DevOps Engineer → Automation Engineer

A realistic transition from DevOps Engineer to Automation Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 47%. Difficulty: Easy.

Difficulty: Easy7 stepsDuration: 4 to 8 monthsOverlap: 47%

Transition from DevOps Engineer to Automation Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • Terraform
  • Linux
  • Docker

Skills to learn

  • Ansible
  • CI/CD
  • Configuration management
  • Monitoring

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your DevOps Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Terraform
    • Linux
    • Docker

    Map transferable skills — Terraform, Linux, Docker — against what an Automation Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward Automation Engineer

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Scripting (Python/Bash)

    Raise Scripting (Python/Bash) to the level an Automation Engineer relies on.

  3. 3. Learn the core of the Automation Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Ansible
    • Configuration management

    Technologies

    PuppetChefNginx

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Ansible, Configuration management.

  4. 4. Master advanced Automation Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • CI/CD
    • Monitoring

    Technologies

    PowerShell

    Handle the advanced topics: CI/CD, Monitoring.

  5. 5. Get productive with the Automation Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    PuppetChefNginxPowerShell

    Be hands-on with Puppet, Chef, Nginx and the rest of the target stack.

  6. 6. Practise Automation Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Automation Engineer tasks at work.

  7. 7. Get certified and position yourself as a Automation Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Red Hat Certified EngineerAnsible AutomationTerraform Associate

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Automation Engineer, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes