Cloud architect
Cloud engineers optimise a company's technological performance and guarantee the security of its data by adopting cloud solutions tailored to its needs.
Cloud Architects, also known as Cloud Engineers, optimise the performance and security of a company's data. With their expertise in cloud computing, they oversee the cloud computing strategy to ensure that the solutions put in place are effective and innovative.
They are responsible for designing, implementing and managing cloud infrastructures. He/she must ensure their security, availability and performance, while optimising costs. They work with other departments to develop software solutions and algorithms that meet the company's specific needs.
To work as a Cloud Architect, you need to be familiar with cloud architectures and the main AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform services. Expertise in cybersecurity is appreciated, as it guarantees the protection of company data. Cloud architects are familiar with infrastructures, operating system administration and relational databases.
In addition to these skills, they must be able to design scalable cloud solutions and implement security practices. They must be proficient in Java, C++, .NET and JavaScript programming languages, as well as knowledge of containers such as Docker and Kubernetes, and virtualisation tools such as VMWare, Hyper-V and KVM. They must also be skilled in network management (VPN, VLAN, DNS, IPsec, firewall) and database administration (Amazon RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure SQL Database).
The Cloud Architect must know how to use monitoring and management tools such as CloudWatch, Azure Monitor and Google Cloud Monitoring to ensure optimum performance. Finally, they have project management skills and are able to work effectively in a team with developers and systems engineers to design and deploy cloud solutions.
To work as a Cloud Architect, you need to be highly organised, have a good grasp of figures and data, and be able to explain technical concepts to non-specialists, which requires some teaching skills. Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team are also essential.
In addition to these skills, Cloud Architects need to have key soft skills: excellent analytical skills, fluency in writing and speaking, a passion for innovation and solving complex problems. Rigour, organisation and impeccable communication skills are essential. They must also be intellectually curious and adaptable.
To practise the profession, candidates must be graduates of an engineering school or have a Master's 2 in Computer Science (Bac +5). Some specialist schools offer a Specialised Master's degree in cloud computing and SaaS. This training can be enhanced by certifications.
Here are some examples of Bac +5 courses:
After several years' experience, engineers can become IT project managers, IT team managers or IT directors. They may also progress to IT director or information systems manager.