what is a devops engineer?
DevOps stands for development operations and refers to the processes involved in developing software. As a DevOps engineer, you introduce processes, methodologies and tools to speed up the software development life cycle. You also reduce complexity and close the gaps that hinder software improvement. Development and information technology (IT) operations teams usually have different goals and skills.
Most developers are keen on introducing new features to software applications. At the same time, the operations teams focus on preserving the stability of an application. As a DevOps engineer, you unify and automate these processes. You focus on combining code, application maintenance and software management. You also oversee the launching of new software applications by testing their operational efficiency. That's why your role requires advanced problem-solving skills for resolving software application development and operations issues. You also need technical software development life cycle knowledge to guide the development teams.
DevOps engineers work primarily in technology-driven companies and IT organisations. Since most industries rely on automated processes controlled by software applications, DevOps engineers also work in diverse business sectors.
Would working as a DevOps engineer suit your astute problem-solving abilities and technical expertise? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a DevOps engineer role.
devops engineer jobsaverage devops engineer salary
Even though DevOps engineers are in high demand, several factors affect how much you make. For instance, senior DevOps engineers take home higher salaries than junior DevOps engineers due to their experience and skills. When you gain experience, it is easier to negotiate higher pay based on your expertise.
According to the Economic Research Institute, the median salary of a DevOps engineer in Greece is €43,000 per year. In a junior position, you start with earnings of €29,000 annually; in a senior position, you receive over €52,000 yearly.
what factors affect the salary of a devops engineer ?
Experience is the most important factor in determining the earnings of a DevOps engineer. That’s why junior DevOps engineers have lesser pay compared to senior roles. Your experience shows your expertise and ability to solve problems related to the project. Different companies have unique requirements when looking for DevOps engineers. The complexity of the projects in the company influences the salary they offer.
There is a salary difference for DevOps engineers in Greek cities. You can relocate to cities with innovation hubs since they will likely pay higher salaries. Having specialised skills also increases your salary since you are an expert in specific projects.
types of devops engineers
Some types of DevOps engineers include:
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software developers
As a software engineer, you write front-end and back-end code for application development. You introduce new features to applications and create interactive software.
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release managers
As a release manager, you assist companies adopting DevOps to transition smoothly. You ensure the new application software meets the quality and security standards of the company. You also seek the appropriate management approvals before the launch date and test the applications.
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quality assurance engineers
Your job is to find faults in software. You test new application code to ensure it does not break the existing functionality or conflict with existing features. You write the test automation code rather than testing the application code manually.
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security devops engineers
As a security DevOps engineer, you integrate security and compliance features into planning and development processes. You also improve the security of an application during maintenance.
working as a devops engineer
As a DevOps engineer, you work with product developers to oversee code releases and software development. If you are intrigued by the role, check out the specific tasks and work environments of DevOps engineers.
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what does a devops engineer do?
Some of the tasks of a DevOps engineer include:
- Understanding customer requirements: the basic role of a DevOps engineer is to understand customer requirements. Your job is to ensure the end product fits the customer's needs. You communicate with clients and stakeholders to discover the improvements or features they need in new software applications. Once you get the requirements, you analyse and convert them into transparent key performance indicators (KPIs) for development and operations teams.
- Managing development projects: you develop strategic plans for implementing DevOps goals. For instance, you assess a project's risks, costs and benefits. You also define operational expectations and manage the project's infrastructure. Since development processes rely on various technology stacks, automating them can be challenging. As a DevOps engineer, you implement automation tools and infrastructure components.
- Writing and editing code: as a DevOps engineer, you write and edit code for software applications. You review the software scripts and find creative ways to improve the automation process or resolve problems in the user interface (UI). When you find issues in the code, you edit it. While you can delegate coding tasks, it is important to understand the coding languages to provide useful feedback.
- Managing servers: you act as server administrator to improve and monitor networks and servers. Your job is to update server permissions, create user accounts and ensure secure back-ups. You also review the logs to check for glitches. As a DevOps engineer, you set standard procedures for IT professionals for troubleshooting and making changes. You also integrate security features to ensure company data is secure.
- Evaluating team performance: as a DevOps engineer, you manage development and IT operations teams and evaluate team performance. You identify the skill gaps in your teams and coach or train staff to perform specific tasks.
