Cloud Engineer
Design, implement, and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services. Work with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to build scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions.
What you need to know
Overview
Cloud engineers design, build, and maintain cloud infrastructure and services. They help organizations migrate from on-premise systems to cloud platforms, optimize cloud costs, ensure security and compliance, and architect scalable solutions. Cloud engineers are critical as businesses increasingly adopt cloud-first strategies.
Ireland serves as a major European cloud hub, hosting data centers for AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Irish cloud engineers support businesses globally, managing infrastructure serving millions of users. The sector offers excellent opportunities across multinationals, cloud-native startups, and traditional enterprises undergoing digital transformation.
Specializations include Cloud Architecture, Cloud Security, Cloud Migration, Multi-Cloud Engineering, and FinOps (cloud financial management).
What do cloud engineers do?
Cloud engineers typically work full-time with flexibility for remote work. Many Irish positions offer hybrid arrangements, and the role's digital nature enables international opportunities.
Some of the things a cloud engineer might do:
- Design and implement cloud infrastructure architectures
- Migrate applications and data to cloud platforms
- Manage and optimize cloud resources and costs
- Implement cloud security and compliance measures
- Automate infrastructure deployment using IaC tools
- Monitor cloud systems and optimize performance
- Implement disaster recovery and backup strategies
- Configure networking, load balancing, and storage
- Collaborate with development teams on cloud solutions
- Stay current with cloud services and best practices
What skills are needed?
Cloud Platforms
- • AWS (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC)
- • Microsoft Azure (VMs, Storage, App Services)
- • Google Cloud Platform (Compute Engine, GCS)
- • Cloud-native services understanding
- • Multi-cloud strategies
Technical Skills
- • Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)
- • Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
- • Networking and security
- • Scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- • CI/CD pipelines
Professional Skills
- • Cost optimization mindset
- • Problem-solving abilities
- • Communication and documentation
- • Project management basics
- • Continuous learning
What is the pay?
Average Salary in Ireland
€45,000 - €85,000
Junior cloud engineers in Ireland earn €45,000-€55,000, while mid-level engineers command €60,000-€75,000. Senior cloud engineers and cloud architects can earn €80,000-€110,000+, with specialists in high-demand areas earning even more.
Salaries reflect strong demand and specialized skills. AWS certification holders typically earn €5,000-€10,000 more than non-certified peers. Total compensation often includes bonuses (10-15%), health insurance, pension contributions, certification funding, and professional development budgets. Many roles offer remote flexibility.
What is the career outlook?
Job Growth in Ireland
Cloud engineering is among Ireland's fastest-growing tech roles, with over 1,800 positions advertised annually. Skillnet Ireland and IDA Ireland identify cloud skills as critical for Ireland's continued success as a tech hub.
Research from Enterprise Ireland shows 78% of Irish businesses are investing in cloud migration, driving sustained demand. The role offers excellent career progression towards cloud architecture, management, or specialized areas like FinOps.
Why the growth?
- • Accelerated cloud adoption across all sectors
- • Cost savings and scalability benefits
- • Ireland as European cloud data center hub
- • Hybrid and multi-cloud strategies
- • Digital transformation initiatives
- • Remote work infrastructure needs
What education is required?
Educational Pathways
Degree + Certifications
Level 8 degree in Computer Science or IT preferred, combined with cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator). Many Irish universities now include cloud computing modules.
Professional Certifications (Critical)
AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Administrator, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect. Certifications often more valued than degrees due to practical, current knowledge they demonstrate.
Career Transition
Many cloud engineers transition from system administration, network engineering, or development roles, gaining cloud skills through certifications and hands-on experience.
Key Knowledge Areas
- • Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- • Cloud architecture patterns
- • Networking and security
- • Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
- • Containerization and orchestration
- • Cost optimization strategies
- • Disaster recovery and backup
- • Compliance and governance
- • Monitoring and logging
- • Automation and scripting
Ready to Launch Your Cloud Engineering Career?
Explore our resources and discover how to begin your journey in cloud engineering.
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