DevOps Engineer → DevSecOps Engineer

Transferable skills

• IaC security (Terraform)
• Container & Kubernetes security
• Scripting (Python/Go)
• Cloud security

Skills to learn

• Policy-as-code (OPA)
• Secrets management
• SAST/DAST integration

Step-by-step learning plan

1. 1. Build on your DevOps Engineer experience

   2–4 weeks

   Leverage

   • IaC security (Terraform)
   • Container & Kubernetes security
   • Scripting (Python/Go)
   • Cloud security

   Map transferable skills — IaC security (Terraform), Container & Kubernetes security, Scripting (Python/Go) — against what a DevSecOps Engineer needs.

2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward DevSecOps Engineer

   3–6 weeks

   Improve

   • CI/CD security

   Raise CI/CD security to the level a DevSecOps Engineer relies on.

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

   6–10 weeks

   Learn

   • Policy-as-code (OPA)
   • Secrets management

   Technologies

   OPAGitHub Advanced SecuritySnyk

   Cover the biggest gaps first: Policy-as-code (OPA), Secrets management.

4. 4. Master advanced DevSecOps Engineer skills

   6–10 weeks

   Learn

   • SAST/DAST integration

   Technologies

   TrivyFalcoGo

   Handle the advanced topics: SAST/DAST integration.

5. 5. Get productive with the DevSecOps Engineer toolchain

   4–8 weeks

   Technologies

   OPAGitHub Advanced SecuritySnykTrivyFalcoGo

   Be hands-on with OPA, GitHub Advanced Security, Snyk and the rest of the target stack.

6. 6. Practise DevSecOps Engineer work in real conditions

   4–8 weeks

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

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

   4–8 weeks

   Technologies

   CISSPCCSPCKS (Certified Kubernetes Security)Terraform Associate

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

Alternative routes

• Application Security Engineer → DevSecOps Engineer