Site Reliability Engineer → DevOps Engineer
A realistic transition from Site Reliability Engineer to DevOps Engineer: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 48%. Difficulty: Easy.
Difficulty: Easy6 stepsDuration: 4 to 8 monthsOverlap: 48%
Transition from Site Reliability Engineer to DevOps Engineer.
Transferable skills
- Linux
- Kubernetes
- Terraform
- Python / Go scripting
- Observability
Skills to learn
- CI/CD pipelines
- Docker
- Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)
- Git & branching strategies
- Security in pipelines
Step-by-step learning plan
1. Build on your Site Reliability Engineer experience
2–4 weeks
Leverage
- Linux
- Kubernetes
- Terraform
- Python / Go scripting
Map transferable skills — Linux, Kubernetes, Terraform — against what a DevOps Engineer needs.
2. Learn the core of the DevOps Engineer role
6–10 weeks
Learn
- CI/CD pipelines
- Docker
- Git & branching strategies
Technologies
DockerAnsibleGitLab CI
Cover the biggest gaps first: CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Git & branching strategies.
3. Master advanced DevOps Engineer skills
6–10 weeks
Learn
- Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)
- Security in pipelines
Technologies
GitHub ActionsJenkinsHelm
Handle the advanced topics: Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), Security in pipelines.
4. Get productive with the DevOps Engineer toolchain
4–8 weeks
Technologies
DockerAnsibleGitLab CIGitHub ActionsJenkinsHelmAzureBash
Be hands-on with Docker, Ansible, GitLab CI and the rest of the target stack.
5. Practise DevOps Engineer work in real conditions
4–8 weeks
Ship a portfolio project or take on DevOps Engineer tasks at work.
6. Get certified and position yourself as a DevOps Engineer
4–8 weeks
Technologies
CKAHashiCorp Terraform AssociateAWS DevOps Engineer Professional
Update your CV and LinkedIn around DevOps Engineer, then apply to target roles.