Cloud Engineer Roadmap: Roles, Skills and Certifications

Who is a Cloud Engineer?

Cloud engineers manage the cloud computing infrastructure to enhance work accessibility, security, and efficiency. They serve varying roles, such as cloud architecture, developer, administrator, and others, as well as platform designers, implementers, and managers.

These professionals collaborate with Azure, Google Cloud, AWS, and others, such as DevOps engineers and cloud architects. Ultimately, they aim to offer novel cloud solutions while improving existing ones.

What is Cloud Engineering?

Cloud engineering deals with cloud platforms, which also involve designing, building, and maintaining such systems. It integrates cloud systems and platforms with other applications to ensure a streamlined flow of operations. In addition, it provides systems' integrity in scenarios of data breaches and cyber threats and continuously offers protection from such incidents. Thus, the field focuses on cloud-based applications and services to fulfill organizational needs.

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Essential Cloud Engineer Skills in 2025

Working in the core cloud-based field requires the presence of the following skills to get the task done:

1. Operating Systems

Cloud engineers and system builders must be familiar with and have hands-on experience with the Linux operating system. Linux is a widely used operating system for developing cloud infrastructure and administering configurations.

Handling experiences such as virtual machine installation using VirtualBox and building virtual machines in a cloud environment are examples of how to proceed. 

In addition, Linux has complex capabilities for performing load analysis, installing different software, implementing packages, and modifying them.

2. Programming

Cloud engineers must be proficient in handling Structured Query Language (SQL) for data operations and Python for storage and development of serverless applications. Golang for parallelism and concurrency and PHP for website automation are the most commonly used languages you must be familiar with.

3. Public Cloud Platforms

Cloud platforms from significant tech giants are key to completing routine tasks and responsibilities. They contribute to data storage, databases, computer machine learning, migration services, and more.

Familiarizing them helps candidates enhance their work efficiency and gain preference for experience-based job roles. It also indicates a candidate's familiarity with best practices while working with such platforms.

4. DevOps and Containerization

The DevOps framework is used for developing cloud infrastructure, while containerization allows application deployment on remote systems. AWS DevOps is a highly in-demand skill for applicants. Experience in docker or Kubernetes is worthy of gain for a successful career.

5. Web Services and API

Handling cloud infrastructure requires application integration experience with APIs and web services. This assists in performing duties when dealing with pooled cloud assets. Some commonly used APIs for data identification, sharing, and interpretation include XML, SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI.

Cloud Engineer Courses to Boost Your Career

1. AWS Solutions Architect

The program familiarizes learners with AWS architectural principles and services, such as VPC, IAM, EBS, EC2, etc. It is designed to help learners build, plan, deploy, and scale the AWS implementation of over 70 cloud computing services, making the candidates job-ready. Further, the training aligns with the AWS Solutions Architect (Associate) exam.

Benefits 

• Practice with three simulation exams of 60 questions each.
• Gain experience with three real-time industry projects with integrated labs.
• Get 16 live demos of AWS services.
• 100% money-back guarantee with the course.

2. AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials Certification

This short program focuses on developing foundational cloud skills. It encompasses key AWS topics, including cloud concepts, essential AWS services and architectural best practices. The certification program also prepares the enrolled candidates for the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam.

Benefits

• Comprises official AWS live class training content.
• Obtain live online training from AWS-authorized instructors.
• The program also offers an AWS official kit.
• Accelerated learning with instructor-led training.

3. Microsoft Azure Cloud Architect Masters

This course offers a completion certificate from Simplilearn and Microsoft and is aligned to the AZ 900, AZ 104, and AZ 305 exams. It also provides official learning material from Microsoft. The course builds industry-relevant skills and offers an exam voucher. Further, the enrolled candidates get help in the recruitment process with Simplilearn’s JobAssist.

Benefits

• Gain an exam voucher for the specific Azure course.
• Obtain lifetime access to self-paced videos and class recordings.
• Get around 8 times higher interaction in live online classes from Microsoft Certified Trainers.
• Develop over 20 in-demand skills and more than 15 services.
• Gain hands-on experience with top Azure Cloud tools.

4. Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions Expert

Microsoft powers the program and comprises content aligned with the AZ 204, AZ 900, and AZ 400 exams. It contains an exam voucher for any one Azure course. The ten-week course focuses on developing industry-relevant skills among the learners. It also comes with lifetime access to the course material. This course is conducted in a live, online, and interactive learning environment.

Benefits

• Earn a course completion certificate from Microsoft and Simplilearn.
• Gain help in finding jobs at top companies with Simplilearn’s JobAssist.
• Familiarize yourself with over 30 in-demand skills and over 20 services.
• Get access to a dedicated Learner Success Manager.

5. Cloud Architect Masters Program

The program allows candidates to develop expertise with cloud development software such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and GCP. They also gain familiarity with cloud architectural principles and design and deploy scalable services on cloud platforms. The program includes access to self-learning content authored by AWS. Also, gain industry-relevant skills to make you job-ready.

