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The 8 Most In-Demand DevOps Engineer Skills for 2024

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11th Jan, 2024
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    The 8 Most In-Demand DevOps Engineer Skills for 2024

    Are you prepared to take the plunge to something more thrilling and personally fulfilling than the stereotypical role of a generic software developer? The greatest option for you therefore is DevOps. There is an immense demand for DevOps engineers. Amazon and Netflix, two of the largest companies and many others in the sector, are in search of DevOps Engineers. Even though it sounds fascinating, you must possess a deep understanding of the topic at hand. 

    DevOps Engineers should have the right skills to facilitate reliable, safe, and expeditious software delivery, which lowers time-to-market and raises end-user satisfaction. Because of these advantages, DevOps Engineers are becoming essential for many top businesses. DevOps is also becoming a reality for even small and medium-sized businesses.  

    What is DevOPS Engineer? What are the top DevOps engineer skills needed to become a successful DevOps Engineer? All aspiring DevOps Engineers have this question. In this article, I will attempt to answer them. So, let’s get started! Due to the high demand for DevOps professionals, companies are willing to pay big bucks for someone who has the right mix of DevOps skills. A DevOps Engineer is someone who has earned certification in DevOps courses. He/She is often seen as a key player in any software development team.

    What is DevOps?

    DevOps is a methodology, or I can say it is a mindset and work culture; Its aim is to automate and integrate software development and IT operations through the use of best practices and tools. DevOps aims to enhance and reduce the system's development life cycle.

    Combining the terms "development" with "operations" results in the term "DevOps." Compared to conventional software development techniques, it seeks to improve an organization's capacity to offer services and applications more quickly.

    Who is a DevOps Engineer?

    A DevOps engineer is a professional who specializes in the practice of DevOps. This practice focuses on the integration of development and operations tasks to streamline the software development process while maintaining high-quality standards.

    A DevOps Engineer typically has a deep understanding of both Development and Operations processes and is able to work comfortably in both environments. In addition, he/she is typically well-versed in automation tools and practices, which can further speed up the software development process. You can check DevOps skills list must of DevOps engineers further below in this article.

    Top 8 DevOps Engineer Skills

    The role of a DevOps engineer is to manage an organization's application development and delivery process. They are responsible for ensuring that software changes are made in a controlled and coordinated manner. To be successful in this role, there are certain skills that a DevOps engineer must possess.

    Devops Engineer skills
    Source: qulix
    1. Technical Skills Required for DevOps Engineers

    The first and foremost DevOps engineer required skills involve strong technical skills. This includes having a good understanding of the following:

