Cloud infrastructure engineering has rapidly become one of the most in-demand careers across Ireland’s growing tech industry. With cloud computing jobs in Dublin and beyond continuing to rise, many professionals are exploring how to become a cloud infrastructure engineer. This blog outlines the key responsibilities, skills, pathways, and certifications to launch or grow your career in cloud infrastructure in Ireland.
With that in mind, let’s look at how you can begin a career as a cloud infrastructure engineer in Ireland.
How to Become a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
A cloud infrastructure engineer designs, implements, and maintains the systems and services that support an organisation’s cloud architecture. It’s a key role within IT, supporting security, performance, and scalability across platforms. If you’re curious about the Azure cloud engineer career path or looking for entry level cloud engineering roles in Ireland, understanding the full scope of the role is essential.
Typically, this career route combines strong technical proficiency, cloud platform expertise (such as Microsoft Azure), and a problem-solving mindset. As hybrid and remote working become the norm, the demand for secure and scalable cloud services continues to increase, creating strong cloud computing career opportunities across Ireland.
Understanding the Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Industry
In Ireland, the cloud computing sector supports digital transformation across both public and private sectors. Multinational technology firms and Irish SMEs alike are increasingly reliant on cloud services to store data, host applications, and enhance security.
Whether it’s startups using AWS and Azure for scalability or the HSE implementing secure cloud solutions, the demand for cloud infrastructure professionals continues to rise.
According to IDA Ireland, the country is a strategic base for global cloud providers, making Dublin, Galway, and Cork hotspots for cloud computing jobs. With more roles emerging every year, entering this field now means joining one of the most future-proof segments of the tech sector.
Core Responsibilities of a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
Cloud infrastructure job roles vary depending on the organisation or cloud provider ecosystem, but the following duties are central in most Irish roles:
- Designing and configuring cloud-based infrastructure to meet operational needs
- Deploying and maintaining virtual machines, storage, and networking resources
- Ensuring system security and disaster recovery protocols within the cloud environment
- Monitoring system performance and optimising cloud operations to reduce cost and improve efficiency
- Automating infrastructure and deployment using tools like Terraform, Ansible or ARM templates
- Collaborating with DevOps, software development, and security teams
If you’re eyeing the Azure cloud engineer career path, knowledge of Azure DevOps engineering skills such as continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) is increasingly critical.
Essential Soft Skills
While technical abilities are paramount, employers in Ireland also place high value on soft skills for cloud engineering roles. These interpersonal and professional traits help ensure success in both team environments and client-facing roles:
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess system requirements and troubleshoot effectively under pressure.
- Communication: Capable of explaining complex systems and deployments clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Tech evolves quickly — the willingness to learn and adapt is vital.
- Teamwork: Cross-collaboration with DevOps and security teams is a daily necessity.
- Attention to Detail: Precision in setup, testing, and documentation reduces long-term system errors or security vulnerabilities.
Steps to Becoming a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer in Ireland
Step 1: Build a foundational understanding of IT and networking concepts. Many professionals begin with a degree in computer science, software engineering, or systems administration, but it’s also possible to enter the field through other routes.
Step 2: Gain basic experience in systems administration or technical support. These roles develop critical operational awareness and often serve as a stepping stone toward entry level cloud engineering Ireland roles.
Step 3: Start learning one or more cloud platforms. Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are frequently used in Irish companies. For Microsoft careers, start familiarising yourself with tools and services integral to Azure infrastructure.
Step 4: Earn cloud certifications. Microsoft Azure certifications for engineers are widely recognised in Ireland and can validate your skills to employers.
Step 5: Learn Azure DevOps engineer skills such as Infrastructure as Code (IaC), containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines. This positions you for more advanced or specialist roles within cloud engineering.
Step 6: Apply for junior or associate roles, including titles such as Junior Cloud Engineer, Cloud Systems Administrator, or Infrastructure Support Analyst. These entry level roles will give you practical experience in live environments.
Step 7: Continue professional development through on-the-job learning, new cloud projects, and upskilling via advanced certification or postgraduate study.
Salaries and Career Growth
The cloud infrastructure engineer salary Ireland professionals can expect depends on experience, skills, and location.
- Entry-Level: €35,000 – €45,000 per annum
- Mid-Level: €50,000 – €70,000 per annum
- Senior Level / Specialist Roles: €75,000 – €100,000+ per annum, especially with DevOps or multi-cloud certification
Salaries in Dublin tend to be higher due to increased demand and cost of living. However, remote roles are growing across Ireland, bringing nationwide cloud computing career opportunities — particularly as more organisations invest in hybrid infrastructure.
Career progression can lead to roles such as Senior Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Architect, or DevOps Lead. Others move into advisory roles, cloud consulting, or teaching.
Courses and Certifications
While a third-level qualification is beneficial, many employers now accept or even prioritise cloud-specific certifications alongside experience. Entry-level candidates and career changers may benefit from exposure to structured learning.
Irish-recognised certifications to consider include:
- QQI Level 5 or 6 in Computer Systems and Networks
- SOLAS apprenticeships in ICT or Software Development
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
- CompTIA Cloud+ or Network+
Professionals aiming to strengthen their Azure DevOps engineer skills may also pursue certifications like the Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert.
All of these are valued in recruitment for cloud infrastructure job roles and help confirm practical and theoretical understanding of cloud environments.
If you would like to find out more about certification and the courses available to you, just get in touch or complete the form below.
