Junior DevOps Engineer → Automation Engineer

A realistic transition from Junior DevOps Engineer to Automation Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 43%. Difficulty: Easy.

Difficulty: Easy7 stepsDuration: 4 to 8 monthsOverlap: 43%

Transition from Junior DevOps Engineer to Automation Engineer.

Skills to learn

  • Ansible
  • CI/CD
  • Configuration management

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Junior DevOps Engineer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Map your current strengths against the Automation Engineer role.

  2. 2. Close the partial gaps toward Automation Engineer

    3–6 weeks

    Improve

    • Scripting (Python/Bash)
    • Terraform
    • Linux
    • Docker

    Raise Scripting (Python/Bash), Terraform, Linux 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

    PuppetChefPowerShell

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Ansible, Configuration management.

  4. 4. Master advanced Automation Engineer skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • CI/CD

    Handle the advanced topics: CI/CD.

  5. 5. Get productive with the Automation Engineer toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    PuppetChefPowerShell

    Be hands-on with Puppet, Chef, PowerShell 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