Cloud and DevOps engineer
Also called: DevOps engineer, SRE
Sets up and runs applications on AWS, Azure or Google Cloud, and automates how software is released.
What the work is
Cloud and DevOps engineers make sure software runs reliably for millions of users. They build cloud infrastructure, automate testing and deployment pipelines, monitor systems, and respond when something goes down. Site reliability engineers (SREs) focus on uptime and performance.
Nearly every company is moving to the cloud, so these skills are in high demand. Many people start in system administration, support or development and move into DevOps with certifications.
A typical week
- Build and update cloud servers, networks and databases
- Automate releases with CI/CD pipelines
- Monitor systems and fix outages
- Write scripts and infrastructure as code
It suits people who
- Like systems and automation
- Stay calm when things break
- Enjoy scripting and tinkering
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Learn computer basics and try Linux or Raspberry Pi projects
Class 11-12
- B.Tech CS or IT, BCA or B.Sc IT
College or fresher
- Learn Linux, networking basics, Python or Bash scripting and Git
- Earn AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-900, then an associate-level certificate
- Practise Docker, Kubernetes and Terraform on free cloud accounts
Working or switching
- System admins, support engineers and developers move in through cloud certifications
- Start with cloud support or junior DevOps roles
- Start with a skills refresh of 6 to 12 weeks: one short course and one TalentMeter assessment to show where you stand today.
- Use returnship and second-career programmes; many large employers in India run them for people back after a break.
- Explain the gap in one honest line on your CV and LinkedIn, and list what you did in it (caregiving, freelancing, courses, volunteering).
- Contract, part-time and freelance roles are a common way back in; they turn into full-time offers often.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and Solutions Architect Associate ↗ | Cloud skills on AWS | Any time |
| Microsoft Azure AZ-900 and AZ-104 ↗ | Cloud skills on Azure | Any time |
| Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) | Container skills | After some experience |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
Where the jobs are
These buttons open a live search for "Cloud engineer" on each job site. TalentMeter does not list or vouch for the jobs there.
Know which careers fit you
Create a free account, take the Compass career assessment for your stage, and every cluster and career here will show how well it fits you.