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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers secure cloud infrastructure and applications. You'll work with AWS, Azure, or GCP to implement security controls, automate compliance, and integrate security into CI/CD pipelines.

IntermediateAlso known as Cloud Security Specialist, DevSecOps Engineer
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Why choose this role?

Cloud is where everything is moving. Massive demand, cutting-edge technology, and excellent pay make this one of the hottest security roles. You'll work with modern tools and solve interesting problems at scale.

Work environment

Setting
Tech companies, enterprises undergoing cloud migration, cloud service providers
Schedule
Standard business hours, on-call for critical issues
Remote work
Highly flexible, many fully remote positions
Experience
Mid-level (3-6 years in security or cloud)

Education requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field preferred

Key responsibilities

  • Secure cloud infrastructure (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
  • Implement IAM and access controls
  • Automate security in CI/CD pipelines
  • Monitor cloud security posture (CSPM tools)
  • Conduct cloud architecture security reviews
  • Manage secrets and encryption in cloud

Required skills

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)Container security (Docker, Kubernetes)Cloud-native security toolsScripting and automation (Python, Bash)

Career path

  1. Previous roles
    Security EngineerCloud EngineerDevOps Engineer
  2. This role
    Cloud Security Engineer
    Time to next level: 3-4 years
  3. Next roles
    Senior Cloud Security EngineerCloud Security ArchitectDevSecOps Lead

Certifications we recommend

Our editorial picks, based on what each exam covers. They don't show how often employers ask for a certification.

Intermediate1

Advanced2

ISC2

Advanced

Certified Cloud Security Professional

Vendor-neutral proof that you can secure cloud architecture, data and operations, and handle the legal and contract side of cloud services

Exam
$599
Study
4-8 months

Amazon Web Services

Advanced

AWS Certified Security - Specialty

Proves you can secure a multi-account AWS organization, from detection and incident response to KMS keys, now tested on the SCS-C03 exam

Exam
$300
Study
4-6 months

Expert1