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 IT operations teams usually have different goals and skills.
Most developers are keen on introducing new features to software applications. At the same timethe 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 launching new software applications by testing their operational efficiency. That’s why your role requires advanced problem-solving skills for resolving issues in software applications’ development and operations. 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, including mining and manufacturing, rely on automated processes controlled by software applications, DevOps engineers also work in diverse business sectors.
find jobsaverage devops engineer salary
The average range for a DevOps engineer's salary in New Zealand is between $105,000 and $125,000 per year. The earnings fluctuate with experience and credentials. As you move from a junior DevOps engineer to middle and senior-level positions, the earnings also increase gradually. Gaining additional years of experience improves your salary prospects.
what factors affect the salary of a devops engineer?
The remuneration package of DevOps engineers depends on the complexity of the role, the size of the company and personal qualifications. When you work in a small start-up company, you don't deal with large-scale projects, and the company has minimal resources to pay high salaries. In large companies, you deal with complex projects and oversee large teams. Hence, you can negotiate higher pay due to the complexity of your role. Large organisations also have more significant resources and can afford to pay better remuneration packages.
Your skill set and qualifications also affect the salary you can negotiate in a company. With entry-level experience, you still require supervision to perform many duties. Hence, you cannot demand a higher salary. However, with extensive work experience, your earnings increase.
types of devops engineers
Some types of DevOps engineers include:
- software developers: as a software engineer, you write front-end and back-end code for application development. You are introduced to new features of applications and create interactive software applications.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
A DevOps engineer requires a broad set of skills in technology and management. Let's explore the role's specific tasks, work environments and job outlook.
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duties and responsibilities
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. You then analyse and convert them into transparent key performance indicators 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: 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. 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: 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
As a DevOps engineer, you work in information technology companies or business sectors 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 the industry you work in, your colleagues might include automation specialists, business development managers, data engineers, software engineers, software developers, full-stack 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, front-end developers, and web developers.
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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. You often work evenings and weekends when you have tight deadlines. Suppose, your job involves software maintenance and installation. In that case, you may work overnight to make changes in 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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job outlook
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 devops engineer job through randstad
Finding your DevOps engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a DevOps engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications of a DevOps engineer include:
- bachelor's degree: DevOps engineering is a technical career that requires tertiary qualifications. Complete a degree in computer science or a related field in software development. Alternatively, find a short course with training on software development. To improve your employment prospects, consider enhancing your skills and knowledge with postgraduate qualifications. You could complete a graduate certificate in computer science.
- work experience: as a DevOps engineer, you need extensive work experience gained through internships and entry-level positions in software development.
devops engineer skills and competencies
Some of the skills of a DevOps engineer include:
- project management skills: you require exceptional project management skills as a DevOps engineer. 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 free from bugs.
- coding skills: you require exceptional coding skills to participate in software development functions. These skills also help you review code scripts and improve them 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 the skills.
FAQs about working as a devops engineer
Here are the most asked questions about working as a devops engineer:
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what does a devops engineer do?
As a DevOps engineer, you assist development and IT operations teams in creating efficient software applications that meet business needs. That means you plan and initiate projects to improve applications. You rely on the development teams to come up with new features, while operations teams ensure the software is efficient. You also update and install new security features to existing systems to ensure they are secure.
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do devops engineers code?
As a DevOps engineer, you manage releases of new software applications or updates. You rely on your coding skills to write the code for new applications or updates. Coding skills are also useful when editing or reviewing developers' codes. Coding helps you fix and troubleshoot problems in the systems.
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how much does a devops engineer earn?
DevOps engineers take home an average remuneration package of between $105,000 and $125,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience levels.
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what skills do devops engineers need?
You require technical skills like coding to excel in your role as a DevOps engineer. You also need communication skills and creative problem-solving abilities to work well with your team and resolve issues.
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how do I apply for a devops engineer vacancy?
Applying for a DevOps engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our DevOps engineer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