Benefits

• Learn over 40 in-demand skills and more than 25 services.
• Gain assistance with Simplilearn’s JobAssist in the job hunt.
• Gain a course completion badge/certificate on the MS Learn portal.
• Familiarize yourself with hands-on tools such as AWS Lambda, AWS IAM, Azure Block Bob, Amazon Inspector, and Azure Container Services.
• Access to MS Azure exam for a single Azure course.

Cloud engineer certifications exhibit the candidate’s proficiency and familiarity with skills, tools and technologies. The growing cloud sector is seeking experienced professionals, so job opportunities and the probability of landing them also increase. Hands-on experience in labs and in-demand skills and services earned and learned through certification courses further streamline the process.

Step-by-Step Cloud Engineer Roadmap

The cloud engineer roadmap to follow for a successful career involves the mentioned steps:

Step 1: Learn the Fundamentals of Cloud Computing

This is the priority step to take in cloud engineering. Candidates need to gain a basic understanding of the simple concepts. For cloud computing, it includes the following essential topics:

• Cloud service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
• Deployment models: Public, private and hybrid.
• Technologies: Virtualization, networking and security.

One must be familiar with advanced cloud technologies to progress in the field. Knowledge of Linux, shell scripting, programming, network fundamentals, and others is also essential.

Step 2: Gain Proficiency in a Cloud Platform 

Cloud computing and familiarity with associated platforms are also essential steps in the roadmap for cloud engineers. These include AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

A candidate must understand all the services and capabilities of such platforms for data storage, database utilization, computing and other tasks. Further, it is recommended that candidates become proficient in handling any one platform and learn different skills for working on it.

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Step 3: Develop Networking and Security Skills

Next on the cloud engineer roadmap is to work on networking and security skills. These involve familiarising oneself with Cloud Network Services such as Google Cloud, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), and Azure Virtual Network.

Also, work on understanding virtual network concepts such as VLANs and VWANs and how DNS and routing work in cloud environments.

Proceed to gain clarity on cloud security principles such as data encryption, Identity and Access Management (IAM), compliance, and regulations.

Step 4: Master Linux and Command-Line Basics

The candidates must gain proficiency in Linux, focusing on aspects like shell basics, text editing with Vim, process, storage and package management, file system permissions, the system boot process, security and logic, and SUSE Linux administration. Some of the skills to learn in Linux include security protocols, configuration, management, task automation, and advanced storage management.

Step 5: Learn Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

It involves understanding and usage of core principles and the ability to manage cloud infrastructure via code. It eliminates manual configuration and encourages consistency, automation, version control and repeatability. Infrastructure as Code is performed via popular tools such as Terraform, which is based on declarative language for management. Further, AWS CloudFormation is another key tool to learn for the provisioning and managing of AWS resources.

Step 6: Get Hands-On with Containers and Kubernetes

These tools manage application deployment and management. They are scalable, efficient, and portable. Kubernetes manages them across various hosts. Containers package applications with dependencies and allow consistent running across different environments.

The Kubernetes platform automates scaling and deployment and balances the load for high availability and performance. Hence, hands-on experience with these tools allows for the delivery of daily functionalities.

Step 7: Understand CI/CD and DevOps Tools

Familiarity with these tools encourages quick and automated software production. CI/CD tools are key in developing, testing, and deploying software changes. DevOps tools bridge the gap between software development and IT operations, streamlining the overall process while enhancing efficiency.

The capability to work with such tools offers scalability, cost efficiency, and collaboration. Hence, gain hands-on experience with tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, Puppet, Chef, etc. 

Step 8: Build and Deploy Cloud Projects

Working on projects is a crucial step in the cloud engineer roadmap. It helps one apply and evaluate conceptual knowledge, improve problem-solving skills, build one’s portfolio, and acclimate to changing market needs.

Working on projects helps gain hands-on experience with new tools and technologies. Hence, candidates must choose the course that allows them to work on projects. If going for self-learning, look for opportunities to collaborate on projects or offer assistance to seniors for hands-on experience.

Step 9: Earn Relevant Cloud Certifications

Cloud certifications help fill the existing skill gaps in your knowledge and experience. They also allow you to explore new and specific areas of interest and become familiar with them.

When choosing to upskill, it is essential to have a checklist beforehand. It must encompass your current knowledge and what you want to learn. Further, check the availability of hands-on experience, services, tools, and technologies in the program of interest.

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Step 10: Apply for Cloud Engineer Jobs & Continue Learning

After completing the learning and gaining in-depth familiarity with the basic concepts, it’s time to begin the job hunt. Cloud engineers are in demand, and you can grab the opportunity by showcasing the projects and hands-on experience of relevant and popular tools and technologies. With regular updates in software, it is also recommended to keep learning and filling the skill gap for career success.

