Cloud Engineer Roles And Responsibilities: A Complete Guide

As cloud computing is becoming more and more popular among technology companies and business enterprises, cloud engineers are in demand across a variety of sectors. If you are interested in designing, deploying and maintaining cloud-based systems, the role of a cloud engineer can be an ideal choice for you. Learning more about the roles and responsibilities in cloud engineering can be beneficial if you wish to pursue a career in this field. In this article, we examine what a cloud engineer is and provide a list of cloud engineer roles and responsibilities.

What Is A Cloud Engineer?

A cloud engineer is an IT expert who is in charge of operating the technological infrastructure of an organisation and transferring specific functions and procedures to a cloud-based platform. They support the transition of crucial business applications and procedures to public, private and hybrid cloud platforms. Cloud engineers work with programmers, developers, project managers and security experts to create efficient cloud computing solutions that meet organisational requirements.

These professionals can also serve as consultants to enterprises and clients, as independent contractors or as regular full-time employees. A cloud consultant aids businesses in using cloud-based technologies to enhance business processes, increase data security and improve the efficiency of operations. To resolve issues that may arise in cloud-based storage systems, engineers and consultants may work with virtualisation platforms and data banks.

Related: 35 Interview Questions For A Cloud Engineer (With Answers)

Cloud Engineer Roles And Responsibilities

Cloud engineer roles and responsibilities involve performing a variety of tasks on a routine basis. These are some typical duties of cloud engineers:

• Working with stakeholders to understand the modifications they wish to apply to their current systems

• Analysing current systems to find flaws that can jeopardise cloud security

• Uploading business information to a cloud computing platform and setting up simple retrieval mechanisms for data

• Staying updated on advancements in the field of cloud computing to advise businesses and clients on industry best practices

• Increasing cloud storage capacity to store more files and crucial corporate data

• Ensuring the protection of data in computer systems by working with cybersecurity and IT staff

• Troubleshooting issues pertaining to cloud application failure or security flaws

• Creating and installing cloud computing solutions in accordance with client or employer requirements

• Automating specific system operations to enhance efficiency and speed

• Testing designs to find and fix mistakes and make system improvements

• Evaluating and identifying the best cloud solutions in collaboration with engineering and development teams

• Developing, establishing and implementing modular cloud-based applications

• Locating, evaluating and fixing infrastructure risks and deployment problems

• Periodically evaluating computer systems and offering suggestions for performance enhancements

• Offering support and guidance to meet customer requirements

Common Cloud Engineer Roles And Responsibilities

Since cloud-based storage and networking solutions are prominent in most industries and sectors, cloud engineers can work in many different roles across a range of domains. These include healthcare, education, finance, e-commerce, research and product development. Some common job roles for cloud engineers include solutions architect, cloud developer and system operations engineers:

Solutions architect

A solutions architect is an IT specialist who develops and adapts computer and networking systems to meet business requirements. They may resolve technical issues that arise in an organisation's computer systems and suggest modifications or upgrades to hardware and software components. A solutions architect's responsibilities typically include the following:

• Resolving technical issues and documenting them

• Choosing a framework, platform or tech stack to assist in creating cloud-based solutions

• Managing and directing product development teams

• Educating stakeholders about issues with current infrastructure

• Assessing the potential financial effects of technological decisions

• Updating stakeholders on the costs and processes of project development

• Inspiring and directing a solution development team involving programmers, interface designers and developers

Related: How To Write A Solutions Architect Resume (With Template)

Cloud developer

Cloud developers are professionals in the IT industry who address application development and coding workflows. It is vital for these professionals to be familiar with standard methods for building cloud architecture. They may work with teams that design, implement and troubleshoot cloud-based systems. Some primary duties include:

• Discussing a firm's short-term and long-term goals with corporate executives

• Creating strategies for enhancing the performance of existing cloud technology

• Maintaining applications and infrastructure for cloud-based platforms

• Training IT team members to use different cloud computing technologies

• Creating instructions for cloud computing operations and their documentation

• Staying updated on recent developments in cloud computing trends and techniques

Related: Types Of Cloud Computing (With Definitions And Tips)

Systems operation engineer

Systems operation engineers are professionals who are primarily in charge of ensuring that clients receive high-quality products that meet the requirements and expectations of consumers. They may work in several sectors ranging from manufacturing and quality testing to IT and enterprise software development. These experts ensure that a product's design, manufacture and distribution fulfil commercial and consumer requirements and they do this by monitoring all phases of a product development process. Some key responsibilities of these professionals include:

• Working in unison with product design teams

• Creating production strategies

• Fixing operational issues

• Developing and managing IT infrastructure with the help of technicians

Related: What Does A Systems Engineer Do? (With Career Advice)

Skills Required For A Cloud Engineer

To execute their tasks effectively, cloud engineers require an assortment of interpersonal and technical skills. The following are some skills that cloud engineers require to succeed in their line of work:

• Programming languages: Expert understanding of several programming languages, such as Python, Java and Ruby can benefit cloud engineers greatly.

• Attention to detail: Detail-oriented work is routine for cloud engineers as they are often required to identify and rectify errors in code or product development workflows.

• Risk management: To control the leakage of confidential firm information, it is vital for cloud engineers to possess the ability to foresee potential hazards and implement necessary procedures to mitigate their impact.

• Interpersonal communication: It is vital for cloud engineers to possess the ability to change communication strategies to suit various business alliances.

• Time management: Since these professionals typically have several projects active simultaneously, they are required to be effective time managers.

• Cloud security: The position of a cloud engineer requires exceptional knowledge of cybersecurity protocols, to prevent data loss, theft and corruption.

Related: 8 Risk Management Software Programs (With Features And Tips)

Similar Careers

Cloud engineers can apply their knowledge and experience in several other roles in the domain of technology. If you are interested in pursuing a career in cloud engineering, you can also consider these similar careers:

• Data engineer: Data engineers create, establish and maintain databases or data systems for organisations.

• Software architect: Software architects supervise a team of professionals who develop, test and modify software programmes or applications.

• Java developer: Java developers develop programmes and applications using their understanding of the language and Java-based platforms.

• Software engineer: A software engineer creates specialised software solutions that support ongoing commercial activities for organisations or clients.

• Full-stack developers: Full-stack developers are professionals who employ their expertise to build websites and applications while working on both the client and server side infrastructure.

• Infrastructure engineer: Infrastructure engineers work with businesses and organisations to build and manage digital networks.

• Cloud consultant: A cloud consultant is a professional in the IT field who works with firms to ascertain their cloud computing requirements and identify solutions that best suit their business model.

Related: What Is A Cloud Architect? And How To Become One

Work Environment For Cloud Engineers

Cloud engineers typically work for technology firms or within the information technology division of enterprises. To use and store crucial data, many sectors require the services of cloud engineers. Common sectors for employment include education, manufacturing, automation, health care and finance.

Cloud engineers, like many other IT professionals, collaborate extensively and work in fast-paced environments to develop and manage a company's cloud infrastructure. To explore new cloud computing technologies and respond to enquiries concerning cloud storage, cloud engineers often engage with senior management. Routine tasks for cloud engineers involve monitoring cloud apps for security problems and debugging as necessary. Additionally, cloud developers may also write code for new applications and perform tests.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.