysOps engineers. Others become project managers or cloud technology consultants.
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advantages of finding a job as a cloud engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- a range of jobs in your area
cloud engineer skills and education
To become a cloud engineer in Greece, you should have the following educational qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree: to pursue a career in cloud engineering, start with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology (IT) or computer systems management. The courses equip you with the necessary knowledge in cloud computing, troubleshooting IT systems and database management.
- Work experience: you require experience to work as a cloud engineer. Gain professional experience through internships and entry-level roles. After completing your bachelor's degree, start with roles in IT, like becoming a computer programmer. This allows you to see what it's like to work in IT and improve your expertise in cloud computing.
- Certifications: aside from work experience, pursue industry certifications to improve your knowledge in the role. Some of the top certifications for cloud engineers are CompTIA Cloud+, Cisco CCNA Cloud certification, Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification.
competencies and characteristics of cloud engineers
Some of the skills of a cloud engineer include:
- Coding and technical skills: as a cloud engineer, programming skills help you write code for various applications. Learning how to code improves your career prospects. You also need technical skills in operating and running cloud-based applications and services.
- Teamwork skills: in cloud engineering, you work alongside a team to ensure optimal performance. For instance, some cloud engineers specialise in development, while others are administrators. Since all the roles are necessary for the optimal performance of cloud-based services, working together is crucial. Teamwork allows you to discuss problems, accept criticism and learn from others.
- Problem-solving skills: as a cloud engineer, you encounter problems in developing or maintaining cloud services. Exceptional problem-solving skills are necessary for troubleshooting and debugging cloud services.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a cloud engineer.
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what does a cloud engineer do?
As a cloud engineer, you develop and implement cloud infrastructure. You also maintain the cloud applications to ensure a secure digital ecosystem. Your job is to configure cloud platforms and ensure optimal system performance. In case of problems, you troubleshoot technical issues.
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what is the main job of a cloud engineer?
Your primary duty as a cloud engineer is building and maintaining cloud applications. You design cloud solutions for companies and write the code for cloud infrastructure. As a cloud engineer, you can specialise in specific aspects of the role, like cloud architecture or cloud administration.
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how much do cloud engineers make in Greece?
Your average salary as a cloud engineer in Greece is about €47,000 per year. Your earnings fluctuate based on experience and qualifications. In an entry-level role, you take home an average salary of €32,000 per year. With experience and additional certifications, you may earn a compensation package of around €57,500 annually.
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do cloud engineers need to know how to code?
Coding is not mandatory for cloud engineers, but improving your programming and coding skills boosts your job prospects and earning potential. Learning programming languages enhances your capabilities since you can handle more complex duties.
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what skills are required for a cloud engineer?
As a cloud engineer, being attentive to details helps you identify and resolve mistakes in cloud applications. You rely on your risk management skills to assess potential risks in cloud security. You should be able to anticipate potential threats.
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how do I find a job as a cloud engineer?
Finding a job near you as a cloud engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
