What Entry-Level DevOps Positions Should You Apply For? The Complete Guide

Key takeaways

• Beginners apply for junior DevOps, build and release engineer and cloud support roles.
• Titles vary, so read the responsibilities.
• Learn Linux and Git before tools.

Breaking into the DevOps field as a beginner can be daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes much easier. The tech industry offers many opportunities for those starting out in DevOps. Understanding the various job titles suitable for beginners can help you focus your job search and align it with your skill set.

Here are the most relevant entry-level DevOps roles, the skills required, and strategies to increase your chances of landing your first job.

What is DevOps?

Before diving into job titles, it's important to understand the core of DevOps. It is a combination of development (Dev) and operations (Ops) practices aimed at automating and improving the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It involves collaboration, automation, and continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) to ensure faster and more reliable software deployment.

As a beginner, your focus should be on roles that allow you to learn and grow while contributing to the team.

What Are the Entry-Level DevOps Job Titles?

1. DevOps Engineer Intern

   • A great starting point for students or recent graduates.
   • Responsibilities include assisting senior engineers with automation scripts, learning DevOps tools, and troubleshooting issues.
   • This role offers hands-on experience in CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms, and basic scripting.

2. Junior DevOps Engineer

   • Ideal for individuals with basic DevOps knowledge.
   • Tasks may include maintaining CI/CD pipelines, managing cloud infrastructure, and monitoring application performance.
   • Employers typically expect familiarity with tools like Git, Jenkins, Docker, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.

3. Build and Release Engineer

   • Focused on the build and deployment process of software applications.
   • Involves setting up and maintaining version control systems like Git and ensuring smooth software releases.
   • This role emphasizes the automation of build processes and collaboration with development teams.

4. Cloud Support Engineer

   • Works with cloud infrastructure platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
   • Responsibilities include managing cloud-based resources, monitoring applications, and assisting with infrastructure scaling.
   • This is a beginner-friendly role that introduces you to cloud operations, a core part of DevOps.

5. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) Intern/Junior SRE

   • Combines software engineering with operations to ensure the reliability of systems.
   • Tasks involve writing scripts for system monitoring, incident response, and optimizing system performance.
   • It's an excellent entry point for those interested in the operational side of DevOps.

6. Infrastructure Engineer Intern/Associate

   • Focused on setting up and maintaining servers, networks, and storage.
   • A beginner-friendly role for those interested in infrastructure automation using tools like Terraform or Ansible.
   • This role lays a strong foundation for advanced DevOps responsibilities.

7. Automation Engineer Intern/Junior Automation Engineer

   • Specializes in creating automation scripts for repetitive tasks in software development and deployment.
   • You’ll learn scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
   • This role introduces you to the automation mindset, a critical aspect of DevOps.

8. Configuration Management Specialist

   • Manages configuration tools like Puppet, Chef, or Ansible to automate system setup.
   • Responsibilities include maintaining consistency across environments and ensuring smooth deployments.

9. Junior Monitoring Engineer

   • Focuses on setting up monitoring tools like Nagios, Grafana, or Prometheus.
   • Ensures application performance, system health, and alerts are effectively managed.
   • This role provides exposure to monitoring and incident response.

10. IT Operations Support

    • Entry-level role focused on managing servers, troubleshooting, and providing tech support for applications.
    • Is a stepping stone to more advanced DevOps roles.

Entry-Level DevOps Roles and Key Skills

How Do You Identify the Right Role for You?

1. Assess Your Skills

   • If you're comfortable with coding, a role like Junior Automation Engineer may suit you.
   • For those with cloud knowledge, consider Cloud Support Engineer roles.

2. Start Small

   • Don’t aim for senior roles immediately; entry-level positions will help you build the necessary foundation.

3. Use Internships

   • Internships are a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio.

4. Tailor Your Resume

   • Highlight relevant coursework, certifications, and personal projects related to DevOps.

How Do You Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired?

1. Earn Certifications

   • Certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Docker Certified Associate, or Kubernetes Certified Application Developer (KCAD) can enhance your resume.

2. Build a Portfolio

   • Include hands-on projects like setting up a Jenkins pipeline, creating Docker containers, or automating tasks with Ansible.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

   • Use platforms like AWS Free Tier and GitHub to demonstrate your skills.

4. Network

   • Join DevOps communities, attend meetups, and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn.

5. Prepare for Interviews

   • Practice answering technical and scenario-based questions related to DevOps tools and concepts.

Conclusion

Breaking into the DevOps field may seem challenging, but targeting the right entry-level roles gives you a practical start. Job titles like DevOps Engineer Intern, Junior DevOps Engineer, and Build and Release Engineer offer excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build a foundation for advanced roles. Build the right skills, earn certifications, and show your expertise through practical projects to stand out in the competitive job market.

To take this further with guided labs and an instructor, see our practical DevOps labs.

Related reading

• What job titles should I apply for as a beginner in cloud administration?
• What, Why, and How of DevOps | A Complete Beginner to Pro Guide
• AWS DevOps Training in Pune | Combining Cloud & Automation Skills | WebAsha