    • Linux Fundamentals/Coding and Scripting Skills: DevOps engineers need to be well-versed in Linux in order to be able to set up and manage servers. They also need to know how to code and script, as this is often used for automating tasks.
    • Automation Skills: The foundation of the DevOps skills process is automation, and these technical skills required for DevOps engineer are needed to be mastered to be referred to as an efficient DevOps engineer. Any DevOps engineer should be able to automate every step of the pipeline, from infrastructure and configurations to CI/CD cycles and app performance monitoring. Knowledge of DevOps tools, coding, and scripting is strongly related to the DevOps automation skill set. It's also critical to understand open-source automation tools like  Puppet, Chef, and Ansible.
    • Cloud Skills: DevOps and cloud always go hand in hand. One's effectiveness is directly impacted by and dependent upon the other. The cloud gives a process the infrastructure it needs to execute tests, deploy, and release code, while the DevOps approach drives the process itself. Cloud enables resource monitoring and provides the necessary CI/CD toolkit for DevOps automation. Strong cloud computing abilities, including database and network administration, are essential DevOps engineer skill set to possess. They also need to be familiar with Microsoft Azure DevOps engineer skills, Google Cloud Platform (GPC), and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
    • Security Skills: The rate of risks is frequently in line with the DevOps-facilitated deployment speed. This limitation means that the typical method's security at the end or as a separate process might not operate. DevSecOps has an edge in this regard since it integrates security with the SDLC from the outset. DevSecOps expertise will therefore be a benefit to success as a DevOps practitioner. Code analysis, change management, threat investigation, security training, and vulnerability assessment are a few of the DevOps engineer skills required.
    • Testing Skills: The success of DevOps depends on testing. It is amongst the important skills needed for DevOps engineer. Tests that function flawlessly will be necessary for the DevOps automation pipeline. This is crucial for automated testing, which is done continuously. Automated test cases expedite the procedure and guarantee high-quality delivery to the end user. DevOps Engineers that are adept with testing technologies like Puppet, Chef, and Docker should also have expertise of virtualization. Along with knowing how to combine Jenkins with Selenium, they should also be able to run tests for a full DevOps automation pipeline.
    • Technical Support and Maintenance Skills: As DevOps engineers are responsible for the upkeep of the systems, they need to have good technical support and maintenance skills. This includes being able to troubleshoot and fix problems as they arise.
    • Coding and Scripting: A DevOps engineer should be proficient in both scripting and coding. Python, Java, Javascript, PHP, Bash, Shell, Ruby, and Node.js are amongst the most suggested programming languages in addition to other DevOps engineer skills and tools.  Even now, dedicated developers still use Lcl as one of their operating systems. DevOps engineers worldwide benefit from the abundance of freedom to function in this flexible environment. Linux will therefore surely be utilised at some point in the career of every DevOps engineer, even though not every developer uses it.

    2. Communication and Collaboration Skills

    In addition to strong technical skills, DevOps engineers also need to have good communication and collaboration skills. Developers, security experts, members of the operations team, and testers all agree that cooperation and communication are the most crucial abilities for a DevOps worker, even though they are seen as soft skills.

    DevOps engineers need to be good communicators and team players. The teamwork of IT specialists and developers is the main focus of the DevOps practice. To dissolve team silos, match objectives with corporate goals, and establish a DevOps culture, it places a strong emphasis on the communication and teamwork skills of DevOps engineers.

    3. Knowledge on Various DevOps Tools and Technologies

    Success with DevOps depends a lot on the toolset used in its various implementation phases. Engineers should be familiar with a variety of DevOps tools, including version control, deployment automation, configuration management, continuous integration servers, and containers. In addition, they ought to be familiar with network protocols, monitoring and analytics, testing, and cloud quality tools. These are critical skills required for DevOps engineers.

    • Source Code ManagementThe SCM tools are used to manage the source code of an application. They help to ensure that the code is stored in a central repository and that it is easy to track changes.
    • Configuration Management: These tools are used to manage the configuration of an application. Their role is to ensure that the correct versions of the software are deployed and that the configurations are consistent across environments.
    • Continuous Integration: Continuous integration tools are used to automatically build and test code changes. Their purpose is to ensure that code changes can be easily integrated into the main codebase and that they do not cause any problems.
    • Continuous TestingContinuous testing tools are used to automatically test code changes to ensure they meet the requirements and do not cause any problems.
    • Continuous Monitoring: Continuous monitoring tools are used to automatically monitor systems and applications to identify problems early and prevent them from becoming major issues.
    • Containerization: Containerization is a technique used to package an application so that it can be deployed quickly and easily. It is one of the technical skills required for DevOps engineers that is often done using containers such as Docker.

    4. Learning Proactive Monitoring

    As its name suggests, proactive monitoring is all about being proactive and taking steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. While reactive monitoring simply monitors systems for signs of trouble, proactive monitoring uses predictive analytics to identify potential issues before they happen.

    By doing so, proactive monitoring can help to avoid outages and disruptions. In addition, proactive monitoring can help to improve the overall quality of service by preventing issues from ever happening in the first place, making it essential for DevOps engineer skills. A successful DevOps professional is one who possesses both passion and proactivity. 

    5. Configuration and Version Management

    As a DevOps engineer, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure that all code changes are tracked and can be easily rolled back in the event of a problem. In order to do this effectively, you must possess the strong configuration and version management skills required for DevOps engineer.