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work environment of a devops engineer
As a DevOps engineer, you work in information technology companies or businesses that wish to develop their software applications. You work indoors in creative work environments, usually with a team, to develop and test software. Hence, you are surrounded by computers and sometimes work from the server rooms. The role involves minimal travelling unless you are meeting clients outside the office. Sometimes, you work from home or complete tasks from a remote location.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include automation specialists, data engineers, software engineers, software developers and operations engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to technical leads and systems architects, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, system analysts, computer hardware engineers, cloud engineers and web developers.
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devops engineer work schedule
The typical work schedule of a DevOps engineer is 40 hours a week. You work traditional business hours between 8 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Your job also involves software maintenance and installation. In that case, you may work overnight to change software applications without disrupting the work processes. DevOps engineers mostly work full-time schedules, but part-time roles are also available. Some DevOps engineers work on short-term contracts as freelancers.
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career opportunities as a devops engineer
As a DevOps engineer, your experience and unique skill sets allow you to pursue other roles in information technology. For instance, DevOps engineers move from junior-level roles to managerial roles like DevOps managers and senior DevOps engineers. Large companies that handle multiple DevOps projects have a DevOps director position. Some DevOps engineers specialise in specific areas and hone their skills. For instance, you could specialise in security engineering and become a consultant or a trainer.
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advantages of finding a job as a devops engineer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help.
- a range of jobs in your area.
devops engineer skills and education
Follow these steps if you want to be a DevOps engineer in Greece:
- Education: to become a DevOps engineer, complete a BSc in computer science or computer programming, which takes four years of full-time studies. Even though a master's degree is not mandatory, consider taking a course to specialise in the field.
- Certifications: you need certifications to demonstrate your expertise and improve your skills. Some DevOps certifications include Microsoft Certified Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer and Google’s Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer.
competencies and characteristics of devops engineers
Some of the skills of a DevOps engineer include:
- Project management skills: as a DevOps engineer, you require exceptional project management skills. These skills help you initiate, plan and execute DevOps projects. You rely on your project management skills to keep the company's software up-to-date, secure and bug-free.
- Coding skills: you require exceptional coding skills to participate in software development functions. These skills also help you review and improve code scripts to ensure applications perform the desired functions.
- Communication skills: you manage development and IT operations teams, so you rely on communication skills to provide instructions to your teams. Communication skills are also essential when speaking with clients or listening to team feedback.
- Coaching skills: an effective DevOps engineer always looks for opportunities to mentor and improve team skills. You identify gaps in employee skills and provide training and coaching services to improve their skills.
- Adaptability: as a DevOps engineer, you should expect frequent changes to the project's structure. Your adaptability helps you adjust your workflow and provide high-quality software. Sometimes, you also adapt to changes in technology for a project.
- Time management: working as a DevOps engineer requires completing projects in a specific time frame. You use your time management skills to finish projects in the recommended time frames and improve team productivity.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a DevOps engineer.
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do devops engineers write code?
As a DevOps engineer, you write code to aid in developing software and computer systems. Your knowledge of programming languages is also useful in software maintenance, infrastructure management and deployment. You collaborate with developers to automate processes and develop reliable software.
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how much does a devops engineer earn in greece?
As a DevOps engineer, you receive an average salary of € 43,000 per year. When you are new in the role, you start with a salary of €29,000 annually. Senior developers take home salaries of over €52,000 per year. Your earnings depend on your experience and qualifications.
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what does a devops engineer do?
As a development engineer, you combine your IT operations and software development knowledge to streamline development processes. You implement and manage the DevOps processes for rapid software development and delivery.
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are devops engineers still in demand?
DevOps engineers are highly sought-after professionals in the information technology sector. You can work in various companies across industry sectors. However, most DevOps engineers work in innovation hubs and lead project teams in developing software and computer systems.
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is devops engineering a stressful job?
Working as a DevOps engineer involves using diverse skills, methods and tools to create functional software. The complexity of the tasks sometimes makes the job of a DevOps engineer stressful. However, having a solid foundation in technology and software development improves your skills and makes your duties easier.
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how do I find a job as a devops engineer?
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