How can I become a platform engineer? Have you ever dreamt of being the invisible hand that keeps the wheels of software development turning? The one who builds the tools and infrastructure that empowers developers to create amazing applications? If so, then a career as a platform engineer might be the perfect fit for you.
As a platform engineer myself, I’ve had the privilege of working behind the scenes, crafting the foundational elements that make application development smooth, efficient, and secure. It’s a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role, and in this article, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about becoming a platform engineer.
What is a Platform Engineer?
A platform engineer is essentially the architect of a developer’s playground. We design, develop, and maintain the internal platforms and tools that software developers within an organization use to build and deploy applications. This encompasses a vast array of responsibilities, including:
- Infrastructure Management: We ensure the smooth operation of the underlying infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking systems. This involves provisioning resources, automating deployments, and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
- API Development: We create and maintain internal APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow developers to interact with various services and data sources seamlessly.
- Tooling and Automation: We automate repetitive tasks and develop custom tools that streamline the development process for other engineers. This can involve building deployment pipelines, configuration management tools, and monitoring dashboards.
- Security & Compliance: We play a crucial role in ensuring the security and compliance of the platform. This involves implementing security best practices, vulnerability management, and access control protocols.
- DevOps Principles: We embrace DevOps principles to bridge the gap between development and operations. We collaborate closely with developers to understand their needs and ensure the platform caters to their efficient workflow.
The Skills You Need to Thrive as a Platform Engineer
A successful platform engineer needs to possess a diverse skillset that blends technical expertise with strong communication and collaboration abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas you’ll need to focus on:
Technical Skills:
- Programming Languages: Familiarity with scripting languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell is essential for automation tasks. Additionally, knowledge of object-oriented programming languages like Java or Go can be beneficial for building internal tools and APIs.
- Cloud Technologies: As cloud adoption continues to soar, having a solid understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP will give you a significant edge. This includes knowledge of cloud services like compute, storage, databases, and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
- Operating Systems: A strong foundation in operating systems like Linux is crucial, as most platforms are built on Linux-based infrastructure. Understanding core concepts like system administration, user management, and process management is essential.
- Networking: Knowledge of networking fundamentals like firewalls, load balancing, and routing protocols will help you troubleshoot network-related issues and ensure efficient communication within the platform.
- Version Control Systems: Git is the industry standard for version control, and proficiency in Git commands is crucial for managing code changes, collaborating with other engineers, and maintaining a clean codebase within the platform.
Soft Skills:
- Communication: The ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is paramount. You’ll need to explain platform features to developers, collaborate with operations teams, and document your work effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Platform engineers are the go-to problem solvers when it comes to the developer platform. You’ll need to analyze issues, troubleshoot effectively, and develop creative solutions to ensure the platform functions smoothly.
- Collaboration: Platform engineering is a collaborative role. You’ll work closely with developers, operations teams, and product managers to understand their needs and build a platform that empowers them.
- Adaptability: The tech landscape is constantly evolving. As a platform engineer, you’ll need to be adaptable and willing to learn new technologies as they emerge to keep the platform running efficiently and securely.
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How To Become a Platform Engineer
The path to becoming a platform engineer is not linear, and there’s no single “one-size-fits-all” approach. However, by following these steps and continuously honing your skills, you can increase your chances of landing your dream platform engineering role.
1. Foundational Education:
- Formal Education: While not always mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field can provide a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and programming languages. This knowledge will be invaluable as you delve deeper into platform engineering concepts.
- Self-Learning: If formal education isn’t your preferred path, you can still acquire the necessary skills through self-learning resources. Numerous online courses, coding bootcamps, and tutorials can equip you with the programming languages and operating system knowledge needed for platform engineering.
2. Building a Strong Technical Skillset:
- Programming Languages: Familiarity with scripting languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell is essential for developing automation scripts and managing infrastructure configurations. Additionally, proficiency in object-oriented programming languages like Java, Go, or Python is beneficial for building internal tools and APIs within the platform.
- Cloud Technologies: As cloud adoption continues to soar, having a solid understanding of leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP is a significant advantage. This includes knowledge of core cloud services like compute, storage, databases, containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and serverless computing options. Consider pursuing certifications offered by these cloud providers to validate your understanding and enhance your resume.
- Operating Systems: A strong foundation in operating systems, particularly Linux, is crucial. Most platform infrastructure is built on Linux-based systems, so understanding core concepts like system administration, user management, process management, and command-line proficiency is essential.
- Networking Fundamentals: Knowledge of networking fundamentals like firewalls, load balancing, routing protocols, and network security principles will help you troubleshoot network-related issues within the platform and ensure efficient communication between different services.
