Infrastructure Engineer → Infrastructure Automation Engineer

A realistic transition from Infrastructure Engineer to Infrastructure Automation Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 33%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium6 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 33%

Transition from Infrastructure Engineer to Infrastructure Automation Engineer.

Transferable skills

  • Linux
  • Cloud provisioning
  • Networking

Skills to learn

  • Terraform
  • Ansible
  • Python / Bash
  • CI/CD
  • GitOps basics

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Infrastructure Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Linux
    • Cloud provisioning
    • Networking

    Map transferable skills — Linux, Cloud provisioning, Networking — against what an Infrastructure Automation Engineer needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Infrastructure Automation Engineer role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Terraform
    • Ansible
    • Python / Bash

    Technologies

    PulumiBashGitLab CI

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Terraform, Ansible, Python / Bash.

  3. 3. Master advanced Infrastructure Automation Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • CI/CD
    • GitOps basics

    Technologies

    GitHub ActionsGCPDocker

    Handle the advanced topics: CI/CD, GitOps basics.

  4. 4. Get productive with the Infrastructure Automation Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    PulumiBashGitLab CIGitHub ActionsGCPDockerVaultPrometheus

    Be hands-on with Pulumi, Bash, GitLab CI and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise Infrastructure Automation Engineer work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

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

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a Infrastructure Automation Engineer

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    Terraform AssociateRed Hat Certified EngineerAWS SysOps Administrator

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

Alternative routes