Top 25 Essential DevOps Engineer Skills for Your Success

Imagine creating a movie with an amazing script, talented actors, and a skilled technical crew—but without a director, the vision would never come together. Similarly, a DevOps engineer is like the ‘director’ of a project. They make sure the development and operations teams work seamlessly to bring the project to life.

Ever wondered what makes DevOps so important for software engineering? Organizations that embrace DevOps experience a 63% improvement in software delivery performance, underscoring its importance in the software development life cycle. 

If DevOps engineering is the career you seek, this blog is your go-to read. You’ll cover the essential DevOps engineer skills that can help you build a successful future in this field. Let’s get started!

Who is DevOps Engineer?

DevOps engineer is a professional who combines development (Dev) and operations (Ops) practices to improve collaboration, efficiency, and reliability in software delivery. The DevOps engineer essentially acts like a bridge, filling the gap between development teams and operations teams in a software development life cycle.

Top 25 Essential DevOps Engineer Skills for Your Success

A DevOps engineer’s role demands a versatile skill set that spans coding, cloud deployment, automation, and more. Here are the top DevOps Engineer skills to excel in your career.

Coding and Scripting Skills

Coding and scripting are some of the most important DevOps engineer skills. Proficiency in coding is fundamental for automating tasks, configuring environments, and managing deployment pipelines.

Here are some important programming languages you need to learn.

• Python: It is suitable for automation, scripting, and integrating systems.
• Ruby and Go: Suitable for creating deployment tools and managing scalable systems.
• Bash: Mainly used for writing shell scripts in Linux environments.

Here are some coding and scripting tasks that can be automated.

• Environment configuration setup.
• Automating repetitive system tasks.
• Writing deployment scripts.

Cloud Skills

Due to its central role in modern DevOps, familiarity with major cloud platforms is necessary for managing scalable and efficient systems.

Here are the key cloud platforms you must know.

• AWS (Amazon Web Services): Services like EC2, S3, and Lambda for computing, storage, and serverless applications.
• Azure: Tools like Azure DevOps and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) are used to streamline operations.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Compute Engine and Cloud Run are used for deployment and scalability.

You must possess knowledge of the following.

• Understanding scalable resource management.
• Working with serverless architecture to reduce overhead.
• Managing security and compliance in cloud environments.

Looking to explore a career in cloud computing? Join upGrad’s course on the fundamentals of cloud computing to understand the basics of cloud computing.

System Architecture and Provisioning

A good understanding of system architecture is essential for deploying applications that are scalable, reliable, and secure.

Here are some essential skills in systems architecture.

• Ability to design robust architectures for applications.
• Making sure the systems can handle high availability and fault tolerance.

Here are some important tools for infrastructure management.

• Terraform: For Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and provisioning.
• AWS CloudFormation: Automates resource setup in AWS.
• Ansible: For configuration management and automation.

Containers and Orchestration

Containers make it easy to package and move applications, while orchestration tools like Kubernetes and OpenShift automate their management.

Here are some important tools used in this process.

• Docker: Creates and runs containers.
• Kubernetes: Manages and scales containerized applications.
• OpenShift: A platform built on Kubernetes for enterprise use.

Here are some best practices to succeed.

• Make container images as small as possible to enhance performance and security.
• Use tools to adjust the number of containers to handle varying workloads automatically.
• Set limits on how much computing power each container can use.

Linux Fundamentals

Linux is a popular operating system used in most DevOps environments. For a DevOps engineer, it is important to understand how Linux works.

You’ll need the following DevOps engineer skills in Linux.

• Linux Basics: Using Linux commands to manage systems.
• File Systems: How files are organized and protected in Linux.
• Networking: Understanding how computers communicate over the network.
• Shell Scripting: Writing scripts to automate tasks.

Here’s why learning Linux is essential.

• Linux is widely used in server management.
• Proficiency in Linux helps in managing infrastructure, automating processes, and resolving issues efficiently.

Also Read: Linux Commands in DevOps that Every Developer Must Know

In addition to the DevOps engineer skills mentioned above, here are some essential toolset proficiencies required for the role.