Cloud Engineer Career Path

Traditionally, the cloud engineers follow the mentioned career path:

1. Entry Level Roles

The cloud engineering roles for freshers encompass job titles such as:

• Junior Cloud Engineer: They are responsible for cloud system implementation and configuration. They also get work with cloud architecture and services.
• Associate Cloud Developer: This position focuses on building and deploying applications in cloud environments and enhancing the efficiency of cloud-native applications.
• Cloud Technician: They deal with improving cloud service performance and work with different cloud platforms and technologies.

2. Mid Level Roles

After gaining about two to five years of experience, the mid-level roles are as follows:

• Site Reliability Engineer (SRE): They handle operational issues. The SRE also deals with system automation, monitoring and emergency response strategies while working on scalability and reliability.
• Cloud Solutions Architect: These professionals design and orchestrate the cloud solution deployment. They work to understand and explain the technical specifications of the requirements and offer insights by creating architectural diagrams. The cloud solution architect also guides the teams in implementing the cloud services.
• Cloud Engineer: In this mid-level role, cloud engineers manage cloud services and infrastructure. They are expected to be well-versed in significant cloud platforms to improve availability, security, and compliance.

3. Senior Level Roles

Candidates possessing over five years of experience are eligible for senior-level roles, which are as follows:

• Senior Cloud Engineer: Professionals with this designation lead teams working on cloud infrastructure projects and mentor junior candidates. They also provide strategic planning for cloud system improvements and participate in decision-making.
• Cloud Consultant: With expertise and experience in the industry, cloud computing professionals are now eligible to become consultants. They offer expert guidance for architecture design, cloud adoption, and cloud resource optimization, among other issues and challenges in cloud systems.
• Cloud Administrator: In a management position, the administrator manages and maintains cloud systems. They troubleshoot issues and perform routine maintenance tasks.

There are job openings in different industries and sectors. Some of the top hiring companies for cloud engineer roles are Accenture, Tata Consultancy Services, Cisco, Amazon, KloudMate, SparkCognition, and many more.

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How to Land Your First Cloud Engineer Job?

The first and foremost step to getting into the job is to gain proficiency in key concepts and skills. Have hands-on experience and familiarity with real-world challenges in cloud computing, tools and technologies. Build the portfolio and enhance the weight of your resume with certifications. Focus on networking to get updated on the latest roles.

Now, use the above learnings and experience to progress in the roadmap for cloud engineering and land internships. Once you are familiar with the process, proceed to apply for jobs.

Take a strategic approach to shortlisting jobs. Thoroughly review the job descriptions to understand how you can contribute to the role, then apply for the position to increase your chances of acceptance.

Design the resume to showcase your capabilities in driving results. Quantify your completed tasks for better insights for the recruiter. Understand the expectations from candidates and prepare for the interviews accordingly. Practicing multiple job interview questions is recommended.

Future Trends in Cloud Engineering (2025 & Beyond)

As per BLS, the employment trend of computer network architects is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033. Concerning the progress in technology in cloud engineering, the industry will witness a focus on AI-powered services, autonomous decision-making, enhanced security, increased sustainability and reliability and edge, green and quantum computing.

Cloud engineering will also deal with interoperability, hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, serverless computing and more. The tasks expected to be normal in the future in cloud engineering will be:

• Automation of routine tasks
• Decentralized AI models
• Quick solution to optimization problems
• Enhanced creativity
• Each step verification
• Continuous monitoring with threat response
• Improved tools and protocols and much more

Conclusion

Cloud engineering is a rapidly growing field that plays a significant role in modern technology. Offering secure and seamless access to data, the cloud also paves the way for a successful career with in-demand opportunities. Candidates willing to progress in the field have many opportunities. All that the learners are expected to do is work on their conceptual understanding and hands-on experience.

Assisting in the same with a structured approach and expert guidance, we offer AWS Solutions Architect and Cloud Architect Masters Program. The hands-on experience, skill development, learning services, and more ensure enrolled candidates become job-ready with these courses. Click now to proceed in your career and make decisions.

FAQs

1. What is the roadmap to becoming a cloud engineer?

The cloud engineer roadmap requires gaining familiarity and clarity with basics. Then, the candidate must learn relevant skills and gain hands-on experience in Linux and other tools and technologies. Further, work on projects and proceed to apply for the jobs.

2. Is cloud computing easier than coding?

Cloud computing requires familiarity with technology and other skills to deliver the tasks. Since some roles do not need coding, the ease of use depends on one's experience with such tools and technology.

3. How do I become a cloud engineer?

The roadmap for cloud engineers requires a fundamental understanding of and a focus on problem-solving skills for dealing with relevant tools and technologies.

4. Can I learn cloud computing in 3 months?

With structured learning and clarity of core concepts of cloud computing, the dedicated and focused candidates can complete learning cloud computing in three months.

5. Which is better, full-stack or cloud computing?

Full-stack development involves building the front and back ends of web applications. Cloud computing offers unlimited and unhindered access to information on the Internet. Hence, both have crucial roles in today's world.