In recent decades, the IT field has been developing rapidly, so it is not surprising that new specialties appear regularly in it. The position of DevOps Engineer was first registered in 2009. First of all, it was the DevOps methodology (development + operations), aimed at optimizing the software creation cycle and increasing the level of interaction between developers and direct users. Accordingly, a DevOps engineer is a person who combines the functions of a system administrator and a programmer. In addition, he is also part business analyst, part PM, and part Solution Architect. Thus, this position is maximally included in all processes, and is suitable for those who are interested in comprehensive development in the IT field.
Who is a DevOps engineer?
Devops is a specialist in ensuring proper software integration, delivery and deployment (CI/CD), as well as setting up infrastructure automation. In his work, a DevOps engineer works closely with developers, testers, and system administrators. The DevOps methodology itself is aimed at optimizing the software life cycle process and speeding up its access to the user.
Duties and tasks
A DevOps engineer is a multitasking specialist. Of course, at the beginning of his career, he can focus only on one specific area, for example, on setting up the network, but over time he turns into a "universal soldier". The scope of duties of such a specialist includes:
- seamless code delivery that includes build, test and deployment;
- infrastructure deployment and configuration, which a DevOps Engineer typically does through code;
- automation of every process included in the life cycle of the final product;
- setting up the operation of cloud services and setting up the correct connections between them;
- constant monitoring of central logging;
- ensuring the safety of all processes.
Pros and cons of the DevOps Engineer profession
Like any other profession, the position of devops has its pros and cons. However, there are still significantly more advantages. Here are some of them:
- "Entering" the profession is not as difficult as, for example, in the case of direct programming. Although technical knowledge of DevOps is necessary for an engineer, it does not have to be at the level of deep understanding.
- Lack of uniformity. In his work, such a specialist has different tasks every time, so he is not threatened by routine.
- Good career prospects. Since the CI/CD methodology is related to the automation of almost all stages of development and shows a tendency to rapid development, no DevOps Engineer will definitely be without a job in the near future.
As for the disadvantages of the devops engineer profession, there are only a few of them:
- Lack of a clear understanding of the features and specifics of the work. This area is the "incognito terra" for many people, so some do not understand what tasks devops has and often confuse it with a system administrator.
- Problem with job evaluation. In the profession of DevOps Engineer, you work for the result comprehensively, so you can always show your creative potential and non-standard approach. However, this can cause difficulties when it is necessary to give an assessment of the work done.
Salary level of DevOps developers
The devops profession pays well, and this is one of its most attractive aspects for those who are looking for themselves in the IT field. According to the latest data for 2023, a specialist at the Junior level earns $1,200 a month, Middle — $2,875. But the salary of a DevOps Engineer, who is already a Senior, is significantly higher and amounts to $5,500.
In Canada, an experienced DevOps engineer will be paid around $94-126,000 per year, and in the UK the average is £103,798. In the US, devops earns an average of $104,441 per year, but in some states, such as California or New York, this figure is higher, usually by several tens of thousands.
Professional development of devops
The position of DevOps Engineer itself involves constant development and growth, so it is not surprising that many specialists remain working in this field. However, they can also change their activities. For example, if a devops started his career as a system administrator, he can go deeper into programming and become a developer. You can also change your qualification and become an IT security engineer. Such specialties as Project manager, tester or QA-automator, Software Architect are also open to DevOps engineers.
How to become a DevOps engineer?
The profession of a DevOps engineer is suitable for people who like and know how to work with ready-made components and make adjustments. Therefore, it is often chosen by those who had previous experience as a system administrator. It is also easily given to people who have worked as testers or programmers.
Hard Skills DevOps Engineer will primarily include a good understanding of Linux, Windows computer systems, AWS and Azure services from Microsoft and Google Cloud Platform. Knowledge of at least one programming language, such as Python or Bash, is also required. In addition, a good devops must be well versed in protocols, security, Configuration Management, IaC, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), etc.
Among the Soft Skills of a DevOps engineer, analytical thinking, attentiveness, concentration and persistence are in the first place. In addition, sociability and stress resistance are important, because you will have to constantly cooperate with the team.
People who want to master this specialty should take DevOps courses. Today, they are offered by many IT schools and other similar educational platforms. The most popular:
- DevOps on AWS from Coursera;
- Kubernetes from scratch for DevOps Engineers;
- DevOps Culture and Mindset from Coursera;
- Development operations engineer from Main Academy;
- Fundamentals of DevOps from Sigma Software University;
- DevOps from ITEA.
These courses are suitable for both beginners and those who already have some experience. In addition, specialized literature may be useful: "Guide to DevOps" by Gene Kim, "Modern Linux Administration" by Sam Alapati, "Refactoring. Improving Valid Code” by Martin Fowler et al.