DevOps Toolset Skills Required for DevOps Engineering

A DevOps engineer’s role demands a combination of technical expertise and hands-on experience with various tools and practices. These skills are essential for streamlining the software development lifecycle. 

Here are some of the core DevOps tools and techniques necessary for this role.

System Administration

A strong foundation in Linux/Unix system administration is essential for any DevOps engineer. As a system administrator, you need to manage server configurations, update packages, and monitor system performance to ensure stability and efficiency. 

Here are some examples of tasks performed as part of system administration.

• Configuration and maintenance of web servers like Apache or Nginx.
• Automating patch management to keep systems up to date.
• Using monitoring tools to identify and resolve performance issues.

Understanding of DevOps Tools 

As a DevOps engineer, proficiency with popular DevOps tools will help you integrate and automate workflows. 

Here are some popular DevOps tools you must know.

• Jenkins: Automates building, testing, and deploying software.
• Git: Manages code changes and collaboration.
• Docker: Packages applications into containers for easy deployment.
• Ansible/Chef: Automates server setup and configuration.
• Terraform: Manages infrastructure as code.

Also Read: DevOps Periodic Table: The Table of DevOps Tools

Automation Skills

Automation is one of the key DevOps engineer skills that help you automate repetitive tasks and instead allow you to focus on higher-value activities.

Here are some examples of automation DevOps engineer skills.

• Automating testing processes to ensure that the code is without errors.
• Streamlining deployment workflows so as to reduce errors and downtime.
• Use tools like Terraform to configure infrastructure dynamically.

Continuous Integration and Deployment Skills (CI/CD)

CI/CD forms one of the main DevOps engineer skills, enabling you to undertake faster and more reliable software releases.

Here are the fundamental aspects of the CI/CD skills.

• Ability to use tools like Jenkins, CircleCI, and GitLab CI to set up pipelines.
• Minimize human intervention by automating build and deployment processes.
• Maintain system integrity by implementing best practices, such as automated testing and rollback strategies.

Security Skills

The rise of DevSecOps—an approach that integrates security into the DevOps pipeline from the beginning—has made it a critical focus for modern software development. 

As a DevOps engineer, you must adopt security practices that are not only functional and efficient but also resilient to threats.
Here are some key security skills you need.

• Use security tools like Snyk and OWASP ZAP to identify vulnerabilities.
• Performing static code analysis to identify issues early in the development cycle.
• Implement security checks within the CI/CD pipeline to ensure compliance and reduce risks.

After exploring the various DevOps tools and techniques, let’s look at the infrastructure and system management skills for the role.

Infrastructure and System Management Skills for DevOps Engineering

A DevOps engineer’s role is not just to manage applications and code. It also involves maintaining robust infrastructure and system environments to enable efficient development, testing, and deployment cycles.

Here are some important DevOps engineer skills in infrastructure and system management.

Database and Network Management

As a DevOps engineer, you have to use programming languages to automate routine tasks related to database configuration, network setup, and troubleshooting.

Here are some examples of database and network management skills.

• Using Bash and Ruby to automate network-related configurations such as configuring IP addresses.
• Using Python to automate the setup and management of databases like MySQL, or MongoDB.

Following are some key automation examples.

• Automating the creation of virtual networks and databases to be the same in development, testing, and production environments.
• Creating scripts to automatically deploy new code and configure databases and networks to match the new deployment.

Also Read: MongoDB Drop Database

Testing and Monitoring

A DevOps engineer has to continuously test and monitor the systems to ensure that they run without glitches and that applications meet performance standards.

Here’s the importance of testing and monitoring for DevOps.

• CI/CD practices can be effective only through robust testing and monitoring.
• The testing process helps identify bugs and performance issues early in the development process.
• Real-time monitoring improves system performance, availability, and security.

Here are some examples of automation in testing and monitoring.

• Use tools like unit JUnit and Postman to perform unit tests, integration tests, and load testing.
• Monitoring tools like Nagios or Prometheus can be used to track server uptime, network performance, and database health. 

Also Read: 9 Exciting Software Testing Project Topics

Computer Programming

Proficiency in programming languages is essential for DevOps engineers to manage both the application code and the underlying infrastructure.

