DevOps Engineer
Job Info
A DevOps engineer is a specialist who operates within the realm where software development (Dev) intersects with IT operations (Ops). They enable organisations to consistently and securely release valuable software to active users, both inside and outside the organisation, reducing time to market. This results in enhanced value for both end-users and the business, while also improving the quality of digital services.
Responsibilities
Scripting and coding to automate infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and deployment processes.
Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines to enable automated testing, integration and deployment of software.
Managing version control systems (e.g., Git) for source code and related artifacts.
Implement and improve release automation & orchestration, often using Application Programming Interfaces (API), as part of a continuous delivery and continuous deployment pipeline, ensuring that team(s) are able to deploy new code rapidly and safely.
Provision and manage cloud infrastructure using tools like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Evolve and define architecture, utilising the knowledge and experience of the team to design an optimal user experience, scalability, security, high availability, and optimal performance.
Apply leading security practices throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
Implement a good coverage of monitoring (metrics, logs), ensuring that alerts are visible, tunable and actionable.
Look to automate any manual tasks that are repeated, often using APIs.
Design and implement disaster recovery and high availability strategies to minimise downtime and ensure business continuity.
Skills & Knowledge
Understand Continuous Integration (CI) benefits, distributed Source Control principles, ethical data usage, and the business value of DevOps.
Familiarity with modern security tools, problem-solving techniques, general-purpose programming and infrastructure-as-code.
Knowledge of Immutable infrastructure, monitoring technologies, data security, APIs, team roles, communication methods, pair/mob programming, architecture principles, cloud landscape, SaaS vs. bespoke vs. enterprise tooling, and cloud certification requirements.
Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating user needs into tasks and facilitating knowledge sharing.
Able to deploy immutable infrastructure, manage monitoring tools, troubleshoot distributed systems and apply cloud security tools.
Effective at automating tasks, writing tests, releasing automation, coding, specifying cloud infrastructure, interpreting logs and metrics and applying lightweight modelling techniques.
Demonstrates enthusiasm, openness and collaboration and invests in personal development.
Career Progression
Junior DevOps Engineer - DevOps Engineer - Build and Release Engineer / Deployment Engineer / Reliability Engineer - DevOps Architect
Qualification Pathways
If you are looking to transfer into this role from a related role in the industry, leverage your existing experience and skills in the industry to identify transferable skills that align with a DevOps Engineer Role. Highlight these transferable skills on your CV and in interviews to demonstrate your suitability for positions within the sector.
If you are new to industry, follow these routes:
Step 1 Options:
Obtain a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field
Apply for an apprenticeship in a Software or Devops related role.
Step 2: Learn programming languages such as Python and Java.
Step 3: Gain proficiency in Linux/Unix operating systems and command-line tools.
Step 4: Learn about cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud Platform, and understand key services related to compute, storage, networking and security.
Step 5: Study DevOps principles, practices and methodologies, including Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Deployment (CD), infrastructure as code and automation.
Step 6: If you didn't follow the apprenticeship route, apply for entry-level positions in software development, system administration or related roles.
Step 7: Obtain Certifications (Optional but beneficial):
Some popular certifications include:
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer
Step 8: Stay updated with the latest trends, tools and best practices in DevOps by reading books, blogs and industry publications, attending conferences, webinars and meetups, and participating in online courses and training programs.
Step 9: Continuously expand your skill set by learning new technologies, experimenting with new tools, and seeking opportunities for growth and development.
Other Info
Relevant Apprenticeships:
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/devops-engineer-v1-0
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/it-solutions-technician-v1-0