With the rapid adoption of cloud services, the demand for cloud engineers is on the rise. Cloud engineers play a critical role in optimizing, maintaining, and operating cloud environments.
In this article, we’ll break down the job of a cloud engineer, including the responsibilities, expected salary, useful certifications, and the essential skills needed to succeed. If you're aiming to become a cloud engineer or considering a career change, this guide will help you get started.
As businesses increasingly transition to cloud-based solutions, the demand for skilled cloud engineers is set to soar. Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 2023 Information and Communications White Paper reveals a significant rise in cloud service adoption, with the percentage of companies utilizing these services growing from 58.7% in 2018 to 72.2% in 2022.
Victoria Ryo, Associate Director of Technology at Robert Half Japan, states, "Companies are increasingly looking for cloud engineers who can effectively design, implement, and manage secure and scalable cloud infrastructure, all while ensuring that the systems are not only resilient and high-performing but also compliant with industry standards and best practices, thereby facilitating seamless operations and supporting the organization’s overall business objectives."
A cloud engineer is responsible for designing, building, and managing cloud environments for client companies. They leverage cloud services, like servers and networks, to create and maintain systems that meet their clients’ needs.
In the past, companies typically used an "on-premise" approach, managing their hardware and servers in-house. However, many businesses are now opting for cloud services, which allow them to rent servers and networks online, eliminating the need for physical hardware. This shift has made cloud engineers indispensable for companies looking to modernize their IT infrastructure.
With cloud-based services, data can be stored online, making it easier for teams to collaborate and share resources. As long as employees have access to the internet, they can work from anywhere, and the company no longer has to handle server maintenance in-house.
An infrastructure engineer is responsible for managing an organization’s IT infrastructure, and cloud engineers are a specialized subset of this group. Infrastructure engineering roles include:
Cloud engineer
Server engineer
Network engineer
Database engineer
Security engineer
Cloud engineers focus specifically on cloud-based infrastructure and services.
Network engineers design, build, and manage network systems, creating environments where devices like computers can communicate. While they often work with physical hardware in on-premise environments, modern network engineers are increasingly working in the cloud as well. When network engineers perform cloud-related tasks, they may also be classified as cloud engineers.
Server engineers handle the design, construction, and operation of servers, which are computers that send information to other computers. Like network engineers, server engineers used to work primarily with on-premise systems but have now moved into cloud environments.
Depending on the company, the job titles may vary, so it’s important to focus on the job description rather than the title when applying.
The main responsibilities of a cloud engineer fall into three categories: system design, construction, and maintenance/operations.
Cloud engineers design cloud environments tailored to their client’s needs. To do this, they first gather requirements from the client to understand their goals. From there, they outline how to address key factors such as security and cost efficiency, while also considering future needs.
Once the design is approved, the engineer begins building the cloud environment, setting up virtual servers and installing necessary software. This requires familiarity with various cloud tools and programming languages. Before going live, testing is essential to ensure the system works correctly.
Cloud engineers are also responsible for ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the cloud environment. They check for any issues and resolve them as needed. A significant part of this job is ensuring data security and protecting against cyber threats.
According to Robert Half’s internal data, the average salary for a cloud engineer in Japan ranges from ¥8.5 million to ¥13.5 million per year. With more experience, salaries can exceed ¥10 million.
Here are the average salaries for related positions:
Job Title
| Entry-Level
| Mid-Level
| Senior-Level
|
Technical Lead
| ¥9.5 million
| ¥11.5 million
| ¥13.5 million
|
Database Engineer
| ¥8.5 million
| ¥10.5 million
| ¥13.5 million
|
Development/Infrastructure Lead
| ¥12.5 million
| ¥15.5 million
| ¥18.5 million
|
Infrastructure Engineer
| ¥6.5 million
| ¥10.5 million
| ¥13.5 million
|
Infrastructure/Operations Manager
| ¥8.5 million
| ¥12.5 million
| ¥16.5 million
|
Virtualization Engineer
| ¥6.5 million
| ¥8.5 million
| ¥12.5 million
|
Cloud engineers often work remotely since their tasks involve managing systems online. Here’s an example of a remote job posting for a cloud engineer:
Position
| Senior Full-Stack Engineer
|
Salary
| ¥7 million – ¥11 million per year
|
Job Description
| - Design and develop scalable, high-performance server-side applications and APIs using Go (Golang).
- Create responsive, intuitive user interfaces using the latest frontend technologies and frameworks.
- Build and maintain integration points between frontend and backend systems to ensure seamless data flow and functionality.
- Write clean, maintainable code and conduct code reviews to ensure best practices and coding standards are followed.
- Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to understand requirements and deliver high-quality solutions.
|
Qualifications
| - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proven experience as a full-stack engineer with a focus on Go (Golang) development.
- Proficiency in backend development using Go (Golang), while being open to using JavaScript and other backend languages.
- Experience with frontend technologies (JavaScript, React, Angular, and frameworks like js).
- Familiarity with databases (SQL and NoSQL) and ORM tools.
- Understanding of RESTful APIs and microservices architecture.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical challenges.
|
Location
| Tokyo
|
Let's take a look at the skills needed for cloud engineers.
Since cloud engineers work with cloud services, knowledge of cloud technologies is essential.
Familiarity with major cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure is important. Understanding the characteristics of each service can help in proposing solutions to clients. Earning certification can also validate your skills.
Because cloud technology is constantly evolving, a commitment to continuous learning is crucial.
Programming skills are one of the necessary abilities for aspiring cloud engineers. They are utilized in API integration and software development.
Knowledge of programming languages like Python, Ruby, or Java can automate tasks through coding. It is also helpful in using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), a method that manages infrastructure configurations and settings via code, minimizing errors from manual setups.
