Who is a Cloud Network Engineer and How to Become One?

The cloud computing sector is counted among the leading performers of technological work these days, and the requirement for Cloud Network Engineers has also become instrumental.

The companies want secure, scalable, and efficient cloud-based network designs that enable growth and remote working, and flexible operations. Cloud network engineering is a specialized domain with enough opportunities for cloud professionals.

This article is your ultimate guide to know about cloud network engineers, what they do, and how you can become one. We have covered the skills and certifications required to start a career in cloud network engineering. In the end, you can find the salaries and earning potential of Cloud network engineers.

Furthermore, if you are a cloud enthusiast and want to get specialized certification training for different platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure, you can check out our cloud computing certification courses.

Who is a Cloud Network Engineer? 

The cloud network engineer is a person responsible for designing, implementing, and managing any type of cloud-based network infrastructure within an organization, private, public, or hybrid.

A good Cloud Network Engineer makes these systems not only safe but also efficient to fulfill the intended goals of organizations. The cloud network engineer role has become popular with the rise of wireless technologies and edge computing, enhancing organizational efficiencies. 

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What Does a Cloud Network Engineer Do?

The job responsibilities of a cloud network engineer vary across organizations and projects. Common job responsibilities of cloud network engineers are: 

● Design and implement tailored cloud solutions to meet client needs, including selecting the best providers and developing migration strategies.

● Ensure network scalability to handle growing demands while maintaining efficiency and speed.

● Diagnose and resolve network issues to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted service.

● Implement strong security measures and ensure compliance with industry regulations to protect user data.

● Collaborate with business leaders and stakeholders to align cloud strategies with business growth plans.

How to Become a Cloud Network Engineer? 

Anyone can become a cloud network engineer (even people with a non-IT background). To become a successful cloud network engineer, follow this simple roadmap: 

1. Learn the Networking Basics 

Gain a basic understanding of network fundamentals concepts like TCP/IP, DNS, and VPNs. 

Make yourself familiar with operating on the Linux operating system.

Read our guide on how to learn Linux.

2. Learn Cloud Fundamentals 

Make yourself familiar with popular cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. 

You can check our fundamentals training with the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Course. 

3. Gain Specialized Certifications 

To improve your job searching aspects, you need to get the CCNA certification to validate your skills in networking, and you can try AWS Advanced Networking Specialty or Azure Network Engineer Associate certification to validate your cloud skills.

4. Build Projects 

Use free cloud accounts to build projects and showcase your work on GitHub. So,e good project ideas can be:

● Serverless Resume Website

● Cloud-Enabled Attendance System

● Website Monitoring Using AWS Lambda

5. Start Applying for Jobs

Apply for entry-level roles like Cloud Support Associate to build experience. 

The overall time to become an established cloud network engineer is around 1-2 years, which includes 3–6 months for learning skills and gaining certifications, and around 1 year to gain experience.

Cloud Engineer Skills

To excel as a Cloud Engineer, you need a mix of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills. Here's a concise breakdown:

Technical Skills

Technical skills include your knowledge of the concepts and your familiarity with different tools and techniques. The most important technical skills to master as a cloud network engineer are: 

● Proficiency with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their core services (compute, storage, networking, database).

● Deep understanding of networking concepts (DNS, TCP/IP, VPNs, firewalls, load balancing) and cloud-specific networking services (AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network).

● Strong command over Linux and Windows systems, proficiency in programming languages (Python, Java, Go, Ruby), and scripting skills (Bash, PowerShell).

● Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, AWS CloudFormation), containerization (Docker), orchestration tools (Kubernetes), and serverless computing (AWS Lambda).

● Knowledge of DevOps practices (CI/CD pipelines, automation, monitoring), databases (relational and NoSQL), and cloud security best practices (IAM, encryption, compliance).

● Familiarity with monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana, AWS CloudWatch).

Soft skills

● Problem-solving

● Clear communication

● Effective collaboration

● Adaptability

● Time management 

Cloud Network Engineer Salary

Now look at the earning potential of the Cloud Network Engineer job profile. Although the salary may vary based on companies and location, we have provided the average salary of a cloud network engineer based on their experience in the US and India.

Cloud Network Engineer vs. Traditional Network Engineer 

Though similar, a cloud network engineer’s focus differs from a traditional network engineer’s.

A network engineer typically works with on-premises hardware and local networks, while a cloud network engineer builds and manages cloud-based infrastructures.

There is some crossover, as both roles involve selecting the best solutions for clients and troubleshooting network issues. However, cloud network engineers need in-depth expertise in cloud platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). 

Final Thoughts 

The role of a cloud network engineer offers numerous growth opportunities, as businesses continue to shift to cloud-based systems.

For those with networking backgrounds, acquiring cloud networking certifications and gaining hands-on experience with popular cloud platforms can make this transition smoother and help secure rewarding positions in the field.

Whether you choose a full-time role or freelance, specializing in cloud network engineering is a future-focused career move that leverages key skills in one of tech’s most dynamic areas.