Modern businesses truly can’t function without the cloud—from storing data and running applications to supporting remote work and securing sensitive information, a pile of floppy disks and a massive on-site server doesn’t get it done anymore. But “the cloud” doesn’t build itself, and that’s where cloud engineers and cloud architects come into play. Though different in their scope and the tools they use to succeed, they’re both critical to ensuring businesses can create (and maintain) cloud systems that are secure, scalable, and actually do what they’re supposed to do.

 

What they do

While these positions are both critical to the function, security, and sustainability of most businesses, they vary in scope and focus. Cloud engineers design and develop cloud-based systems and solutions and figure out how to integrate applications in the cloud. They can serve in leadership roles overseeing high-level business functions like setting goals, building timelines, and establishing technical requirements, but they can also work closely with developers and programmers.

 

Cloud architects, on the other hand, focus less on coding and user experience and more on the client/business specs that drive the delivery of cloud-based apps. They also weigh the goals of the client against what can realistically be built.

 

How they can help

It’s tough to imagine a cloud environment being set up successfully and maintained without input from both the engineer and the architect. Much like an architect designing a building while a contractor actually puts hammer to nail, cloud architects can work with clients or leadership to determine exactly what is required (and determine its feasibility), and then engineers take those requirements and begin coding, deploying, and testing to build what is required. Essentially, one is responsible for helping tease out what is needed and the other actually develops what’s needed.

 

What tools they can use

Cloud engineers use a variety of tools to design, implement, and manage cloud infrastructures. They may use AWS and MS Azure cloud solutions as well as Terraform to automate certain functions and CloudWatch to monitor performance and optimization. In addition to these tools, cloud architects are also likely to use project management tools like Draw.io (which helps map systems) and AWS CloudFormation (which helps manage resources efficiently and scale smartly).

 

Where you can start

Of course, both professions can benefit from a foundational education in computer science, however, a cloud engineer would more likely benefit from pursuing a degree in computer engineering and IT principles, while an architect would focus more on the design elements of cloud computing as well as business management and leadership training. As is true with most technical fields, you can bolster your resume with certifications. For example, a cloud engineer might obtain a Fundamentals of Engineering or Licensed Professional Engineer certs while an architect would lean into a Professional Cloud Architect credential.

 

Check out the Indeed Career Guide to learn more.