What is an Operations Engineer Job?
An operations engineer, also known as a DevOps engineer, is responsible for configuring, managing, and maintaining the systems and infrastructure that support software applications. They work closely with software developers, system administrators, and other IT professionals to ensure that the systems and applications are running smoothly and efficiently.
What Do Operations Engineers Usually Do in This Position?
Operations engineers work on a variety of tasks, including creating and maintaining automated build and deployment pipelines, monitoring and troubleshooting production systems, and implementing security measures to protect systems from cyber-attacks. They also collaborate with software developers to optimize applications for performance, scalability, and reliability.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Strong knowledge of Linux/Unix systems
- Expertise in automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef
- Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
- Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
How to Become an Operations Engineer
To become an operations engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. You will also need to gain experience in system administration, software development, or network engineering. Certifications in DevOps or cloud technologies are also highly valued in this field.
Average Salary
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for an operations engineer is around $91,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the location, industry, and level of experience.
Roles and Types
Operations engineering roles can vary widely depending on the company and industry. Some common roles include DevOps engineer, infrastructure engineer, site reliability engineer, and network engineer. Operations engineers can work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
According to Glassdoor, some of the top cities for operations engineering jobs in the United States include San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, Austin, and Boston. However, there are also opportunities for operations engineers in smaller cities and rural areas.
What Are the Typical Tools Used in Operations Engineering?
Operations engineers use a variety of tools to manage and maintain systems and applications. Some common tools include automation frameworks such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, monitoring and logging tools such as Nagios and ELK stack, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
In Conclusion
Operations engineering is an exciting and challenging field that requires a unique set of skills and expertise. By gaining experience in system administration, software development, and cloud technologies, you can build a successful career as an operations engineer. With the increasing demand for DevOps and cloud technologies, this field is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.