Cloud Computing is a method of delivering resources related to computing over the internet as scalable and expandable.

Application of engineering discipline to this concept is termed as Cloud Engineering.

It is associated with any technological responsibilities related to cloud computing.

Cloud computing builds a systematic approach to focus on standardization and governance of cloud applications.

A cloud engineer focuses on some key cloud services:

• Infrastructure as a service
• Platform as a service
• Software as a service

Cloud Engineering

Cloud Engineers are IT professionals and are responsible for any technical issues related to cloud computing.

Their responsibilities include support and maintenance, design, management,and planning.

Multiple roles are associated with cloud engineers, focusing on adifferent kind of computing.

• Cloud Security Engineer
• Cloud Systems Engineer
• Cloud Architect
• Cloud Network Engineer
• Cloud Software Engineer

To become a cloud engineer, an IT professional should first master their skills in the major areas of cloud computing.

Start by getting a hold on basic concepts, and then enhance your expertise by getting a grasp on important areas like specific vendor platforms or technologies completely oriented towards cloud computing, as these help in adding an add-on advantage to you.

But to gain knowledge in these specific areas, an IT professional should possess skills required for software, operations, and architecture role.

How to become a Cloud Engineer

Skills usually acquired in the operational role know the method to recover disasters, failover and redundancy.

As long as you have a good hold on these concepts, you can easily learn the cloud architect concept with some training. 

For operating and designing application networking, virtualization and storage skills add an extra advantage in the world of cloud computing.

A strong programming background can be counted as a must have to make your learning curve an easy flow.

It is better if you are familiar with OpenStack, AWS (Amazon Web Service) and Azure.

Having knowledge of at least one of these technologies will help in the easy understanding of designing software for others.

Anyhow, this comes with experience and on-field learning.

The basic foundation of Cloud Architecture is based on APIs and Web Service.

A good expertise level of knowledge on these service patterns will give you a head start on mastering the clouds fundamentals

Certification of Cloud Engineers

The concept "Cloud Engineer" is an evolutionary role in the era of IT and to succeed in the cloud computing era, the IT professionals require a range of high-level skills.

These skills are acquired through Cloud Certifications, and an industry standard certification gives you an over the edge benefit in getting a Cloud Engineer job.

Major Cloud Certifications that are needed by a Cloud Engineer are:

• AWS
• Azure
• MCSE- Infrastructure and Cloud Platform
• CCNA and CCNP Cloud
• VMware VCP7-CMA

AWS Certification

It includes Associate, Specialty and Professional range of certificates.

The role of Solutions Architect covered by AWS certification is AWS Solution Architect Associate.

After you gain this Associate Level Certification, you can head over to Professional or Specialty level certification.

AWS certification gives IT professionals possessing technical knowledge a level of recognition.

It enhances the skills required for designing, operating and deploying applications and infrastructure.

Cloud Engineers should have a complete understanding of every concept associated with cloud.

You should have a thorough knowledge of all the programming language, which includes Java, Ruby, and Python.

Along with traditional technologies, Cloud engineers should be efficient in modern time infrastructure also.

Experience in Docker, Azure, AWS, Rackspace, Linux, Google Compute Engine and OpenStack is a must by most of the organizations seeking cloud engineers.

DevOps and NoSQL database experience is also important.

For further reference you can have a look at the below-listed books:

• Cloud Computing- Beginning to End – By Ray J. Rafaels
• Cloud Computing- A Hands-on Approach – By Arshdeep Bahga and Vijay Madisetti
• Cloud Computing- Concepts. Technology and Architecture and Cloud Computing Design Patterns – By Thomas Erl and others
• Cloudonomics- The Business Value of Cloud Computing – By Joe Weinman
• Amazon web services for Dummies – By Bernard Golden

Conclusion

In brief, cloud computing engineers have to make complete use of all the available resources over the internet and make appropriate applications to make the best of their career.