    Configuration management is the process of managing environment variables and configuration files to ensure that all developers are working with the same set of configurations and that there are no inconsistencies between environments.

    Version management is the process of keeping track of different versions of code and configurations. It helps identify the problematic version of code so that you can roll back to a previous version.

    6. Customer-Focused Approach

    DevOps engineers have to be always focused on the customer and their needs. In order to accomplish this, they must listen to the customer and understand their needs. They also need to be able to explain things in a way that the customer will understand.

    In addition, DevOps engineers must be able to work well under pressure and handle difficult situations. They are expected to think quickly and make decisions that are in the best interest of the customer. Lastly, the DevOps engineer skill set involves building relationships with customers to gain their trust and keep them happy.

    7. DevOps Engineer Soft Skills and Noble Thought

    DevOps engineers work with others to resolve conflicts and build bridges between departments. They are able to think critically to solve problems quickly and efficiently. As a result, they are an essential part of any successful team.

    DevOps Engineer Soft Skills and Noble Thought help create a more positive work environment. When everyone is working together towards a common goal, it creates a sense of unity and boosts morale. As a result, productivity increases, and everyone benefits.

    8. Non-functional DevOps skills

    While being a skilled DevOps engineer is undoubtedly important, there are also a number of non-functional skills needed for DevOps engineers to be nurtured and developed. For example, effective communication is essential to coordinate with other members of the team to ensure collaboration.

    Good problem-solving skills are also important, as DevOps engineers are often required to debug issues and find creative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, having the ability to monitor production environments and measure performance also helps to carry out the role effectively.

    How to Develop DevOps Engineer Skills?

    As a DevOps engineer, you will need to be well-versed in both development and operations to be successful. While there is no single approach to becoming a DevOps engineer, there are some key things that you can do to develop the necessary skills:

    1. Practice, Practice, Practice

    The best way to become proficient in anything is through practice. When it comes to learning how to code and test your DevOps engineer technical skills, the best way to practice is by working on real-world projects. There are many online resources that can help you find coding projects to work on. Once you have found a project that interests you, fork the repository and start working on it. As you work on the project, be sure to document your process so that you can reference it later.

    2. Attend Industry Events and Workshops

    In addition to practicing your coding skills, you will also need to be familiar with the various tools and technologies used in DevOps. The best way to learn about these tools is by attending industry events and workshops. Many of these events are free or low-cost, and they provide an excellent opportunity to learn from experts in the field and advance the skills of DevOps engineer.

    3. Taking a Course

    Taking a course is another great way to develop the skills needed to be a successful DevOps engineer. There is an expert-curated DevOps online training available that can teach you everything from the basics of coding to more advanced concepts such as containerization and orchestration.

    No matter what approach you take, the important thing is to keep learning and practicing. By continuously expanding your knowledge, you will be able to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of DevOps and become a well-rounded engineer.

    4. Earn a Degree or Certificate in Project Management

    Earning a degree or certificate in project management can help you develop the DevOps engineer skills needed to be successful in DevOps. Project management is a critical component of DevOps, and having formal training will give you a significant advantage. There are many online and offline programs that offer degrees or certificates in project management. Many of these programs are offered by accredited institutions, so be sure to do your research before enrolling.

    a. DevOps Foundation CertificationThe DevOps Foundation Certificate is a great way to show employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in DevOps. The certification is offered by the DevOps Certification Board, and it requires passing an exam.

    The exam covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of DevOps, culture and organizational change, automation, and monitoring. To prepare for the exam, you can use the resources provided by the certification board or take a DevOps Foundation course from an accredited provider like KnowledgeHut.

    By earning the DevOps Foundation Certificate, you will be able to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and show employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in DevOps.

    b. DevOps Certifications: There are many other DevOps-related certifications that you can earn, each of which covers a different area of expertise. Some of the most popular DevOps certifications include:

    • Certified Agile Process Owner (CAPO)
    • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
    • Lean Kanban Management Professional (LKMP)

    Each of these certifications requires key skills for DevOps engineer with a passing score, and they will all show your dedication to learning and professional development.