A good knowledge of languages like Python, Ruby, Bash, or Go can help DevOps engineers automate a wide range of tasks, such as deploying applications.

Here’s how computer programming is useful.

• Bash is used to write shell scripts and automate command-line tasks like log management.
• Ruby can be used to manage scalable systems.
• Python can be used to write automation scripts that interact with APIs.

Also Read: Top 26 Golang Project Ideas

Configuration Management

Configuration management in DevOps involves the process of maintaining the desired infrastructure level and software configurations throughout the software’s lifecycle. 

Here’s the importance of configuration management.

• Configuration management enables consistency across servers, environments, and infrastructure.
• Adopting automation in configuration reduces human error and ensures that configurations align with best practices.

Here are some examples of automation.

• Tools like Chef, Ansible, or Puppet can be used to automate the server configuration, install software updates, and manage environment settings.
• Tools like Terraform automate the creation of cloud resources like virtual machines, load balancers, and storage.

Now that you understand system management skills let's look at the DevOps engineer skills for collaboration and development.

Development Progress and Collaboration Skills for DevOps Engineering

DevOps engineers must have the skills to promote collaboration between development, operations, and other departments. It will ensure continuous integration, delivery, and improvement of the software.

Here are some important DevOps engineer skills for collaboration and development.

Collaborative Management Skills

As a DevOps engineer, you must ensure communication and collaboration between development, operations, and other stakeholders. Apart from that, a DevOps engineer also maintains a transparent flow of information.

Here’s the importance of communication skills for a DevOps engineer.

• Communication removes misunderstandings, reduces problems, and promotes a culture of shared responsibility.
• A clear communication strategy helps teams stay aligned on project goals, timelines, and expectations.

Here are some popular collaboration tools.

• Slack: It is a messaging platform that allows teams to communicate in real-time.
• Jira: It is a project management tool used to track tasks, concerns, and project progress.
• Trello: Helps teams organize tasks and track progress through boards, cards, and lists.
• Microsoft Teams: It supports chat, video calls, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft tools.

Agile Methodologies

As a DevOps engineer, you must know Agile methodologies and how they help in continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices in DevOps.

Here are the benefits associated with agile software development.

• You can develop software iteratively, adapt to changes quickly, and deliver it faster.
• The principles allow the development team to address issues in real-time and respond quickly to customer feedback. 

Here are some examples of agile methodologies.

• Scrum: Teams can work in short, time-boxed sprints to complete specific deliverables.
• Kanban: Focuses on continuous delivery without the need for strict time-based sprints. 
• Extreme Programming (XP): Based on technical excellence and close collaboration with customers. 

Here’s how you can use automation for agile methodologies.

• Automated tests ensure that new features do not affect the existing functionality and that the software meets quality standards.
• You can automate the process of building, testing, and deploying code through continuous integration and deployment pipelines.
• Tools like Terraform can replicate environments and scale infrastructure.

Have you wondered which soft skills are critical for a DevOps engineer? Let’s find out.

Also Read: Differences Between Waterfall and Agile Methodology

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Soft Skills Required for DevOps Engineering

Soft skills are just as important as technical skills for a DevOps engineer. They help in effective teamwork, smooth workflows, and successful projects. In a constantly evolving environment, DevOps engineers must be adaptable, communicative, and skilled in managing relationships.

Here are some important non-technical DevOps engineer skills.

Organizational Skills

A DevOps engineer has to be organized while juggling multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines. An organized mindset ensures that everything runs smoothly—even during busy or high-pressure periods.

Here’s the breakdown of organizational skills for DevOps engineers.

• Keeping track of multiple workflows ensures that they are completed on time and helps prevent bottlenecks. Tools like Trello can assist you in organizing tasks.
• By being organized, you can prioritize tasks efficiently, allocate resources, and meet deadlines.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills help you build positive relationships with team members, customers, and other stakeholders. It is a very important skill to have in a collaborative work environment involving many members.

Here’s how interpersonal skills can help you succeed as a DevOps engineer.

