Who is a Cloud Engineer and How to Become One?

Cloud engineering is one of the most sought-after jobs, and how to become one is one of the frequently asked questions these days, ever since there has been a significant shift towards cloud computing. 

With the rise in cloud computing dependencies, there has also been a rise in the need for cloud engineers to manage these cloud architectures.

In this article, we have covered all about cloud engineers. We have provided the job description and responsibilities for the role, and provided a clear roadmap to become cloud engineers.

By the end of this article, you will learn about the skills and salary of a cloud engineer. Further, you can also check our cloud computing courses to learn cloud computing basics and get training for different certifications.

What is a Cloud Engineer?

A cloud engineer is an IT specialist responsible for planning, carrying out, and overseeing cloud computing systems. They create and maintain the infrastructure and services needed to support cloud-based applications and data storage.

A cloud engineer needs to work with various cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.

What does a Cloud Engineer Do?

A cloud engineer job description includes tasks like: 

✓ Deploy and migrate applications to the cloud.

✓ Optimize cloud performance and resource utilization.

✓ Ensure security and compliance within cloud environments.

✓ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (development, operations).

Cloud Computing Training for AzureStart your journey as a cloud engineer by training for Azure cloud computing certifications.Explore course

Cloud Engineer Roles and Responsibilities

Cloud engineering has various roles and their respective responsibilities. Below, we have mentioned common cloud engineering job roles and responsibilities:

1. Cloud Systems Engineer

Cloud Systems Engineers design and architect cloud infrastructure tailored to organizational needs. They configure virtual machines, containers, and databases for cloud solutions, develop scripts to automate tasks, and use performance metrics to identify and address system weaknesses.

They also implement access controls and encryption to safeguard data and conduct root cause analysis and corrective measures for issues.

2. Cloud Data Engineer

Cloud Data Engineers create ETL processes in cloud environments and transfer data from various sources into cloud solutions for storage and processing. They implement data models for analytics, prepare data for reporting, ensure data validation and cleansing processes are in place, and optimize data processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

3. Cloud Operations Engineer

Cloud Operations Engineers oversee the reliability, availability, and performance of cloud infrastructure. They ensure the security and availability of services, manage updates and deployments, troubleshoot problems, automate workflows, maintain system scalability and reliability, and collaborate with development and IT teams to optimize resources and costs.

How to Become a Cloud Engineer in 2025

To become a successful cloud engineer, follow this simple roadmap. With the help of this degree, you can become a cloud engineer even if you don't have a degree in information technology.

Step 1: Develop Relevant Skills

Start by gaining a solid understanding of networking basics like TCP/IP, DNS, and VPNs. Familiarize yourself with operating systems such as Linux and Windows.

Learn one cloud platform in-depth, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and understand data storage and security principles.

Programming skills in languages like Python, Java, Golang, or Ruby are also essential.

Step 2: Gain Hands-On Experience

Build practical experience by working on cloud-related projects. If you're already in an IT role, seek opportunities to take on cloud tasks or shadow colleagues in cloud computing roles. You can also create a cloud platform account and start experimenting on your own.

Step 3: Earn Certifications

Certifications can validate your skills and improve job prospects. Start with foundational certifications like Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) if you're new to the cloud.

For those with some cloud knowledge, consider more advanced certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Google Associate Cloud Engineer.

Try our courses for these certifications: 
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Course 
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Course 
Google Associate Cloud Engineer Course

Step 4: Build and Showcase Projects

Use free cloud accounts to develop projects and showcase them on platforms like GitHub. Project ideas include building a Personal cloud storage solution, a secure text transfer application, and a Cloud-Based bug tracking system.

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews

Practice answering common interview questions and consider doing mock interviews to get comfortable with the process. Focus on demonstrating your technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities during interviews.

Read our Cloud Computing Interview Questions and Answers

Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Begin applying for entry-level roles such as Cloud Support Engineer to gain practical experience. This will help you build a strong foundation in cloud engineering.

Cloud Engineer Skills

Cloud engineer jobs require a mix of technical and soft skills. The skills required to become a cloud engineer are mentioned below:

Technical Skills

● Deep understanding of major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including their core services (compute, storage, networking, databases).

● Strong command over Linux and knowledge of networking concepts (DNS, TCP/IP, VPNs) and virtualization technologies.

● Understanding of cloud security best practices, identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and compliance frameworks.

● Experience with tools like Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or Azure Resource Manager to automate cloud resource management, along with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps).

● Proficiency with Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes, as well as familiarity with serverless computing services (e.g., AWS Lambda).

● Skills in programming languages (Python, Java, Go, Ruby), scripting (Bash, PowerShell), and understanding of both relational (MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, DynamoDB).

Soft skills

● Communication skills 

● Problem-solving:  

● Teamwork and collaboration skills 

● Adaptability and flexibility:  

● Leadership skills 

Career Path of a Cloud Engineer

The career path of a Cloud Engineer typically follows a progression that starts with foundational roles and advances as you gain experience, certifications, and specialized skills. The table below shows various cloud engineer career opportunities: 

Salary of a Cloud Engineer 

The cloud engineer's salary varies depending on various factors like company, location, and experience. Here we have given average salary expectations based on experience.

The average salary for a Cloud Engineer in India is approximately ₹15,76,726 per year. Salaries can range from ₹6.5 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs annually.

Is Cloud Engineer a Good Career?

 Yes, a cloud engineer is a highly rewarding career. As more companies move to cloud platforms, there is a sharp increase in the need for cloud engineers. In addition to competitive pay and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies, this position also offers specialization opportunities.

Furthermore, the competencies obtained apply to a multitude of sectors, offering employment stability and varied professional trajectories. Ongoing education and career advancement are guaranteed by the cloud's constant evolution. You can become a successful cloud engineer by joining cloud computing courses 

Summing Up! 

In conclusion, becoming a cloud engineer is an exciting and rewarding journey. This career path offers a clear way for anyone interested in entering the world of cloud computing.

To get started, focus on building a solid foundation of knowledge. Earning relevant certifications and gaining hands-on experience are key steps. It's also important to keep learning and updating your skills as technology evolves.

Along the way, remember that persistence and enthusiasm will help you succeed. If you're worried about the costs of certification and training, consider pay-after-placement programs. These can be a great way to kickstart your cloud engineering career without a heavy financial burden.

With the right plan and determination, you can become a skilled cloud engineer in this ever-changing field. Embrace the challenge, and you'll find a fulfilling career waiting for you!