AWS developer
One way businesses are able to scale and innovate is through cloud computing, something that companies like Amazon are leaders in.
They have accomplished this using Amazon Web Services (AWS), which AWS developers use to optimize their operations fully.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of AWS developers, exploring their roles, responsibilities, skills, and more.
What is an AWS developer?
An AWS developer oversees the cloud infrastructure, applications, and operations used to run Amazon Web Services.
AWS developers are responsible for optimizing how an organization uses Amazon Web Services. They take charge of tasks like coding and data storage to achieve scalability and cost savings.
Duties of an AWS developer
An AWS developer has a wide range of duties and responsibilities revolving around Amazon Web Services.
Listed below are the main duties and responsibilities:
Application development
An AWS developer must ensure the optimization and consistent performance of the AWS infrastructure’s applications.
AWS developers write codes and develop applications using programming languages such as Python, Java, and Node.
Infrastructure management
AWS developers manage the cloud infrastructure using AWS services, such as EC2, S3, and RDS. They are also in charge of ensuring that the server is scalable and cost-effective to meet the application’s needs.
Security implementation
Security is also an important part of cloud computing, and an AWS developer is responsible for implementing strict security measures.
AWS developers are tasked with monitoring and responding to security threats through services like AWS CloudWatch and AWS Security Hub.
These specialists also set up security groups and network ACLs to protect and encrypt confidential data. They configure Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles and policies to control who can access AWS resources and what actions they can perform.
Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD)
AWS developers also implement CI/CD pipelines to automate and streamline the development of AWS applications.
CI/CD pipelines speed up the process of achieving reliable software and reduce errors. Some services they use include AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeBuild, and AWS CodeDeploy.
Cost optimization
Cloud computing also uses a lot of resources, and it is an AWS developer’s job to manage the costs on AWS to avoid overspending.
AWS developers monitor resource usage and optimization to keep expenses at a minimum. They are also in charge of implementing cost-effective strategies.
Some of the AWS services they use are AWS Cost Explorer and AWS Budgets to analyze spending patterns.
Troubleshooting
AWS developers also ensure that applications are running smoothly. They troubleshoot any errors or issues that arise in the AWS environment.
They use AWS CloudWatch to monitor logs, metrics, and alarms to diagnose problems and gain insight into the performance of applications.
Skills and requirements needed in an AWS developer
AWS developers require a wide range of technical skills and qualifications to increase their chances of getting hired.
The following are important qualities to look for:
- AWS Certification. Certifications like AWS Certified Developer and AWS Certified Solutions Architect demonstrate expertise in AWS services and best practices.
- Programming Languages. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript is essential for application development on AWS.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Knowledge of IaC tools like AWS CloudFormation or Terraform are crucial for provisioning and managing AWS resources.
- Security Skills. A reliable AWS developer must understand AWS security best practices, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and encryption mechanisms.
- Database Management. Familiarity with AWS database services like Amazon RDS and Amazon DynamoDB are also a must.
- Networking. This includes knowledge of AWS networking services like Amazon VPC, Route 53, and CloudFront.
- Monitoring and Logging. A good AWS developer has experience with AWS monitoring tools like Amazon CloudWatch and log management with AWS CloudTrail.
Where to hire an AWS developer
You can look at job boards, such as the following to find a seasoned AWS developer suitable for your company’s needs:
IT-specialized recruitment agencies can also help you find qualified AWS developers.
Salary comparison
The salary of an AWS developer may vary depending on the company and the developer’s skill level.
According to ZipRecruiter, an AWS developer in the United States makes around $134,080/year. An AWS developer in the Philippines, on the other hand, makes around P819,000/year, as per Payscale.
Here’s a breakdown of the role’s annual salary comparison in both countries based on experience.
| Junior | Mid | Senior | |
| USA | $75,718 | $112,422 | $125,868 |
| Philippines | $88,976 | $660,000 | $819,000 |
On-site vs. Remote setup for an AWS developer
AWS developers can either work on-site or remotely, depending on the organization’s policies and the nature of the work.
An on-site setup may be preferred to work closely with your team or supervisors and if you need to use specific hardware.
On the other hand, AWS developers can also work remotely as it provides more flexibility. It also helps if your AWS developer is based in another country.
AWS developer job description template
You may refer to this job description template as a comprehensive guide for recruiters looking to hire an AWS developer for their business.
It outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, and application process, clearly showing the role’s requirements and expectations within the organization.
AWS developer interview questions
Feel free to utilize and tailor these interview questions to evaluate your candidates for the AWS developer role effectively. These interview questions can help ensure you choose the perfect candidate well-suited to meet your organization’s specific needs.
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