These skills are not only useful for data management and analysis but also enhance efficiency by allowing code reuse for future development.
Logical thinking is essential for system design and development. Cloud engineers must design systems according to client requirements, but simply following all requests can lead to inflated costs and suboptimal systems. It is vital to listen to client needs while logically discerning their true requirements. A systematic explanation can also help gain client buy-in for proposals.
Effective communication skills are necessary for cloud engineers to ensure smooth project execution. As cloud engineers often work in teams, it is important to communicate progress and updates.
Building relationships with clients is equally important. When client requests cannot be met, establishing trust through clear explanations or alternative proposals can positively impact future collaborations.
For those working as cloud engineers, obtaining the following certifications is recommended.
AWS Certification validates knowledge and skills related to AWS (Amazon Web Services). There are four levels of certification, with over 1.31 million people globally having achieved this certification as of February 2024.
AWS provides abundant learning materials and resources, making it accessible for beginners. Starting with the "AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner" certification is advisable for those new to cloud computing.
The Google Cloud certification validates skills and knowledge related to the Google Cloud platform. There are three types of certifications available, allowing individuals to choose one that aligns with their experience.
Google offers tiered training for cloud technologies, and membership in Innovators Plus provides various benefits, including coupons for Google Cloud certifications and consultations with experts.
Microsoft's Azure-related certifications validate skills and knowledge for its cloud platform, Azure.
Certifications are available based on the desired job role and level, ranging from foundational (Fundamentals) to intermediate (Associate/Specialty) to advanced (Expert). The certifications cater to roles such as general developers, AI engineers, and data engineers. Each certification specifies the recommended skills to acquire beforehand, making it easier for individuals to select suitable options.
CompTIA Cloud+ Certification validates skills and knowledge for building cloud infrastructures. This includes competencies in cloud architecture, secure server management, and operations. It is an internationally recognized certification applicable in other countries.
Unlike vendor-specific services like AWS or Azure, CompTIA Cloud+ covers a broad range of cloud-related knowledge. Therefore, comprehensive preparation is essential due to the extensive exam content.
CCNA is a Cisco certification that validates the ability to meet the demands of IT environments. It includes topics such as networking, IP services, and security basics.
Training is available for all levels, offering various formats, including webinars and team training sessions. Acquiring practical skills beneficial for work, it is recommended for those aspiring to become cloud engineers.
Linux certification validates skills and knowledge in system construction and operational management for cloud environments. It covers practical skills required for cloud system development, including system architecture design, security, and monitoring tools.
Linux certification is divided into four levels, with LinuC Level 1 and Level 2 being particularly recommended for those starting their engineering careers, as they cover essential foundational knowledge. The estimated study time to obtain LinuC Level 1 is around 100 to 160 hours.
The following traits are often found in individuals who excel as cloud engineers.
Individuals suited for cloud engineering are eager to learn and adapt to evolving systems and acquire the latest skills. To make optimal proposals to clients, it is crucial to stay updated with industry-relevant skills.
In daily work, proactively identifying issues such as "why did a system failure occur?" or "what systems could improve efficiency?" can enhance adaptability to new technologies.
Cloud engineers must be detail-oriented and able to work carefully. Small errors in cloud development can lead to system malfunctions.
With the prevalence of remote work in cloud engineering, self-management is crucial to prevent mistakes that could lead to system failures. It is also important to possess the ability to calmly identify and address any errors.
Clients can vary greatly, and cloud engineers are often required to adapt to their specific corporate cultures.
For example, in companies where a clear hierarchy exists between management and employees, proposals based on employee input may be disregarded if management is not convinced. Understanding and accommodating a client's corporate culture is also essential for cloud engineers.
While some job openings accept applicants without prior experience, acquiring IT-related knowledge and skills is essential to pursue a career as a cloud engineer. Independent study is possible, but attending specialized schools or training programs can help maintain motivation and develop practical skills. Previous experience in other engineering roles can also be advantageous.
Obtaining certifications can strengthen your resume and interview appeal. Utilizing training resources provided by certification bodies can deepen your understanding of IT and serve as effective exam preparation.
Once you have gained a foundational understanding of IT, it is beneficial to experiment with cloud services like AWS or GCP. Hands-on experience with these platforms can help you intuitively understand the work of a cloud engineer.
Let's explore typical career paths for cloud engineers.
For those looking to enhance their technical skills developed as cloud engineers, pursuing a role as an IT Specialist is recommended. IT Specialists typically focus on providing technical support in specific areas, rather than handling end-to-end design, maintenance, and operations.
Common areas of expertise include networking, databases, system administration, security, platform development, and application foundation.
The specialist role is a technical career path, whereas the project manager role is a management career path.
A project manager is responsible for overseeing the progress of system development projects. They coordinate project members, hold meetings with clients, and direct the overall project. The types of projects are diverse, including hardware-related tasks as well as cloud development.
Specific tasks include managing project budgets and personnel, scheduling, quality checks of deliverables, and reporting to clients. Since this role involves interacting with many people, including clients and project members, it is recommended for those with strong communication skills and leadership qualities.
A cloud consultant is a professional who supports the implementation of optimal cloud systems. They provide advice to clients and develop solutions for challenges. After the cloud system is implemented, they also check operational conditions and provide ongoing support.
This role is specialized in certain aspects of cloud engineering, making it ideal for those who want to utilize their developed skills directly.
The demand for cloud engineers is growing as more businesses transition to cloud-based solutions. With competitive salaries and the flexibility to work remotely, cloud engineering is an attractive career path for anyone interested in IT infrastructure and cloud technology.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to switch fields, cloud engineering offers a promising future with plenty of opportunities for growth.
