What Is Cloud Engineering?

By Dr. Rosiji Ajayi  |  06/08/2026

In computer science, the “cloud” refers to various computer resources that are not physically or locally located near an individual or business. These resources include:

• Hardware
• Software
• Databases
• Network devices
• Servers
• Other cloud network components

The internet facilitates access to these resources, so that they can be accessed from the same city, state, or country, or even a different country. This unique cloud architecture enables on-demand, pay-as-you-go access to these computer resources, which saves money.

What Do Cloud Engineers Do?

To provide access to the cloud, cloud engineers design, build, and implement an information technology infrastructure that incorporates servers, software, databases, networks, and security. Cloud engineers are subject matter experts (SMEs) who create scalable, reliable, and secure cloud architecture that meets business needs and organizational goals.

Additionally, they oversee performance monitoring and automation, guaranteeing the efficient use of cloud resources and the reliability and scalability of systems. For instance, they can use automation tools to automate tasks and save time.

However, before selecting a cloud solution, organizations must thoroughly evaluate their IT infrastructure. When approaching a cloud service provider, it is necessary to strike a balance to ensure the right mix of resources.

Cloud engineers also help organizations migrate their legacy systems to the cloud, which facilitates digital transformation and improves scalability. Efficient management and scalability are essential for virtual servers, networks, and storage.

In addition, cloud engineers automate repetitive tasks and manage infrastructure as code (IaC), deploying automation code to manage cloud resources. They handle the full lifecycle of cloud services, including:

• Migration
• Automation
• Troubleshooting
• Containerization

Cloud engineers meticulously plan each stage of the design process to ensure scalability, security, and efficiency. Cloud architecture must also guarantee data security to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and policies. To integrate cloud technologies into existing systems, cloud engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including:

• Project managers
• Software developers
• System administrators
• Network specialists

Daily tasks for cloud engineers may include:

• Cloud migration
• Cost optimization
• Security measures
• Compliance implementation
• Load balancing
• System health monitoring for ongoing optimization

They carefully document and test each phase of their work to ensure that all requirements have been met. Cloud engineers also facilitate innovation by providing access to advanced tools and technologies, enabling teams to develop and deploy applications and manage data more rapidly.

Cloud engineers apply their profound knowledge of operating systems, databases, data storage, and software development to create robust solutions. They often focus on specific cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services® (AWS®) or Microsoft® (MS) Azure®.

Depending on an organization and its requirements, cloud engineers may work with public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud environments. Their responsibilities can include everything from designing secure cloud architecture to ensuring compliance with industry regulations. As more organizations migrate to the cloud, the demand for skilled cloud engineers continues to grow.

Skills Needed by Cloud Engineers

The responsibilities of a cloud engineer are diverse and require a broad set of important skills. At the core, cloud engineers are tasked with designing cloud architecture that aligns with organizational goals, deploying cloud applications and services, and managing cloud infrastructure across various environments. They must also be vigilant to protect data and computer systems and prioritize tasks as needed.

Apart from the technical skills required for this industry field, cloud engineers need to have a solid foundation in different soft skills, such as teamwork, communication and strong project management skills.

How to Become a Cloud Engineer

To enter this field, individuals usually need a formal education such as a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as:

• Information technology
• Computer science

Ideally, students should take courses in database design, networking, and software development. Over time, they should acquire programming skills in computer languages such as:

• Python®
• Java®
• Ruby
• R

Aspiring cloud engineers should also gain experience through internships or entry-level positions, which is a valuable way to build practical skills in cloud computing and prepare for more advanced roles. As organizations continue to expand their use of cloud infrastructure and cloud systems, cloud engineers with the right mix of technical knowledge and hands-on experience will find themselves well-positioned to seek more advanced roles.

Leading Cloud Platforms Used by Businesses

Over the years, cloud service platforms have evolved to meet the needs of businesses and individuals around the world. The dominant leaders with the greatest market share of cloud-based systems include:

• Amazon Web Services®
• Microsoft® Azure®
• Google® Cloud
• IBM Cloud®
• Oracle Cloud®
• Alibaba Cloud®

Each of these cloud platforms provides unique advantages that endear them to their customers.

Industry Certifications for Cloud Engineers

Earning industry certifications is a powerful way for anyone aspiring to become a cloud engineer to demonstrate expertise, keep pace with industry changes, and stand out in a competitive job market. Certifications from leading cloud providers like AWS®, MS Azure, Google Cloud, and Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®) can be helpful by serving as proof of one’s skills regarding specific cloud platforms and technologies.

There are a wide range of certifications, including:

• Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator®
• VMware® Certified Professional
• PostgreSQL®
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• MS Azure® Fundamentals, MS Azure AI Fundamentals, and MS Azure Data Fundamentals
• CompTIA® Cloud+

It is advisable to focus on one major cloud provider first to get experience in managing cloud-based systems. Once you establish a foothold, you can start expanding your knowledge in your chosen cloud platform.

The Future of Cloud Engineering

The value that cloud engineering brings to organizations is enormous. It allows businesses to use virtualized, on-demand information technology infrastructure, enabling them to reduce costs, enhance scalability, and accelerate application deployment. Cloud engineering also enhances security, improves collaboration, and increases IT resource availability.

Continuous professional development is essential in cloud engineering. New challenges emerge rapidly and technologies such as virtual machines, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) will play an even bigger role in this field. By prioritizing ongoing learning and skill enhancement, cloud engineers can maintain their expertise, adapt to evolving environments, and achieve their career goals.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at APU

For interested cloud engineering students who want to improve their knowledge, American Public University (APU) provides an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This degree program incorporates courses such as algorithms and data structures, machine architecture and organization, and network security fundamentals. Other courses include operating systems, program design and development, and the principles of programming languages.

This B.S. in computer science offers three concentrations to enable students to take courses that align with their professional interests:

• Artificial intelligence
• Cyber operations
• Quantum computing

For more details, visit our information technology degree program page.

Note: This program has specific admission requirements.
Amazon Web Services is a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc.
Azure is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Python is a registered trademark of the Python Software Foundation.
Java is a registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc.
Google is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.
IBM Cloud is a registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation.
Oracle Cloud is a registered trademark of the Oracle International Corporation.
Alibaba Cloud is a registered trademark of Alibaba Innovation Private, Ltd.
Linux Foundation Certified Systems Administrator is a registered trademark of the Linux Foundation.
VMware is a registered trademark of VMware, LLC.
PostgreSQL is a registered trademark of PostgreSQL Community Association of Canada.
AWS is a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc.