A Cloud Engineer builds, automates and runs infrastructure on platforms like Azure and AWS — the backbone of modern applications.
Role overview
Cloud Engineers provision compute, networking, storage and identity in the cloud, automate with infrastructure-as-code, and keep services secure, resilient and cost-effective. Strong networking and security fundamentals are essential.
Typical responsibilities
- Provision and manage cloud infrastructure (compute, network, storage).
- Automate deployments with infrastructure-as-code and pipelines.
- Design for resilience, security and cost efficiency.
- Manage cloud identity and monitoring.
Required technical skills
- Networking (subnetting, routing, DNS)
- Cloud identity (Entra ID / IAM)
- Infrastructure-as-code & automation
- Linux & scripting
- Cloud security fundamentals
Required soft skills
- Systems thinking
- Cost awareness
- Collaboration with developers
- Continuous learning
- Clear documentation
Recommended learning paths (vendor-neutral)
Understand a core concept
How a Router Moves Traffic
Routing tables, next hops and the default gateway.
Tap or hover a part to learn more.
Different subnets.
Routing connects distinct IP networks — here 192.168.1.0/24 and 10.0.0.0/24. Devices in different networks can only reach each other through a router.
Check your understanding
1. What does a router use to choose where to send a packet?
2. Where does traffic go when no specific route matches?
Keep learning
Concepts to master — your readiness map
Work through these interactive Academy guides, marking each complete to build your Job Readiness Score for this role:
Recommended certifications
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- AZ-104 / AWS Solutions Architect Associate — on the Academy roadmap
Technical interview preparation
- How does networking differ in the cloud versus on-premises?
- How would you make a cloud service highly available?
- What is infrastructure-as-code and why use it?
Behavioural interview preparation
- Tell me about automating a manual process.
- Describe learning a new platform quickly under deadline.
Career progression
Cloud Engineer → Senior/DevOps Engineer → Cloud Architect, specialising in a platform (Azure/AWS/GCP) and IaC.
Typical UK salary
Typically £40,000–£60,000 in the UK, rising to £70,000–£95,000+ for senior and architect roles.
Prepare with Missiora
- AI Interview™ — run a scored mock interview for this exact role.
- Career Coach™ — get a personalised path from where you are to this role.
- Career Passport™ — evidence your skills and earn shareable achievements as your readiness grows.