What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?
A DevOps Engineer plays a crucial role in optimizing an organization's software by focusing on software maintenance and server administration. This career path requires specific skills to streamline processes and improve software efficiency.
DevOps engineers lead and coordinate different teams to develop and maintain software effectively. The term "DevOps" is derived from "development and operations," representing a set of practices that enhance the software development lifecycle through collaboration.
The primary objective of a DevOps Engineer is to accelerate the software development process, increase software release frequency, align development and operations teams, and ensure more reliable releases.
What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?
DevOps engineers typically work within an organization to enhance efficiency by integrating development and operations. Their role involves optimizing software development processes and improving overall system performance.
As a DevOps Engineer, your responsibilities may vary depending on the company. You may be involved in updating and improving software applications based on performance analysis, collaborating with other IT professionals, and strengthening software security measures.
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DevOps Engineer Salary
The average base salary for DevOps engineers in the US is $107,991 per year. When factoring in additional compensation such as commissions or profit-sharing, Glassdoor estimates the total annual pay to be around $141,253. DevOps engineers may work overtime or remain on call, as software issues can arise unexpectedly.
DevOps Engineering Specializations
DevOps engineers can specialize in different roles depending on their interests and organizational needs. Some specialized roles in the DevOps engineering field include:
Release Manager: Oversees ongoing software updates and ensures smooth deployment processes.
Software Developer: Writes and maintains code for applications.
Quality Assurance Engineer: Reviews and tests new code to ensure functionality and reliability.
Security Engineer: Focuses on protecting software systems by implementing security measures and addressing vulnerabilities.
Does a DevOps Engineer Code?
One of the top skills required for a DevOps engineer is the ability to code and a strong understanding of programming languages. A significant part of DevOps engineering involves writing scripts to develop and deploy functional software efficiently. Some essential programming languages for a DevOps engineer include JavaScript, C++, and Python.
DevOps Skills
DevOps engineering requires a combination of technical expertise and workplace (soft) skills to succeed.
Technical Skills
DevOps engineers are primarily engineers, requiring knowledge of engineering principles alongside essential technical competencies, including:
Project Management: Responsible for maintaining up-to-date, secure, and efficient software, a DevOps engineer continuously looks for and implements improvements.
Production Infrastructure: Understanding the initiation, planning, execution, and monitoring of everything from minor bug fixes to major updates is essential. CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) plays a significant role in DevOps workflows.
Coding: While not all DevOps engineers write code daily, understanding the fundamentals of programming languages used within their organization is necessary.
Server Administration: Managing an organization's networks and servers is a key responsibility. This includes creating accounts, updating permissions, ensuring data backups, and establishing troubleshooting procedures for junior IT staff.
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▶️ View Course: DevOps , CI/CD(Continuous Integration/Delivery for Beginners
Workplace Skills
DevOps professionals must also possess strong workplace skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Key soft skills include:
Communication: Strong communication skills are essential in DevOps roles. Engineers must explain software development lifecycle processes clearly to individuals with varying technical expertise, from software engineers to marketing professionals.
Coaching: An effective DevOps engineer continually seeks to improve their team and software. This involves identifying skill gaps and addressing them through training initiatives or hiring new talent.
Flexibility: Software issues can arise at any time. DevOps engineers often work irregular hours and remain on call to promptly resolve unexpected technical challenges.
How to Become a DevOps Engineer
To become a DevOps engineer, you should consider pursuing a degree, earning a certification, or starting your career in an entry-level or related role.
Consider a Degree
Many job descriptions for DevOps engineering roles require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, though some employers may accept equivalent work experience. According to industry data, 75 percent of DevOps engineers hold a bachelor's degree, 20 percent have a master's degree, and 2 percent possess an associate degree.
Earn a Certification
Some companies look for certifications in areas such as Linux administration and SQL server development to demonstrate technical competency. Earning relevant certifications can help showcase your skills and improve your job prospects in the DevOps field.
▶️ View Course: Linux for Cloud & DevOps Engineers
Start in a Related Role
DevOps engineers should have experience with software tools and coding languages. Gaining experience in IT, system administration, or software development can provide a solid foundation for a DevOps career.
Many DevOps engineers begin their careers in entry-level roles such as system administrator, IT support, or help desk technician. These positions help build expertise in software maintenance, troubleshooting, and infrastructure management, which are crucial for a DevOps role.
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