• You can build trust and receive cooperation from other team members.
• You can build a collaborative environment where everyone works together towards common goals.
• You can foster a culture of mutual respect.
• With an empathetic mindset, you can facilitate better teamwork and communication.

Also Read: What is Interpersonal Communication?

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

The rapid pace of technological change means that DevOps engineers must keep on learning. The tools, methods, and best practices used today may change in the future. Without the ability to learn and adapt to changes, your skills may become redundant in future.

Here’s how you can learn continuously and stay updated.

• Try out new automation tools, explore cloud infrastructure, or keep updated with the best security practices.
• Enroll in any certification courses to stay ahead of the curve.
• Allow teams to incorporate the latest innovations to develop a safe and efficient product.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

You need to practice documentation to succeed as a DevOps engineer. Through documentation, you can maintain consistency, reduce errors, and ensure that everyone follows the same process.

Here’s the importance of documentation and knowledge sharing DevOps engineer skills.

• Documentation allows teams to copy the processes, maintain consistency across environments, and solve problems faster. 
• Documentation serves as a reference for common issues and solutions.
• Knowledge sharing can contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Collaboration Skills

Collaboration skills help you maintain close cooperation between development, operations, and other departments. Collaboration across teams can help troubleshoot problems, deploy new features, and ensure smooth operations.

Here’s why collaboration is one of the most important DevOps engineer skills.

• Collaboration helps identify potential issues early and ensures goals are reached on time.
• Through collaboration, you can solve problems quickly through interaction between members.
• Collaboration promotes diverse views, helping develop innovative solutions.

Communication Skills

Communication skills help you explain complex ideas in a clear, concise manner, helping you run smooth operations. Communication skills are essential for a DevOps engineer who has to share technical details with different teams and stakeholders.

Here’s the importance of communications skills for a DevOps engineer.

• Clear communication with members ensures alignment and reduces the risk of misunderstandings. 
• Communication helps reduce mistakes, which can slow down progress.
• Achieving project goals is easier if each team member knows their role properly.

Want to become a confident communicator? Sign up for upGrad's free public speaking course.

Customer-Focused Approach

DevOps engineers must keep customer experience in mind while developing, testing, and deploying applications. With this approach, you can deliver a valuable experience to customers and other stakeholders.

Here’s the importance of a customer-centric approach.

• Understanding the needs of the customer can help you deliver solutions that meet expectations and solve real problems.
• A customer-focused DevOps engineer contributes to better software products and services.
• With this approach, you can ensure the performance and reliability of the product at all stages of the software lifecycle.

Proactive Problem-Solving Skills

Proactive problem-solving skills involve finding and fixing potential issues early before they cause significant damage. A DevOps engineer can use this skill to identify and address issues before they escalate. 

Here’s the importance of problem-solving skills.

• With regular monitoring, you can identify performance bottlenecks, security problems, or configuration errors early.
• You can create a seamless workflow and prevent larger issues through timely interventions.
• By addressing issues before they escalate, you can ensure the business operates smoothly.

Decision-Making Skills

A DevOps engineer often needs to make quick decisions, such as how to respond to system failures or which security measures to take during a crisis. Your decision-making skills will enable you to choose the most appropriate solution within a given time.

Here’s the importance of decision-making skills.

• The skills ensure you make the correct decision that aligns with the team’s goals and the company’s needs.
• Quick decisions keep projects moving forward and avoid delays caused by indecision.
• You can ensure the teams stay on track and achieve their objectives by making the right decisions at critical moments. 

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Now that you know the DevOps engineer skills, let's explore how to build a career in this field.

How Can UpGrad Help You Build a Career?

In today’s modern world, DevOps has become a crucial part of how companies develop and deliver software. The demand for skilled DevOps engineers has made it a lucrative career option. 

However, to succeed in this role, you’ll need a comprehensive skill set that includes technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive mindset.

upGrad offers an industry-relevant learning experience that helps you successfully transition into a DevOps role.

Here are some courses offered in the field of DevOps and software development.

• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps
• Cloud Computing and DevOps Program by IIIT-B

Do you need help deciding which course to take to advance your career in DevOps? Contact upGrad for personalized counseling and valuable insights.

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