- Version Control Systems: Git is the industry standard for version control, and proficiency in Git commands is crucial for managing code changes, collaborating with other engineers on the platform, and maintaining a clean codebase.
3. Practical Experience is Key:
- Start with a Relevant Role: While entry-level platform engineer positions might be scarce, consider starting your career in a related role like system administrator, software developer, or DevOps engineer. These roles will provide valuable hands-on experience with infrastructure management, automation tools, and development workflows, all of which translate well to platform engineering.
- Open Source Contribution: The open-source community is a fantastic platform to gain practical experience and contribute to real-world projects. Look for open-source projects related to infrastructure automation, configuration management, or DevOps tools. Participating in these projects allows you to collaborate with experienced developers, learn best practices, and showcase your skills to potential employers.
- Personal Projects: Don’t underestimate the power of personal projects. Building your own web application or developing a simple internal tool can be a great way to apply your platform engineering knowledge in a practical setting. Experiment with deploying your application on a cloud platform, automate tasks using scripting languages, and implement monitoring solutions.
4. Develop Your Soft Skills:
- Communication: The ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is paramount. Platform engineers need to explain platform features to developers, collaborate with operations teams, and document their work effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Platform engineers are the go-to problem solvers when it comes to the developer platform. You’ll need to analyze issues, troubleshoot effectively, develop creative solutions to ensure the platform functions smoothly, and think ahead to identify potential problems before they arise.
- Collaboration: Platform engineering is a collaborative role. You’ll work closely with developers, operations teams, product managers, and security professionals to understand their needs, identify pain points, and build a platform that empowers them to do their jobs efficiently.
- Adaptability: The tech landscape is constantly evolving. New technologies emerge all the time, and platform engineers need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills and stay updated with the latest trends to keep the platform running efficiently and securely.
5. Network and Build Your Brand:
- Connect with the Community: Connect with other platform engineers online and offline. Attend meetups, conferences, or participate in online forums like Stack Overflow to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.
- Contribute to Technical Blogs: Consider contributing to technical blogs or online publications on topics related to platform engineering. This allows you to establish yourself as a thought leader in the field, showcase your expertise, and potentially attract the attention of recruiters.
- Open Source Contribution: In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, contributing to open-source projects related to platform engineering allows you to build a public portfolio of your work. This can be a valuable asset when applying for platform engineering positions, as it demonstrates your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to the developer community.
- Build a Personal Portfolio: Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your skills and experience. Include details about your personal projects, open-source contributions, and any relevant certifications you’ve earned. This will give potential employers a well-rounded picture of your qualifications and passion for platform engineering.
6. Landing Your First Platform Engineering Role:
- Craft a Compelling Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experience relevant to platform engineering. Emphasize your technical knowledge, cloud certifications (if applicable), open-source contributions, and any personal projects that showcase your ability to design, develop, and maintain platforms.
- Prepare for Technical Interviews: Platform engineering interviews often involve a combination of behavioral and technical questions. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach, experience with specific technologies relevant to the role (like AWS or Azure), and your understanding of core platform engineering principles. Additionally, some companies may ask you to complete a coding challenge to assess your programming skills.
- Highlight Your Soft Skills: Don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills during your interview. Demonstrate your communication skills through clear and concise explanations, showcase your ability to collaborate effectively through teamwork examples, and express your passion for building solutions that empower developers.
Remember, the journey to becoming a platform engineer is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace continuous learning, stay updated with the latest trends, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and tackle new challenges. With dedication, perseverance, and the right skillset, you can carve your path towards a successful and rewarding career in platform engineering.
A Rewarding Career Path Awaits
The path to becoming a platform engineer requires dedication and a thirst for continuous learning. However, the rewards are truly fulfilling. As a platform engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the success of software development within your organization. You’ll be the invisible force behind the scenes, ensuring developers have the tools and infrastructure they need to bring their ideas to life. You’ll have the opportunity to work on complex challenges, collaborate with talented individuals, and witness the impact your work has on the overall success of software products.
If you’re passionate about technology, enjoy tackling complex problems, and thrive in a collaborative environment, then platform engineering might be the perfect career path for you. So, take the first step today, start building your skillset, and embark on your journey to becoming a sought-after platform engineer.
Conclusion
Becoming a platform engineer is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, passion, and a continuous learning mindset. By honing your technical skills, developing strong communication and collaboration abilities, and staying updated with the latest trends, you can position yourself for a successful career in this exciting and ever-evolving field. Remember, platform engineers are the unsung heroes of software development. They are the builders behind the scenes, creating the foundation that empowers others to create amazing applications. Are you ready to embark on this challenging yet incredibly rewarding career path?