    5. Joining a DevOps Community

    DevOps community offers a great opportunity to meet other engineers and learn about the latest trends and technologies. Being active in a community will allow you to stay up-to-date on the latest DevOps news and learn from other engineers. Additionally, many communities offer opportunities to contribute to open-source projects, which is a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio.

    6. Work Experience

    While formal education and training are important, nothing can replace real-world experience. To be successful in DevOps, you need to have a deep understanding of the software development life cycle and the various tools and technologies used in the field. The best way to gain this experience is by working on projects that use the DevOps methodology.

    Many companies are now using DevOps, so there are many opportunities to get involved. You can also look for internships or entry-level positions at companies that use DevOps. Working on projects will give you first-hand experience with the challenges and obstacles that you will face as a DevOps engineer. This experience will be invaluable as you develop your skills and knowledge.

    Conclusion

    I can say with confidence that more than just a technological fix, DevOps is a culture. It will benefit you more the more you comprehend. However, in order to succeed in the DevOps journey as a professional, business, or service provider, you must be adaptable, have a flexible operational model, and possess both hard and soft talents. 

    The "perfect" DevOps engineer combines a special set of abilities and qualities that include strong hardware and network knowledge, a thorough understanding of both development and operations, competence with automation and configuration management tools, coding knowledge, cloud and containerization proficiency, and the ability to collaborate and troubleshoot effectively. To develop such multifaceted DevOps Engineer skills sets, its always better to learn from the professionals and opt for courses like KnowledgeHut DevOps Foundation certification 

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. How to Increase Personal Skills in Leadership and Management as a DevOps Engineer?

    To effectively increase your personal skills when you lead and manage a team, you must communicate your vision and expectations clearly. You also need to listen to your team's feedback and suggestions and take their input into account when making decisions. It will help you better serve your team and meet their needs.

    2. Does DevOps Engineers Do Coding?

    DevOps engineers rely heavily on automated tools and processes to manage their workflows. In many cases, they will also write code to automate tasks. As a result, coding is one of the skills required to become a DevOps engineer.

    3. How Much Does a DevOps Engineer Make?

    Many DevOps engineers have a background in either software development or system administration. As such, they are well-positioned to understand the challenges and needs of both groups. DevOps engineers typically earn a salary of $107,250-$160,000 per year.

    4. Is Certification Important for DevOps Engineers? 

    One can become a DevOps Engineer even without a DevOps certification. However, in today's cutthroat environment, certification is a must. Global demand and fierce rivalry are present for the fastest-growing technologies, such as DevOps. Larger companies want candidates with experience and skills to fill DevOps positions. Here's when certification comes in handy. Having a certification sets you apart from the others. 

    5. Why is Communication and Collaboration Important for DevOps Engineers? 

    For a DevOps team to succeed, communication and collaboration are essential. Teams may deliver software more efficiently and raise the standard of their work overall by establishing a culture of shared accountability, good communication, ongoing feedback, shared goals, and knowledge sharing.   

    6. How Does Cloud Computing Knowledge Contribute to DevOps Skills? 

    Through the internet, shared pools of computing resources can be accessed whenever needed with the help of cloud computing. The scale, automation, and flexibility that cloud services offer enable DevOps teams to accomplish their objectives, hence there is a direct relationship between DevOps and cloud computing. 

    Profile

    Mayank Modi

    Blog Author

    Mayank Modi is a Red Hat Certified Architect with expertise in DevOps and Hybrid Cloud solutions. With a passion for technology and a keen interest in Linux/Unix systems, CISCO, and Network Security, Mayank has established himself as a skilled professional in the industry. As a DevOps and Corporate trainer, he has been instrumental in providing training and guidance to individuals and organizations. With over eight years of experience, Mayank is dedicated to achieving success both personally and professionally, making significant contributions to the field of technology.

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