devops engineer

DevOps engineers focus on optimizing the performance of, and collaboration between, teams in a software development company to ensure that applications are developed and deployed efficiently. Here is an overview of the various responsibilities and day-to-day activities of a DevOps engineer:

• collaboration and communication: DevOps engineers work closely with both development and operations teams to foster collaboration and ensure smooth communication between them. They mold an environment of shared goals and responsibilities.
• continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD): DevOps engineers implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines, enabling frequent and automated software builds, testing, and deployment, reducing time to market and increasing efficiency.
• infrastructure automation: This is one of the most important aspects of the job. DevOps engineers use configuration management tools to automate the setup and management of the infrastructure on which software applications run. They automate manual and repetitive tasks to increase efficiency.
• monitoring software performance: DevOps engineers set up monitoring and alerting systems to track system performance, identify problems, and resolve issues.
• security and compliance: DevOps engineers implement security practices throughout the software development lifecycle and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

The work environment for DevOps engineers can vary depending on the organization and specific circumstances. Traditionally, DevOps engineers work in office settings alongside development and operations teams to facilitate collaboration and communication. This allows for face-to-face interactions and quick problem-solving. Thus, as a DevOps engineer, you will most likely work a typical 40-hour work week in an office environment.

It is becoming more common for jobs in the tech industry to be remote or hybrid. There are certainly DevOps jobs now that fall into these categories, but because the job necessitates quick communication, collaboration, and access to infrastructure, many of them still require you to be on-site for the job. Ultimately, whether you work in an office, remote or hybrid setting depends on the company's policies, the project requirements, and the preferences of the DevOps engineers themselves.

Generally, DevOps engineers do not travel much for their jobs unless they are attending conferences or events. If you work for a large, multi-state corporation, there may be some times when you travel to collaborate with other employees of the company at different sites.

DevOps engineering is all about collaboration. Here are some of the other professionals you can expect to interact with on a day-to-day basis:

• software engineers and developers 
• operations and IT teams
• quality assurance (QA) specialists
• security analysts
• product managers
• technical support

All of these people are essential to the development and deployment of software applications. As a DevOps engineer, you are the bridge between these colleagues, and you help ensure that your company’s applications are developed and released in a timely, secure, and efficient manner.

Many DevOps engineers work standard, full-time hours, which is typically around 40 hours per week. These hours can be spread across weekdays during regular business hours, such as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, some organizations may have flexible working arrangements that allow for adjusted start and end times.

DevOps engineers may need to occasionally work weekends or holidays when there are major projects or critical deadlines to meet, though, in a healthy work environment and strong team, this is unlikely to happen regularly. In order to address critical issues that may arise outside of regular working hours, some software development teams may have an on-call rotation. This is when a different employee every week or so remains on-call outside of regular office hours.

It's important to note that work schedules can vary significantly between organizations and even within the same teams. Some companies prioritize work-life balance and minimize overtime, and others may have more demanding schedules during critical project phases.

DevOps engineers possess vast opportunities for growth and advancement. Their multidisciplinary expertise in a rapidly expanding field enables them to explore various other roles within the tech industry.

DevOps engineers have the option to progress within their current positions, earning promotions and salary increases over time. Alternatively, they can leverage their experience to transition into other technology roles, such as machine learning engineering, software engineering, systems analysis, project management, and more.

DevOps engineers with entrepreneurial aspirations can even use their skills and experiences to launch their own startups or rent themselves out to other early-stage companies.

As mentioned earlier, the job growth outlook for the software development sector of tech over the next decade is 25%. DevOps engineers are and will continue to be an indispensable part of software development.

Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• being paid weekly
• flexibility
• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? 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!

Important skills for a DevOps engineer include coding and scripting proficiency, knowledge of DevOps tools and technologies, understanding of cloud platforms, system administration and networking expertise, problem-solving abilities, and strong collaboration and communication skills.

While a specific degree is not mandatory, a background in computer science, software engineering or related fields could be beneficial. Practical experience, hands-on learning, and continuous self-study are equally important in gaining the necessary skills for a career in DevOps engineering.

Traditional IT operations often involve separate teams for development and operations, resulting in siloed processes and slower software delivery. DevOps bridges this gap by integrating development and operations, fostering collaboration, and automating tasks to accelerate software deployment and improve overall efficiency.

Transitioning into a DevOps engineering career requires a combination of acquiring relevant skills and gaining practical experience. Consider participating in online courses, attending DevOps conferences, contributing to open-source projects, and seeking opportunities to work on DevOps-related tasks within your current role.

DevOps engineering can be a highly rewarding and promising career choice. The demand for DevOps engineers continues to grow as more organizations recognize the value of efficient software delivery and reliable operations. The field offers diverse opportunities for professional growth, attractive compensation packages, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.

Applying for a DevOps engineering job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our DevOps engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!